"Abraham, dwelling in peace in the oak groves at Mamre, learned from one of the fugitives the story of the battle and the calamity that had befallen his nephew. He had cherished no unkind memory of Lot's ingratitude." (PP 135). "Abraham prepared for war. From his own encampment he summoned three hundred and eighteen trained servants, men trained in the fear of God, in the service of their master, and in the practice of arms." (PP 135). " Abraham's religion made him courageous in maintaining the right and defending the oppressed. His heroic act gave him a widespread influence among the surrounding tribes. On his return, the king of Sodom came out with his retinue to honor the conqueror." (PP 135). "Few, if subjected to such a test, would have shown themselves as noble as did Abraham. Few would have resisted the temptation to secure so rich a booty. His example is a rebuke to self-seeking," (PP 135).
Abraham went to war specifically for his nephew (That's at least what I'm getting from this). And instead of wanting to seek for treasure and loot the cities, Abraham instead focused on helping those who were in need, and spreading honor of God.
"the victorious patriarch was Melchizedek, king of Salem, who brought forth bread and wine for the refreshment of his army. As “priest of the most high God,” he pronounced a blessing upon Abraham, and gave thanks to the Lord," (PP 136). "Abraham gladly returned to his tents and his flocks, but his mind was disturbed by harassing thoughts...with horror he recalled the scene of carnage he had witnessed. But the nations whose forces he had defeated would doubtless renew the invasion of Canaan, and make him the special object of their vengeance. Becoming thus involved in national quarrels, the peaceful quiet of his life would be broken. Furthermore, he had not entered upon the possession of Canaan, nor could he now hope for an heir, to whom the promise might be fulfilled." (PP 136). "In a vision of the night the divine Voice was again heard. “Fear not, Abram,” were the words of the Prince of princes; “I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” But his mind was so oppressed by forebodings that he could not now grasp the promise with unquestioning confidence as heretofore. He prayed for some tangible evidence...“What wilt Thou give me,” he said, “seeing I go childless?” “And, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.” He proposed to make his trusty servant Eliezer his son by adoption, and the inheritor of his possessions. But he was assured that a child of his own was to be his heir. Then he was led outside his tent, and told to look up to the unnumbered stars glittering in the heavens; and as he did so, the words were spoken, “So shall thy seed be.” “Abraham believed God," (PP 136)
I find it ironic that they're also using Bread and Wine as symbolism in the old testament, it also hold evidence that the plan for redemption was made a long time ago. Abraham was troubled after the war, knowing that he could no longer have a life of peace, and was also troubled that he may not receive a son for his promise. Yet the "Prince of princes" spoke to him, which is undoubtedly the Christ. And Abraham was reassured that his promise would come true.
"Still the patriarch begged for some visible token as a confirmation of his faith and as an evidence to after-generations...he Lord condescended to enter into a covenant with His servant, employing such forms as were customary among men for the ratification of a solemn engagement. By divine direction, Abraham sacrificed a heifer, a she-goat, and a ram, each three years old,...This being done, he reverently passed between the parts of the sacrifice, making a solemn vow to God of perpetual obedience. Watchful and steadfast, he remained beside the carcasses till the going down of the sun... “lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him.” And the voice of God was heard, bidding him not to expect immediate possession of the Promised Land, and pointing forward to the sufferings of his posterity before their establishment in Canaan. The plan of redemption was here opened to him, in the death of Christ, the great sacrifice, and His coming in glory. Abraham saw also the earth restored to its Eden beauty, to be given him for an everlasting possession, as the final and complete fulfillment of the promise." (PP 137). Even when Abraham was still doubtful, he sacrificed to God and God revealed to Abraham what would happen, and this helped Abraham believe and grow in faith.
"When Abraham had been nearly twenty-five years in Canaan, the Lord appeared unto him, and said, “I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and be thou perfect.” In awe, the patriarch fell upon his face, and the message continued: “Behold, My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.” In token of the fulfillment of this covenant, his name, heretofore called Abram, was changed to Abraham, which signifies, “father of a great multitude.” Sarai's name became Sarah—“princess;” for, said the divine Voice, “she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.” " (PP 137) This is where God continues to promise to them, and at this point, God saw that they were ready for the next step, and changed their names to fit their purposes.
