The Down Low
Genesis 18:27
Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes.”
Take a few moments right now to read the full dialogue between God and Abraham in Genesis 18:22-33 because it’s one of the most relatable dialogues in all the Bible. The change in Abraham’s demeanor between his initial, brash rebuke in verse 25, “Far be it from you! Shall not the judge of the earth do what is just?” to his tail-between-the legs contrition in verse 32, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once,” is so much like us, isn’t it? It’s as if, with every word Abraham speaks, he takes a corresponding step backward, fearing what might come next. How many times have you been there, friend? Afraid to wrestle with the Lord for fear of Him losing it? Afraid He might say, “One last word and that’s it!” or “Don’t push it!” or “You’re still here?”? Listen: God’s demeanor never changed toward Abraham and it won’t change toward you.
Christian, you’re not mere dust. You’re dust that God formed into His own image, dust that He so wondrously incarnated into you for your redemption. How could He push you away after reaching so low to rescue you?