George Ruheni, PhD.

  The birth of Isaac. God’s fulfillment of His promise to give Abraham a son was not based on Abraham’s perfection or flawless obedience, but on God’s faithfulness to His Word. And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had spoken. 2 For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him (Genesis 21:1-2). God is faithful even when we are imperfect. Though some of God’s promises are conditional, requiring our obedience or faith as a response. Others are unconditional, fulfilled solely because of God’s character and sovereignty. In Abraham’s story, the birth of Isaac demonstrated that God’s purposes prevail, not because of human merit, but because God keeps His word.   Abraham puts out Hagar and Ishmael Abraham’s act of sending Hagar and Ishmael away symbolizes more than a family separation, it is a spiritual illustration of separating law and grace, flesh and Spirit. Just as Hagar (a ...

  Abraham and Abimelech Humans are frail and flawed; without the empowerment and reliance on the Holy Spirit, even the faithful can falter. Abraham’s repeated deception about Sarah, first in Egypt in [Genesis 12:10–13], and later in Gerar in [Genesis 20:1-7] illustrates how old sins can resurface when we fail to walk closely with God.   But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, “Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” (Genesis 20:3). Age and experience do not produce holiness; only continual dependence on God’s Spirit does. Abraham repeated the same deception he used decades earlier. This shows that unconfessed or unchecked weaknesses can follow us through life. Even spiritual maturity does not erase the flesh; it must be crucified daily [Galatians 5:24].   Nonetheless, God, full of mercy, intervened [Genesis 20:3–7], through appearing to Abimelech, not with judgment, but to prevent sin...

  The two angels come to Sodom The progression of compromise in Lot’s life is a powerful lesson on how gradual moral and spiritual decline can occur subtly over time. 1. He looked toward Sodom – [Genesis 13:10]: Lot lifted his eyes and saw that the plain of Jordan was well-watered and attractive. His decision was based on physical appeal and prosperity, not spiritual discernment. Sin often begins with attraction and desire toward what seems prosperous or pleasurable. 2. He pitched his tent toward Sodom – [Genesis 13:12]: Lot moved his tents near Sodom, drawing closer to its influence. Moving closer to sin makes compromise easier and dulls spiritual sensitivity. 3. He lived in Sodom – [Genesis 14:12]: Lot was now dwelling in Sodom. What started as a nearby tent became a permanent residence. When believers settle in ungodly environments, it becomes harder to maintain moral distinction. 4. He became part of Sodom’s leadership – [Genesis 19:1]: Sitting in the gate signified t...

  Abraham welcomes important visitors The encounter of Abraham and the three men represents a theophany; a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ in human form. Abraham sees three men standing near him, one of whom is identified as the Lord. So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground (Genesis 18:2). Abraham’s response of reverence and hospitality indicates his recognition of divine presence. Among the three visitors, the one he addressed as “my Lord” (Hebrew: Adonai ) is understood to be the pre-incarnate Christ, while the other two are identified later as angels (Genesis 19:1). This scene thus reveals Jesus Christ’s manifestation in human form before His incarnation, affirming His eternal existence and active participation in God’s redemptive dealings with humanity.   Sarah and Abraham prepare a meal for their visitors It is noteworth...