"God conferred great honor upon Abraham. Angels of heaven walked and talked with him as friend with friend. When judgments were about to be visited upon Sodom, the fact was not hidden from him, and he became an intercessor with God for sinners. His interview with the angels presents also a beautiful example of hospitality. " (PP 138). " looking out over the quiet landscape, when he saw in the distance three travelers approaching...Without waiting for them to solicit favors, Abraham rose quickly, and as they were apparently turning in another direction, he hastened after them, and with the utmost courtesy urged them to honor him by tarrying for refreshment. With his own hands he brought water that they might wash the dust of travel from their feet...This act of courtesy God regarded of sufficient importance to record in His word; and a thousand years later it was referred to by an inspired apostle: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2." (PP 138). "Abraham had seen in his guests only three tired wayfarers, little thinking that among them was One whom he might worship without sin. But the true character of the heavenly messengers was now revealed." (PP 138).
Abraham learned what would soon happen to Sodom, and was given the role as an intercessor, which is someone who 'intervenes'. So perhaps this means Abraham was calling people to repentance and gathering people into God's hands who were willing to repent. Then he shows kindness to traveling strangers, and doesn't even pay attention to whether or not they sin. This is how we should behave towards others, don't pay attention to whether they sin, that shouldn't effect how you treat them.
"Abraham had honored God, and the Lord honored him, taking him into His counsels, and revealing to him His purposes. “Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?” said the Lord. “The cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous, I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.”...He expressed Himself after the manner of men, that the justice of His dealings might be understood. Before bringing judgment He would go Himself... if they had not passed the limits of divine mercy, He would still grant them space for repentance." (PP 139) "Two of the heavenly messengers departed, leaving Abraham alone with Him whom he now knew to be the Son of God. And the man of faith pleaded for the inhabitants of Sodom....Lot and his household were still dwellers there; and the unselfish love that prompted Abraham to their rescue from the Elamites, now sought to save them, if it were God's will," (PP 139). "Yet Abraham manifested the confidence of a child pleading with a loved father... and fervently urged his petition. Though Lot had become a dweller in Sodom, he did not partake in the iniquity of its inhabitants. Abraham thought that in that populous city there must be other worshipers of the true God. And in view of this he pleaded...Abraham asked not once merely, but many times... he continued until he gained the assurance that if even ten righteous persons could be found the city would be spared." (PP 139). Gods wanted to reveal Himself to the inhabitants of Sodom, to show them His true character and how He deals with them. Abraham knew the Son of God, and after the encounter pleaded for the lives of those who were in Sodom, and hoped that those who were righteous/wanted to repent, would be spared.
"We should cherish hatred of sin, but pity and love for the sinner...Every day the probation of some is closing. Every hour some are passing beyond the reach of mercy." (PP 140). "The spirit of Abraham was the spirit of Christ. The Son of God is Himself the great Intercessor in the sinner's behalf. He who has paid the price for its redemption knows the worth of the human soul....Christ manifested toward the sinner a love which infinite goodness alone could conceive" (PP 140). "The testimony of God concerning this faithful patriarch is, “Abraham obeyed My voice, and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” And again, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”... But He who called the patriarch judged him worthy. It is God that speaks. He who understands the thoughts afar off, and places the right estimate upon men, says, “I know him.” (PP 140).
Ellen makes a staggering quote, that changes the perspective, trying to get us to feel Sonder, to understand the value of other people and how complex they are, that every day someone reaches beyond mercy. And it is up to us to be the intercessor. It is revealed that Christ becomes the intercessor in us, and speaks through us to try and intervene. He has a lot of love for us. And wants us to know Him.
"In too many households prayer is neglected. Parents feel that they have no time for morning and evening worship. They cannot spare a few moments to be spent in thanksgiving to God for His abundant mercies." (PP 143). In this last generation, there is not much regard for spending time with God, everyone is laboring hard and is burnt out, this world is purposely build to keep us tired and exhausted, so that we have no energy to give to God, but that the world requires all of our energy.
I was super overstimulated today and it made work really difficult, I seriously need those earbuds, otherwise I'm zoning out and I can't cope with my environment and I just spiral. I don't like feeling that way, it makes me really tense and overwhelmed, and if it gets to a certain point, I will start crying, it's happened before.