Abraham engages in a profound conversation with God about the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. God has heard about the great sinfulness of these cities and decides to investigate, hinting at possible judgment. Abraham is worried about the righteous individuals living there. He pleads with God not to destroy the cities if righteous people can be found. God responds to a series of humble but bold questions from Abraham. He lists 50 righteous, then 45 righteous, then 40, then 30, then 20, and finally 10. Abraham gradually persuades God. He asks to spare the cities if even just ten righteous people are found within them. This dialogue showcases Abraham’s deep sense of justice and compassion. It also highlights his unique relationship with God. He intercedes on behalf of the innocent. The themes of justice, mercy, and intercession that run throughout the scriptures. Abraham carefully negotiates with God, showing a blend of persistence and respect. This passage emphasizes that even a small number of righteous individuals can have a significant impact. It shows that God’s mercy can prevail over judgment.

It reads in Genesis 18:16-33 Easy: Then Abraham’s visitors started to leave. They looked down in the valley towards Sodom. Abraham was walking with them to say ‘goodbye’ to them. Then the Lord said to himself, ‘I should tell Abraham what I have decided to do. Abraham’s descendants will become a great nation of people. They will be very powerful. Through him, I will bless all the nations of the earth. I have chosen him so that he will teach my message to his children and their families. He will teach them to do what is right and what is fair. Then I, the Lord, will do for Abraham everything that I have promised to him.’ So the Lord said to Abraham, ‘I have heard how bad the people in Sodom and Gomorrah are. Everybody says that their sins are very bad. So I must go down there to see if it is really true. I will see if those people are as bad as everybody says they are. Then I will know what is true.’ The other two men then turned away and they went towards Sodom. But Abraham stayed there to talk with the Lord. Then Abraham went near to the Lord and he asked, ‘Will you destroy the good people as well as the bad people? There might be 50 people in the city who live in a good way. Will you still destroy the whole city? Or will you leave it there, because there are 50 good people in it? Will you kill them all, the good people and the bad people? Surely you would not do anything like that! You would not punish good people in the same way as bad people. You are the great judge of everyone on the earth. You will surely do what is right!’ The Lord replied, ‘If I see that there are 50 good people in the city of Sodom, I will not destroy that place. Because of those 50 good people, I will leave the city there.’ Then Abraham spoke again. He said, ‘I have been brave enough to speak to the Lord. I know that I am nothing more than dust and ashes. But let me ask you this. What will you do if there are 45 good people in the city? Will you destroy the city, because there are only five fewer good people there?’ The Lord replied, ‘If I see that there are 45 good people in the city, I will not destroy it.’ Abraham spoke to God again. He said, ‘What will you do if only 40 good people are there?’ The Lord said, ‘Because of 40 good people, I will not destroy the city.’ Then Abraham said, ‘Please do not be angry, Lord. Let me speak again. What will you do if there are only 30 good people there?’ The Lord answered, ‘I will not destroy the city if I find 30 good people there.’ Abraham said, ‘I have been brave to speak to you, Lord. What will you do if only 20 good people are there?’ The Lord said, ‘Because of 20 good people, I will not destroy the city.’ After all that, Abraham said, ‘Please do not be angry, Lord. Let me speak just one more time. If there are only ten good people there, what will you do?’ The Lord replied, ‘Because of ten good people, I will not destroy the city.’ The Lord had finished speaking with Abraham. So he continued on his journey. Abraham returned home.

Father God, I thank You and praise You for Your word. Abraham is still an example to this day. He teaches us not to give up on people who can change their evil ways to do good. He was for all the people there in Sodom and Gomorrah, believing for good people to save their city. Which serves as a powerful lesson about the consequences of moral corruption and the importance of righteousness in our lives. I believe all wrongs will be made right. I trust lives will heal and be strengthened through Your word. We look to the good examples of Your goodness and promises. I love You and praise You. I thank You and give You all the honor and glory for this new day. In Jesus’ Precious Name, Amen.