 |
|
|
Visitation at the Trees
Tense silence pervaded the atmosphere. Activity in the Throne Room had intensified. All could sense pending disaster. Angelic eyes were fastened on the One sitting on the Throne. Brilliant flashes of lightning interspersed the radiant glow of the circular rainbow that encompassed The Almighty's Throne. Deafening thunder shook the heavens as each Angelic Messenger read their report in the presence of the Twenty-four Elders and the Four Living Creatures.
The line of Messengers waiting to report from Sodom and Gomorrah had dramatically increased over the last few months. After reading, each angel deposited their ‘Scroll of Record' into the ‘Scales of Justice' - a massive set of scales that straddled a large table positioned in the centre of the Throne Room's majestic court.
Human life hung precariously in the balance - righteous judgement was imminent.
Michael and Gabriel paused from their hushed conversation to listen to the account from the Warring Angel waiting next in line. Penetrating silence filled the Throne Room as he stood before the LORD. The angel's charge was Lot, the relative of YHWH's beloved friend, Abraham. Unrolling the document, he began reciting the alarming communique describing the scenes of abject rebellion, "Demonic rulers have seized complete control of both cities holding men captive to detestable perversions, total anarchy and unrestrained violence. Except Lot, all have abandoned themselves to every degrading and base impulse. Lesser demons press relentlessly against my charge."
Striding to the Scales, the powerful Warring Angel cast the scroll into the dish already containing thousands of similar vile accounts - all grave charges against the two cities. With a piercing clang the dish crashed onto the table under the enormous weight of accumulated sin.
With the Scales tipping against the cities, the One on the Throne stood to His feet.
"Michael! Gabriel!" The sound of His Voice was as the pounding roar of ocean waves. Instantly, the Archangels paid homage to the LORD, falling prostrate before His glorious figure.
"Come, we'll visit my friend, and since the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin so heinous, I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached Me."
"Where, LORD?" Michael asked.
"The great trees of Mamre is my friend's dwelling place. Daily, I have met with Abraham under the shade of those trees, revealing myself to him in visions, talking to him in dreams as he has slept under the oak's expansive branches. But this time I will meet with my friend face to face. The trees of Mamre are my chosen place of visitation with Abraham!"
**********
Riding the Chariots of Fire, YHWH and His Hosts journeyed to Hebron.
**********
Michael smiled, discerning Abraham's faithful devotion. Sitting in the shade at the entrance of his tent, Abraham had shielded himself from the blistering afternoon heat. Age and time hadn't diminished his hope and faith. Fervent, whispered prayer ascended from his heart as fragrant incense to the LORD, intercession for the promised son.
The highly favoured man was unaware of the privilege granted to him. Watching the Spirit of God brooding over Abraham, Michael saw his eyes diverted to notice the three Visitors standing in the shade of the great trees.
Michael watched in astonishment as the elderly Abraham hurried to welcome them. Words of hospitality gushed from his mouth. "Let me wash the dust from you feet. Rest here in the shade."
Kneeling, Abraham lifted the feet of each angel and then His Creator's feet into his lap, carefully washing away the dust. Michael noticed the delight that YHWH took in the adoration of His friend.
"Let me get you something to eat," Abraham urged, "so you can be refreshed and then go on your way, since you have come to your servant."
"Very well," the Visitors answered, "do as you say."* With urgency, Abraham ordered his servants to prepare a choice, tender calf from his flocks. Sarah hastened in her task of bread baking.
Setting the meal before them under the trees, Abraham lingered nearby, ready to serve his honoured guests. Michael enjoyed the ensuing scenes with Abraham and Sarah as YHWH announced to them the arrival of the promised son in the following year.
The Archangel perceived the Almighty's desire to delight in His friend's worship before attending to the grievous demise of Sodom and Gomorrah. Departing the visitation under Mamre’s great trees, Michael pondered how the LORD would draw Abraham into the purpose for their earthly visit...
Adapted from Genesis Chapter 18. NIV.
*Genesis 18:5. NIV.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
|
|
|
