Genesis 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken on me to speak to the LORD, which am but dust and ashes: I. THE TRUE POSTURE FOR A SINNER, AT THE THRONE OF GRACE. He must lie low, and aim high. You see this in the behaviour of Abraham on the present occasion. Though honoured by a fresh token of the Lord's confidential friendship, he has — 1. Low thoughts of himself. He cannot forget who and what he is: "I am but dust and ashes!" The expression is singular. It alludes, I think, first to the meanness of his origin. What was Abraham — what are all men — but "dust"? But this expression of Abraham may allude, secondly, to the corruption of his nature. "Dust" is what God made it: but "ashes" have had a value, which is now departed from them. Thus man, however mean, was yet not offensive, till he "corrupted his way" before God. 2. High thoughts of God: high thoughts, first, of His equity; "The Judge of all the earth," he is persuaded, must and "will do right." Any other supposition, indeed, were an affront to the Lord. But, secondly, let Abraham teach you also to entertain equally high thoughts of His mercy. Be not backward to ask of God, what you are unable to claim. II. THE GENEROUS CHARACTER OF TRUE GODLINESS. For whose welfare does Abraham make this urgent intercession? Two parties were included in it, neither of whom had very greatly deserved such kindness at his hands. 1. Lot his nephew, though not named, had (we may suppose) the foremost place in his good wishes. He was a pious person; and "wilt Thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?" 2. The people of Sodom, on the other hand, are expressly named. Abraham knew that they "were wicked, and sinners before the Lord exceedingly." Yet even for them he prays. III. THE EFFICACY OF INTERCESSORY PRAYER is another lesson taught us by this narrative. IV. A FAINT TYPE OF OUR GREAT INTERCESSOR, JESUS THE SON OF GOD. 1. Was Abraham's a generous interposition? That of Jesus is far more unmerited. He intercedes for enemies! 2. Did Abraham appear to have some weight, as "the friend of God"? Far more authoritative is the mediation of Jesus. He stands in His own name, and on His own merits; not as a servant, high in favour indeed at court — but as the King's Son. 3. Did Abraham persevere, with an earnestness which, in his own eyes, seemed almost to border upon presumption? The event showed, notwithstanding, that he left off too soon. This will never be said of our Divine Intercessor. "He will not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth" — till He have fully accomplished all His purposes of grace. 4. Once more: let Abraham intercede as he might, whether on this or on subsequent occasions, yet his good offices were sure to be terminated, sooner or later "not being suffered to continue, by reason of death." After death — as the rich man in torments found — he neither can nor will interpose. But Jesus "ever liveth to make intercession for us." (J. Jowett, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes: |
    |