The story of Abraham interceding for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah is fascinating – and revealing when we take a closer look.
You remember the story, of how Abraham negotiated with God to spare the cities where his nephew, Lot, and family lived. He started out at 50 persons, then asked for the city to be spared if 45, then 40, then 30, then 20, and finally 10 righteous persons could be found.
That’s where Abraham stopped negotiating. It doesn’t say that God got angry at Abraham for bartering or for his requests. It appears that Abraham just stopped.
Have you ever wondered what might have happened if Abraham had asked for five? Would God have granted the request?
God, more than anyone, understands the value and worth of a single human soul. We don’t know the population of the cities that were destroyed, but even 10 must have been a very, very small percentage.
Why is this relevant? Several reasons, but the one that jumps out at me right now is the state of our country. Once a religious and faith-based country (even if not totally Christian in its origins), the numbers of “righteous” have dwindled. Probably all of us have prayed for revival. But maybe we have stopped out of frustration or desperation as we see wickedness grow.
If the story of Abraham say anything to us, it’s about the power of intervention of even a single person of faith. It’s about being bold in our requests…but it is about never stopping asking too soon, for God is a God of great mercy and compassion, not willing for any to perish.
No matter what country you live in, my guess is that your country desperately needs intercessors who plead with God to spare our nation…and return it to righteousness. Let’s join together to intercede BOLDLY for the world and the people in it!
I Thess. 5:17: Pray constantly.
PRAYER: Lord, forgive our desperately sinful hearts as your children. We pray for our nations, that you would spare them for the sake of the righteous in them! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Copyright 2024 by Galen C. Dalrymple.
DayBreaks Devotions 