Genesis 18:16-33
Q.1. Why did God reveal the future to Abraham? What calling did God place on his life? (Gen.18:16-19)
The angelic visitors had another mission. It was to warn Abraham about the danger that was to befall his nephew, Lot (see Gen.18:16, 20-21). The reasons given for the forewarning were significant: (i) God acknowledged the special relationship between Himself and Abraham, based on the promise made that Abraham would become a mighty nation – and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed (Gen.18:18). (ii) God further revealed the reason He chose Abraham –to command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about his family (Gen18:19). Abraham did not disappoint Him. Raising children is not just about helping them to become independent, but more importantly teaching them to live in the light of God’s truth.
Q.2. Why would God be so concerned about the evil reports coming from Sodom and Gomorrah? (Gen.18:20-22)
It is certain that the Lord did not need to make the trip into the cities of the Jordan Valley to confirm the wickedness of the people (see Gen.18:20-21). However, Lot seemed to be blind-sided and kept exposing his family to the sexual immorality of the Sodomites (see Gen.19:4-8). These formerly lush and populous cities were doomed and targeted for destruction by God (see Gen.13:10 & 13). The broader question of the justice of destroying the wicked is a vexed one. However, the fact that less than ten righteous remained in Sodom, revealed the pervasive influence of sin, even on the innocent. By destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, God was preventing future multitudes of people from spiritual and moral doom (see Gen.18:32; Dt.1:39).
Q.3. How well did Abraham know the Lord? How did Abraham support his requests? What strikes you about Abraham’s approach to God in prayer? How can this help you? (Gen.18:22-33)
The angels journeyed to Sodom, and left Abraham with the Lord (see Gen.18:22). Abraham was so comfortable in his relationship with the Lord, that he began to plead for the righteous in these ungodly cities. However, he had no idea about how evil these cities had become, so asked God to spare Sodom for fifty righteous people within it. This was based on his understanding that the Judge of the whole earth would deal justly (see Gen.18:23-26). He stopped his pleading, when it was clear that there were not even ten righteous in the doomed city. God is always gracious and willing for the godly to intercede (see Ex.32:11-14). He is willing to address our fears, doubts, and pleadings, as He did with the great men and women of faith (see Gen.18:24-33 c.f. 2 Chron.20:5-12). Abraham’s ongoing relationship with the Lord gave him confidence to plead for Sodom, and for Lot and his family. However, he also displayed an understanding of God’s holy character, which put a boundary on his requests (see Gen.18:32-33). We must stay within the boundary of God’s will in our prayer petitions.