June 22
Scripture Reading: Genesis 18:22-33; 1 Samuel 12:23; 2 Samuel 24:17
When informed of the coming destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham interceded with God on behalf of the condemned; “Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked.” He begged God to spare the city if fifty righteous souls were found there, and then continued to plead with God down until he sought mercy for the cities if ten righteous souls were found. His approach to God was bold through faith.
Sadly, there was not ten righteous souls found in those cities. What an indictment against Lot, who was a righteous man. (See 2 Peter 2:7-9) Had Lot won his family to the Lord, the cities would have been spared. Lot had his wife, at least two unmarried daughters, and at least two married daughters and their husbands, and at least two sons. Just the family of Lot would have totaled ten righteous souls. Perhaps this is what Abraham had in mind when bargaining with God.
A great lesson in this story is the power of intercessory prayer of God’s children. Paul wrote, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” (1 Timothy 2:1) Intercessory prayer is a solemn duty for every child of God. James wrote of the availing prayer of the righteous, using Elijah as an example. Here, surely Abraham’s intercession with God serves as a good example of such availing prayer. Beloved, the Church of the Lord Jesus has a tremendous potential when it comes to interceding with our Lord on the behalf of others. God’s people should continually pray one for another, and we should ever be praying for the lost around us. Make this a priority in life!
Pastor Steve Smith
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