Genesis 18:16-17 (ESV) “Then the men set out from there, and they looked down toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to set them on their way. 17 The Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do,”
Many times, as I have fellowshipped with other Christians with whom I share real, God-given relationship, conversation that began with sharing information about the events of life has turned to sharing hearts – struggles, intentions, dealings from God, regrets, purposes, and failures. In the context of real relationship, believers desire to be together, and when we gather, we share things that we might not have intended to share. We express thoughts and dreams and concerns and misgivings. As the Holy Spirit leads, hearts resonate, scattered and wandering thoughts crystallize and become expressible. Intentions are tested as they fall upon ears different from our own. Issues of our hearts, formerly murky and obscured, are brought to light. Plans get solidified. Fears are finally expressed, exposed, and chased away. Fellowship – real, Christian fellowship - is an instrument of God to carry forth His purposes through us.
1 Corinthians 2:12-13 (NKJV) “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”
Here’s the meeting of the word comparing from the Strongs Greek dictionary:
(G4793, sygkrino) - “to judge of one thing in connection with another, i.e. combine (spiritual ideas with appropriate expressions) or collate (one person with another by way of contrast or resemblance,”
What a gift God has given us in providing fellowship with one another. We can contrast ourselves with one another and we can see how we resemble each other, and it brings wisdom.
Now we have the same opportunity for this same kind of fellowship with the Almighty Himself, for we see it in the text, Genesis 18:17-18f. When we have a real relationship with Him, we want to come and be with Him, and He with us. Once together, we share, and out of this interaction, secrets, intentions, plans, regrets, and pains come to light. “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” Our hearts are revealed. Our thoughts are discovered. Things we had not intended to share are made plain.
Here, The Lord reveals to Abraham His grief concerning Sodom and His plans to level the city. But it isn’t just an announcement. No, it is more the presenting of an intention to the ears of a caring, trusted friend, not for Abraham to find fault with Him (for He is faultless), but so that Abraham, His friend, could be abreast of the goings-on in His heart.
Oh, the wonder, Lord – that You, the Almighty, are mindful of us, that You want our company, for us “to be with You where You are”(John 17:24), that You would share Your heart with us. It is astounding.
Do you have those you can fellowship with deeply? Meaningfully? Those you are on the same page with? Those you can open your heart to? The Lord desires we have this. Pray earnestly for it.