Genesis 18:26 The Lord said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”
Commentary says this section of scripture is about asking specifically in prayer, and while I get that, I think there should also be a caution. Yes, it’s good to pray specifically, but God isn’t cruel. I just do not believe that He would not come through with miracles because of the lack of numbers or specificity.
Genesis 18:27 Then Abraham spoke up again: “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes,
“If only I had had more people praying, God would have saved my loved one.” “If only I had been more specific in my request, God would have granted that request.” Again I say, God is not cruel. He doesn’t sit in heaven with a magic prayer meter. “Oh, so sorry, you were two praying people shy of the number needed to grant your request. Too bad.” That’s not who He is.
Genesis 18:28 what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five people?” “If I find forty-five there,” he said, “I will not destroy it.”
Precious Savior, Thank You for the understanding that we do need to be specific in prayer, and we do need to ask others to join us in prayer as we lift our hearts up to You. Thank You also for the knowledge that You aren’t sitting in Heaven only looking at numbers and specificity. You know our hearts. You love us fiercely. You hear our prayers. Thank You. Amen.
Genesis 18:29 Once again he spoke to him, “What if only forty are found there?” He said, “For the sake of forty, I will not do it.”
Have a blessed day.