The Bible remains a profound record of humanity’s encounters with God, while the history of Celestial Church of Christ contains accounts that have continued to shape the spiritual identity and understanding of Celestians across generations.
One particularly thought-provoking comparison can be drawn between Genesis 18:1–4, which records Abraham’s encounter with three visitors, and Sections 58–67 of Celestial Church of Christ Constitution, which document the account of the Lord’s appearance to the Founder, Pastor Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, in Makoko in 1954.
While the two accounts belong to different historical and textual contexts, their similarities in the themes of divine visitation, recognition, hospitality, water, spiritual communication and departure invite reflection.
THE VISITATION
Genesis 18 opens with the declaration that “The LORD appeared unto him” as Abraham sat at the entrance of his tent at Mamre. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby.
The CCC Constitution similarly records that, prior to the 1954 encounter, spiritual messages had reportedly been received concerning the imminent coming of the Lord. Section 58 states that members were expected to remain prepared so they could identify Him when He arrived. In both narratives, therefore, the central theme is the unexpected manifestation of a divine visitor.
RECOGNISING THE VISITOR
Abraham did not simply ignore the men who appeared before him. He responded immediately, approaching them and bowing low.
In the CCC constitution, Section 60 records that Rev Pastor Oshoffa saw a man approaching and described a sudden beam of light before Him. He subsequently recognised Him spiritually as the Lord whose coming had been foretold. The circumstances differ, but both accounts emphasise the importance of spiritual sensitivity and recognition when confronted with an extraordinary visitor.
Perhaps one of the most noticeable similarities is the response of both Abraham and Rev Pastor Oshoffa to their visitors. In Genesis 18:3–4, Abraham says:
“If I have found favour in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, Abraham’s first response was one of humility, service and hospitality.
Likewise, according to CCC Constitution Section 61, Rev Pastor Oshoffa invited the visitor into his house. Section 63 further records that, after entering the house, the visitor asked for water and Rev Pastor Oshoffa provided it. The parallel is striking: a divine encounter is accompanied by an act of humble service and hospitality.
WATER AND SERVICE
Water also occupies an important place in both accounts. In Genesis, Abraham offers water so the visitors can wash their feet and rest. In the CCC constitution, the Lord specifically asks Rev Pastor Oshoffa for water, which is provided in a bowl. The encounter subsequently takes on a deeper spiritual dimension as the visitor speaks about the significance and uses of water. Although the circumstances are not identical, both narratives connect water, hospitality and divine visitation.
Neither encounter ends simply with the visitor arriving and leaving. Genesis 18 develops into a significant conversation between God and Abraham concerning events that were to follow. Abraham is drawn into a deeper spiritual dialogue.
Similarly, Sections 65 and 66 of the CCC Constitution describe the Lord giving Oshoffa instructions concerning worship, steadfastness, the danger of the love of money and matters relating to the Church. This presents another important parallel: the visitation carries a message and a responsibility. The encounter is therefore not merely about seeing a divine visitor; it is about hearing, understanding and responding to divine instruction.
THE VISITOR EVENTUALLY DEPARTS
The accounts also share the theme of departure. In Genesis 18, the visitors eventually move on after their encounter with Abraham. In the CCC account, the Lord eventually leaves Rev Pastor Oshoffa after walking with him towards Makoko Bridge. Section 67 records the dramatic moment when Oshoffa turned back and could no longer see Him. In both accounts, the visitor’s departure does not erase the significance of the encounter. Instead, the experience leaves behind a message and a lasting spiritual testimony.
The CCC Constitution’s account of the 1954 encounter likewise places emphasis on the need for Celestians to be prepared to recognise the Lord. This raises a timeless question for every believer:
If God were to visit unexpectedly, would we recognise Him?
The comparison reminds Christians that spiritual preparedness is not merely about attending worship services. It involves humility, discernment, love, service, obedience and readiness to respond when an opportunity for divine encounter presents itself.
It is important to state that Genesis 18 and the CCC Constitution are not identical accounts, and the comparison should not be presented as though the Bible directly records or predicts the 1954 Makoko encounter.
Genesis 18 records Abraham’s biblical encounter with three visitors, while Sections 58–67 preserve the CCC’s historical account of what is described as the Lord’s appearance to Pastor SBJ Oshoffa. Nevertheless, the similarities in divine visitation, recognition, hospitality, water, communication, spiritual instruction and departure provide an interesting basis for theological reflection.
From Mamre to Makoko, the theme of divine visitation remains a powerful one. Abraham saw unexpected visitors and responded with humility and hospitality. The CCC’s historical account similarly describes a visitor whose identity was spiritually recognised, welcomed, served and whose words were regarded as carrying instructions for the emerging Church. The comparison ultimately challenges every generation of believers to remain spiritually alert. Divine encounters demand spiritual discernment. Divine messages demand obedience. And divine visitation demands preparedness.
For Celestians, the account preserved in Sections 58–67 of the CCC Constitution remains an important part of the Church’s historical narrative. When examined alongside Genesis 18:1–4, it also provides an opportunity to reflect deeply on one enduring biblical principle:
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2
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