Singled Out - Genesis 18:17-19

"Should I hide my plan from Abraham? the Lord asked. For Abraham will certainly become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him. I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised" (Genesis 18:17-19, NLT).

One day God made a personal visit to Abraham.

Personal appearances by God to Earth are called "theophanies" or "Christophanies" if the appearance seems to represent the pre-incarnate Christ.

Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate in scripture between an angelic appearance or a theophany other than by the context. The context here seems to indicate an appearance of God accompanied by two angels, all appearing in human form (vs. 1-2, 13, 17, 22).

The purpose of the personal visit by God to Abraham was twofold: 1) to confirm God's covenant with Abraham (vs. 10) and 2) to render judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah (vs. 21) and extend His mercy to Abraham's family.

After God confirmed His covenant with Abraham, He had a conversation with Himself about confiding in Abraham about His plans to execute judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah.

Since Abraham was God's chosen one through whom His redemptive plan for humanity would be implemented, God determined to reveal His plans to Abraham.

And God still reveals His plans and purposes to His people today. That's because God operationalizes His will on Earth through people, His chosen people, those He has singled out!

Just as God chose Abraham and visited him personally, God has singled you out and visits you personally by His indwelling Spirit.

So, find out what plans and purposes God is revealing to you and then operationalize His will in your life. God will surely do all He has promised!