Learning From the Old Testament Greats: Abraham – The Father of FaithSampel

Day 8: Abraham’s Prayer for Sodom

Thoughts on the Passage

This is the other reason God came to visit Abraham. 

The Lord wanted to deal with the evil in Sodom and Gomorrah, and He would talk to Abraham first. Why would the Lord feel it is necessary to talk to Abraham? We are not really sure, but we think that there are a couple of reasons. 

First, some feel God has delegated His authority over the land promised to Abraham and God works through lines of authority He establishes. God will act when He works through those lines of authority, so He talks to Abraham. He not just talks to Abraham, but when Abraham asks the Lord to consider sparing the cities, he asks if there are 50 people in Sodom, then please spare it; and the Lord agrees. Abraham asks if there are only 45, then 40, then 30, then 20 and lastly 10 righteous people, please spare it; and the Lord agrees. This indicates both a measure of willingness for God to listen to Abraham’s intercession for the cities, as well as God’s heart for these people and Abraham’s heart.

Second, the Lord recognizes in Abraham a man who will lead his family with righteousness and justice. We underestimate the willingness of God to reveal Himself, His plans and His heart to people who are diligent in these areas. Amos the prophet shows that the Lord truly wants us to know what He will do, and He makes it known to those who hear Him. The Lord speaks so that we know His heart, His direction and His actions. We need to be people who listen carefully. He will speak.

Application to our Lives

We often focus on “hearing” God. Let’s start with a heart to obey what we know. It opens the door for God to reveal the things that are world-changing. As we walk in obedience, we seek to know His ways, not just commands. That reveals a heart that desires to know Him above all. He will open many other doors to those people.

Time to Pray

Father, I confess that I have not always listened carefully so I can walk in obedience. Forgive me today. Above all else, I want to know Your heart and follow it instinctively. Nothing else captures my heart like that. I desire to be trusted by You to hear things that are world-changing. I want to have a heart for my world that is filled with Your compassion, but also Your sense of justice and righteousness. It is my deep desire; my only desire. Strengthen me just like You did Abraham to be this kind of person. In Jesus name, Amen.