FOR THE RIGHTEOUS' SAKE

Genesis 18

“And Abraham drew near, and said, wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?” v. 23 “And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.” v. 32 “And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said. I will not destroy it for ten’s sake. And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.”

The Challenge

I was recently challenged to study Abraham’s relationship with Sodom. He was never part of it, never in debt to it, never envied or coveted its prosperity, and never judgmental of its wickedness.

But Christian, would you go to war for it and accept no payment for your services? Never really thought about how Abraham did NOT plead with God to save the righteous, he asked to save the wicked for the righteous’ sake.

Those Aren't The Same Thing

A Love Like That

Abraham could have asked God to bring out the righteous (which is what happened) but he used his moments in the presence of his God and friend, risking God's anger, to plead for mercy on the wicked for the sake for the righteous living among them.

Then it hit me. Why would saving the wicked be for the righteous sake? (Genesis 18:26)

I can’t help but wonder if Abraham knew Lot’s family loved lost people. It is humbling to think of how Abraham put himself in a bartering position with his best friend to hold off perfect justice for the lost who were dear to his family. (if not his own burden for the conversion of the city)

The Challenge

was Simple

LOVE and SERVE Sodom the way Abraham did, no strings attached or entanglement.

Loving the lost like Abraham, not Lot, could change the eternal destiny for many.

I now pray a little different than yesterday.