Then Abraham drew near and said… (18:23)
And the LORD went his way when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place. (18:33)
This is such an interesting passage! It is unclear at what point Abraham realizes that these are no ordinary visitors, but rather God and two angels. He is obviously aware of this by the time he engages with God, petitioning him not to judge Sodom if there are ten righteous people living there. Actually, it seems that Abraham is really concerned about his nephew, Lot, who is living in Sodom. He says, “Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (Genesis 18:25). He is aware that God is the God and Judge of all the earth—other peoples in his day thought of gods as being only over just a certain territory or people. But Abraham knows that this one true God is judge of all the earth! And He will do what is right. It’s special “watching” Abraham do his best to appeal to God concerning what Abraham thinks is right.
I love this passage, as it shows how God is not simply our distant Creator, but He is Someone who wants relationship with His people. We can engage Him, we can appeal to Him and to His character, as Abraham did. The more we know about who God is, the more we can interact with Him in an honest and helpful way—helpful to us and to others.
We live in a time where, at least in western countries, good is being called evil, and evil is being called good. Perhaps, proportionally compared to the population of Sodom, we have less than “ten righteous” people in our nation. According to Romans, chapter one, we are already under judgement. Yet, I still pray for God’s mercy. May more people repent, turn to God, and become righteous!
Prayer: God, thank You that You are not distant! Thank You that You put up with my thinking I know better than You. I confess here and now that You know best. Thank You that You were willing to spare a city if it had ten righteous people in it. May there be righteous people in my city, Lord, beginning with me and my family. Amen.
