Knowing God

 January 8, 2024

“The Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing?…For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” —Genesis 18:17, 19 

Something very interesting is happening in these verses. The angels of the Lord are on their way to Sodom and Gomorrah on a mission of destruction. These cities were so corrupt that not even ten righteous men could be found between the two of them. Enroute to their destination, they stop to tell Abraham and Sarah that they will have a son within the year, and as they leave, the Lord utters these words. The child of promise hadn’t even yet been conceived, but God knows Abraham’s character, and knowing that, knows he can entrust his plans to this man.

It is a word we would do well to consider. It isn’t news that our culture is in serious decline. Years ago, it became quite apparent to me that the family was (and still is) under deliberate attack by Hollywood and media elites. TV shows regularly portrayed fathers either as dolts or as dangers to their families. The children were the wise ones, mothers were seen as mediators between the sarcastic all-knowing kids and the stupid and clueless fathers. Eventually, fathers disappeared altogether. The political and educational arena has followed suit. Traditional family values are mocked or vilified.

But God sees things differently. He is looking for men who will command…take note: COMMAND—their children to keep the way of the Lord, ie. to do righteousness and justice. God is looking for men of integrity, character, and iron will to lead their households well. He knows not only who these men are; he KNOWS them.

The best part is that when he finds such a man, God reveals himself and his plans to him: “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing?” If as a father, I feel any uncertainty; if I have any desire to discern the hidden ways of God, the best way to learn God’s mind and heart is to raise my family well, to command them to keep the way of the Lord, and to do righteousness and justice.