Musing – How can we be like God?

Hebraic Musing – How can we be like God?

In Genesis 18 we find Abraham recovering from his circumcision and the “Lord appeared to him” while “sitting at the entrance to his tent.”  And “Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them…”  Not only was he suffering from severe discomfort, but he was conversing with the Lord in his presence!  Yet, Abraham immediately switched his attention to the three strangers.  Mid-Eastern culture has a high regard for strangers, as Irene and I experienced when we were lost in the Muslim section of Jerusalem in October 2014. 

Why would Abraham interrupt a conversation with Almighty God to speak with three strangers?  I wonder if Abe told God “Can you hold on?  There are some people walking by.  I’ll get back to you later!”

Rabbi Eckstein claims that Abraham “understood that there is something even greater than talking to God — it’s being like God.”   What is meant by the word “image” in Gen 1:27?  “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him…”  So if we are to be in the image of God, shouldn’t we be God-like?   What would God have done?  What did God do when -- 

·         Adam was naked?  He clothed him.

·         Abraham was hurting (recovering)?  God visited with him.

·         Moses was dead?   God buried him.

·         Sick people came to Jesus?  He healed and comforted them.

·         Etc. etc. etc.

How many opportunities do we have in our daily walk to minister, comfort, visit, serve, feed, bless, … to those in need?  How can we be a God-like witness to everyone we meet?

When we encounter an unexpected opportunity for an act of kindness should we follow Abraham’s example?

Point to ponder

Will God object if you stop on your way to church to help a stranger?
Even if you it causes you to miss church?

Does God mind if you set down your Bible to call someone with a need?
Or interrupt your prayer time if the Holy Spirit brings someone to mind?

W W J D ?

“Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Eph 4:24

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   November 15, 2016

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage” “Musings - A Victorious Life”  “Musings - The Torah and New Testament”
Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      www.InsightsByYosef.com

Note – Inspired by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein’s  “Being Like God”  November 15, 2016