Genesis 18:1-2, 17-19, 22, 31

GOD appeared to Abraham at the Oaks of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. It was the hottest part of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing. He ran from his tent to greet them and bowed before them.

Then GOD said, “Shall I keep back from Abraham what I’m about to do? Abraham is going to become a large and strong nation; all the nations of the world are going to find themselves blessed through him. Yes, I’ve settled on him as the one to train his children and future family to observe GOD’s way of life, live kindly and generously and fairly, so that GOD can complete in Abraham what he promised him.”

The men set out for Sodom, but Abraham stood in GOD’s path, blocking his way.

He pushed on, “I know I’m trying your patience, Master, but how about for twenty?” “I won’t destroy it for twenty.”