In today's passage, the narrative continues from where we left off last week. Abraham sent the visitors on their way as part of his great hospitality, and shows kindness to these visitors.
(A) The Lord’s heart for righteous Abraham (Gen 18:16-21)
He is a good and righteous man, not in the absolute sense, for none is righteous, but comparatively. God was willing to reveal his plans for Sodom to Abraham because God himself recognizes Abraham's righteousness and covenant status choosing him to be part of God's ongoing plan to reverse the curse.
What does it mean for us today then, that we know so much more? We are so blessed to have the revealed things of God through the Bible!
As the men left Abraham’s hospitality, they fixed their attention on another place, Sodom. God says that an outcry from Sodom has come to his ears. It is a desperate cry against injustice and violence. From Eze 16:49 we read that they were not just guilty of great sexual sins. They also had sins of pride, indulgence, great wealth while ignoring the needs of the needy.
What role could Abraham play? From Gen 18:17-19, we learn that God chose Abraham and his children to live a certain way, one of righteousness (rooted in holiness) and justice. They are part of God's plan to restore and redeem this broken world.
(B) Abraham’s heart for God’s righteousness and a broken world (Gen 18:22-33)
Abraham did two things after he heard God's revealed plans. Abraham stood before the Lord and drew near, before speaking to God. Here, we see him fulfilling a priestly role, for he stood before God on behalf of man and interceded for Sodom.
Gen 18:24-33 record for us his exchange with God, as he tried to reason with Him. He began rooted in theology and drew from his knowledge of God's character. He believed that God would not treat the righteous and innocent in the same way. His prayer is also supported by an understanding of his own humanity and heart. He recognizes his own unworthy status before this great God ("I who am but dust and ashes"). This prayer is one of persistence and he continues in it, seeing it as part of his responsibility to save his nephew Lot. Yet, it was not one merely in abstract terms, but rooted in reality, for he knew the extent of the sins of Sodom.
We learn so much about who God is and his character from these verses. We see the seemingly conflicting character of his justice and mercy. We see the God who was so patient with Abraham. We read of this relational God that draws His people into His plans.
From Eze 22:29-30, God sought one that would stand in the gap between a sinful people and Him, and intercede on their behalf, but there was none. Years later, Jesus came and did just that. He was like Abraham, and so much more. He saved this world, by standing on behalf of it, and also bearing the punishment for it. On the cross, God was both just and merciful.
Today, let us live in our cities and learn to seek the welfare of where we live -- working hard but also praying for it (Jer 29:7)! We close with a prayer by Randal T. Davidson:
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chron 7:14)
Almighty Father, to forget You is to stumble and fall, to remember You is to rise again: We pray for You to draw the people of this country to Yourself. Prosper all efforts to make known to them Your truth, that many may learn their need of You and Your love for them; so that Your Church and kingdom may be established among us to the glory of Your Name.