Between Friends

The day of visitation was coming to an end. Friends had met together, fellowshipped, shared good news and enjoyed a meal. The news of a mother’s first expectancy was revealed with reactions of unbelief and laughter resonating among friends. As the day drew to an end, the host accompanied his friend and guests out to help them on their way. He hated to loose such good company.  As the guests went on their way, the two friends talked and in their conversation the Lord revealed a secret to Abraham and Abraham “stood yet before the Lord.”

We find this story in Genesis 18.  The story continues and the Lord reveals to Abraham that Sodom and Gomorrah were going to be destroyed because of their wickedness.  We remember the passage as Abraham intercedes for the cities because his nephew’s family had chosen to take residence their. No doubt Abraham’s heart sank with mixed emotions. Abraham spoke to his Friend about this matter – he prayed.

The Lord is our Friend, a Friend “that sticketh closer than a brother.”  As Abraham spoke to his Friend, so we today can speak to the very same Friend.  There are lessons to be learned from this conversation between friends.

Note, first, that Abraham went with them on the way.  He treated his Friend with honor, respect and love.   He went with Him a little further dreading the lose of his dear Friend’s company.  Spend time in prayer and show adoration to the One Who has loved you so.  Praise Him and thank Him.  Spend time with Him nurturing that love until your love for Him is so great that you dread to leave your time in prayer because you to cherish His company.

Next, God reveals to Abraham a secret.  It’s no coincidence that this secret is revealed only after Abraham’s obedience in chapter 17.  God longs to reveal Himself and His “secrets” to us.  Obedience to what He has already revealed is necessary for a closer walk.  Be certain nothing stands between you and your Savior.

For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous. – Prov. 3:32

The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. – Psalm 25:14

Now note in verse 22, that “Abraham stood yet before the Lord. “  He stood as a soldier keeping guard (II Sam. 18:30).  He stood as the children of Israel  stood finally and officially before Holy God at Mt. Sinai as He made covenant with them (Deut. 4:11).  Abraham stood as a king stands in victory after battle (II Kings 10:4).  Abraham stood in prayer.

When was the last time we stood watch over our family, our church, and our country in prayer, knowing that we were the first and, maybe,  last line of defense for them?

When was the last time we stood before the throne of grace as if we were standing finally and officially before Holy God?

When was the last time we stood holding our ground in prayer until we won the victory?

Abraham went a little further; he heard a secret from the Lord; and he stood yet before Him.  We need to purpose to go with the Lord a little further, honoring Him, cherishing the time we spend with Him in prayer.  As we enter into prayer, practice obedience to His will, confessing and forsaking our sins,  so that we may be greater partakers of His “secrets”.  In prayer we need to stand before the Lord as a soldier standing watch over our families, our churches, and our country.  We must stand knowing that as we pray we are officially presenting ourselves to the Almighty Holy God.  We must stand  until we have won the victory.

With the National Day of Prayer only 2 days away, let us learn to cherish prayer and understand its importance in standing guard for our country.

[Article 2 of 7 in Series on Prayer]

Article 1 – An Anomaly of the Christian Life

Article 2 – Between Friend

Article 3 – The Hose of Prayer

Article 4 – Forged Prayer

Article 5 – Lord, Teach Us to Pray

Article 6 – The Praying Hands

Article 7 – God Remembered