When Abraham's nephew Lot separated from his uncle, he chose Sodom and became a citizen there. In 1920 BC, he did this despite the Bible's observation, but the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly. - Genesis 13:13

The LORD came to Abraham and Sarah to encourage them and show them He had not forgotten His call to them twenty-five years and one thousand miles away. He had not forgotten His promise that they would have a son, even though Sarah was ninety years old and Abraham one hundred. He assured them this was going to happen and even gave them a date. Sarah trusted Him to be faithful, the New Testament tells us.

God is a name-changer! We will see this again and again throughout the scriptures: Jacob = Israel; Jerubbaal, who is Gideon; Solomon = Jedidiah; Simon = Peter; Saul = Paul. And most significantly of all, the "overcomers" of Revelation 2:17:

Theophanies come in different ways. Here, we see a majestic one for Abram and then a more personal and compassionate one for Hagar. Jesus knows all about us and our struggles and needs, and He does all things well. We see this for the Old Testament people and also for us, you and me.

Mysterious Melchizedek met Abram and gave him bread and wine and blessed him. Abram gave him tithes? Who was this priest and king?

This was more than a call—it was an effective call; it was a call that Abram couldn't resist because God himself would cause him to obey. And it's no different with us, with God calling us to turn from our sins and believe in Christ.

God is holy, awesome, and majestic. Theophanies should humble us. Our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29) . God condescends to us. Theophanies point to God’s gracious condescension to our weakness. Theophanies are visual—-they give tangible and physical proof of God. In a sense, they are God “writing it in the sky” for us.

Joshua passing the River Jordan with the Ark of the Covenant , 1800, by Benjamin West . Public Domain How can our invisible God appear...