From Nothing to Everything
by Mark Hayes, President of Ministry
Then Abraham spoke up again, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes…” (Genesis 18:22)
Abraham had a special relationship with God and was able to communicate with him directly. I acknowledge the way he approaches God; Abraham is humble, respectful, and knows his place.
This reminds me of the moment Peter realized who Jesus really was. Jesus told this professional fisherman to cast his nets on the opposite side of the boat after he and his companions had fished all night and caught nothing. They immediately caught so many fish that their nets began to break, and the boat started to sink. In an overwhelming realization of the presence of the Son of God, he exclaimed, “Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man!” At that moment, Peter knew his place, and he was terrified.
Imagine someone playing a video recording of everything you have ever done wrong. You would be horrified for anyone else to see it. God has seen it … every second of it.
That’s what makes the Gospel so astounding. God speaks these life-changing words in Isaiah 43, “I am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” God has seen everything you have ever done and has chosen to forget everything he saw. He punished his own Son, Jesus, to save you. Now your place with God is in his family and, in the end, by his side in heaven.
Do you know your place? You, who were but dust and ashes, are now assigned a seat of honor because of God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice. When you pray to him, Abraham’s example is still good to remember. Showing humility when you talk to God and when you live your life as a member of his family is a great way to thank him.