Have you ever prayed for something earnestly and felt like God had not answered? We may find it difficult to recognize that God has answered us when His answer is no or when He answers in a way that is different than what we ask. Today we see Abraham praying for Sodom, where his nephew Lot resides, and God’s response.
Remember from our last study that God and two angels have just visited Abraham. In verse 16, the two angels are about to leave. To where are they headed? What does God ask them in verse 17? Consider this question in light of Amos 3:7. God goes on to justify this question in verses 18-19 (Gal 3:8). God expresses a desire here, in verse 18, that Abraham also direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord. That is God’s desire for us also, to teach our children to follow God (Eph 6:4). Are you training your children in the ways of God?
In verses 20-21, we see why God has sent the two angels to Sodom. This is a test. I am sure that God already knows how bad things are. Could he be giving them a chance to repent (2 Pet 3:9)? As the angels depart for Sodom, God remains with Abraham who begins to intervene on behalf of Sodom (vs. 22-23). He appeals to God’s mercy. He wants to know if God will destroy the righteous along with the wicked.
Let’s look at Abraham’s question in light of what we know of the attributes of God. God is just… yet God is merciful. We know from Rom 3:23 that all have sinned and from Rom 6:23 that the wages of sin is death. This is the justice of God. Yet, we also know that by faith, we can be saved from this punishment (Eph 2:8-9). Abraham is asking a legitimate question.
In verses 24-25, Abraham asks God… what if there are 50 people of faith in the city? It does not seem right to Abraham that these 50 people of faith should die. How does God answer (verse 26)?
In verses 27-28, Abraham asks God what about if there were only 45 people of faith. Notice how humble and respectfully he approaches the Lord. How does God answer?
In verse 29, Abraham asks about only 40 people of faith. What is God’s answer?
In verse 30, Abraham asks about only 30 people of faith. What is God’s answer?
In verse 31, Abraham asks about only 20 people of faith. What is God’s answer?
In verse 32, Abraham asks about only 10 people of faith. What is God’s answer?
How many times did Abraham appeal to God for Sodom and its people of faith? But eventually he understood. Abraham’s prayer did not change God’s plans but may have resulted in God changing Abraham’s thinking. Sometimes that is how God answers our prayers. Prayer and Bible study can help us to better understand God. In verse 33, the conversation is over. God leaves and Abraham returns home. The fact is, when God decided to destroy the city, He knew there weren’t ten people of faith there. He knew that Lot was the only person of faith in Sodom and, as we will see in our next study, God has a plan to rescue Lot from the destruction. God is always in control and God’s people can trust Him to care for their interests.
Responding to God: Have you confessed your sins to God and turned to a life of faith in Him? Are you training your children in the ways of God? Do you pray for the best interest of others? Praise God and thank Him for His love and mercy. Ask Him in prayer to show you where you are falling short in leading your family and children. Pray for those around you to turn to lives of faith in Him.
Further Research: Using a concordance, search the Bible for references to parenting and child rearing.
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