Genesis 18:20-21Then the Lord said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.”
I find Abraham’s audacity pretty interesting in today’s scripture. Here we have the man who can’t quite wrap his head around God’s promise to make him the father of nations, yet he is standing up to God and asking Him to question His course of action. Commentary talks about what God wants to accomplish through Abraham, the fact that He needs to help grow Abraham’s character so that he is prepared for his future role. I find that interesting, too.
Genesis 18:22 The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord.
I do not think God intentionally brings bad things, losses, into our lives. I do not believe in a cruel God. Mine is a God of fierce love and abundant compassion. But I do think that He knows our hearts, knows our faults, knows how we need to grow in our faith journey. I think He uses “all things for the good of those who love Him.” He uses all things to allow us to strengthen our relationship with Him, so that He becomes our home, our shelter, our safety.
Genesis 18:23-24 Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?
Precious Savior, Thank You for Your overwhelming love and compassion for Your people. Thank You that You know our hearts and You want us to make our home in You. Thank You that You work all things together for our good, allowing us to grow closer to You always. Give us strength and hope as we grow. Amen.
Genesis 18:25 Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”
Have a blessed day.