Sunday 25 October, 2015

22 The men turned away and went toward Sodom. But Abraham remained standing in front of the Lord. 23 Then Abraham came up to him. He said, “Will you sweep away godly people along with those who are evil? 24 What if there are 50 godly people in the city? Will you really sweep it away? Won’t you spare the place because of the 50 godly people in it? 25 You would never kill godly people along with those who are evil, would you? Would you treat them all alike? You would never do anything like that! Won’t the Judge of the whole earth do what is right?” 26 The Lord said, “If I find 50 godly people in the city of Sodom, I will spare it. I will spare the whole place because of them.” 27 Then Abraham spoke up again. He said, “I have been very bold to speak to the Lord. After all, I’m only dust and ashes. 28 What if the number of godly people is five fewer than 50? Will you destroy the whole city because there are five fewer people?” “If I find 45 there,” he said, “I will not destroy it.” 29 Once again Abraham spoke to him. He asked, “What if only 40 are found there?” He said, “If there are 40, I will not do it.” 30 Then Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me. Let me speak. What if only 30 can be found there?” He answered, “If I find 30, I will not do it.” 31 Abraham said, “I have been very bold to speak to the Lord. What if only 20 can be found there?” He said, “If I find 20, I will not destroy it.” 32 Then he said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me. Let me speak just one more time. What if only ten can be found there?” He answered, “If I find ten, I will not destroy it.” 33 When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left. And Abraham returned home.

Why put this story in? What does it tell me about God?

It tells me:
1. That God is a relational God who is concerned for his people. He remained with Abraham. And He conversed with Abraham.
2. He is not offended by questions. He likes an inquisitive mind. And He likes to reveal who He is to his people.
3. He is patient. He does not mind lots of questions that seem almost exactly the same. And to us they can sound accusatory. But God does not seem offended but simply and patiently answers the questions, because He has no shame and nothing to hide.
4. His ways are righteous and just. He is compassionate and merciful. No matter the ratio of wicked to innocents, Gods way stay the same, He will spare the innocent.
My response:
God thank you that you want to relate to me too. Help me to remain with you and converse with you. Help me to know I can ask you anything. Help me to be sensitive to your Holy Spirit and hear what you have to say. Thank you that I can know that your ways are always just and righteous. And that you are compassionate and merciful.

Written by Zoe Stewart