Genesis 18 NLT
Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.” When the Lord had finished his conversation with Abraham, he went on his way, and Abraham returned to his tent. (32-33)
I have always been intrigued by this story of Abraham haggling with God over whether Sodom and Gomorrah would be destroyed. Most of you remember the wickedness that is recounted (particularly in Sodom) and how God destroyed the cities but rescued Lot and his daughters. In this precursor to the story, the “Angel of the Lord” (an Old Testament appearance of Yahweh, God the Son Himself) shows up with two other heavenly beings at the tent of Abraham. He receives them in a very middle eastern way, he insists they stay for a meal and conversation and he waits on them hand and foot in an attempt to show all the respect that hospitality in his day could demand.
However, this is not where the cultural influence ends. God gives Abraham an inside track on what is to come for Sodom, and Abraham knows that Lot is there. Just as in Africa, the uncle/nephew bond is one that often rivals the parent/child bond. Abraham felt a deep sense of responsibility for his nephew who had left all and traveled with him to Canaan. Before this, Abraham had even gone to war and defeated local kings to rescue this same wayward Lot. Now Lot is once again in harm’s way in a city that is destined for destruction. Yet, uncle Abraham is there trying to convince the God of the universe to spare him. I am taken aback by Abraham’s boldness (couched in respect) and perhaps this was culturally appropriate in that day. To me today, though, it is a little unnerving.
I think this story demonstrates something about God’s mercy. Old Testament times are often caricatured as a time when God was a God of wrath, and mercy didn’t come until Jesus. However, the mercy of God is evident throughout the bible. Even here, God is prepared to pardon an entire sinful city on behalf of 10 righteous people. In the end, He does destroy the city but He still rescues those who follow Him first. From this story, we learn that yes God punishes sin, but His mercy knows no bounds if people will only respond to Him. I think we also learn something about intercession. How many times have you cried out to God to save the lost with the same boldness and passion that Abraham demonstrated when interceding for Sodom? What would happen in this world if we interceded for all, even the most wicked, as we do for those we care the most about? God invites us to do just that. Lord, give us the boldness of Abraham in our prayers for others!
