Devotion:
Read Genesis 18:20-33.
Can we ever bargain with God? In this passage God tells Abraham about his plans for destroying Sodom and Gomorrah. Maybe Abraham is concerned about his nephew Lot, who had moved with his family into Sodom. Abraham's heart is aching as he thinks about God's possible judgment. What if there are righteous people there who get killed?
Abraham asks God if he will spare the city if there are fifty righteous people there. Then he lowers the number to forty-five and then to forty, thirty, twenty, and ten. It sounds a lot like bargaining that occurred in the local marketplace. God listens and answers patiently.
Why is Abraham so bold to talk this way to God? Probably because he trusts God. Abraham asks, "Will not the Judge of all the earth do the right thing?" Abraham's questions are based on his trust that God will do right. Do we ever try to bargain with God? If so, is it based on trust in Him, or on our own perception of what's right? Abraham makes his requests on behalf of others. Are there places today that are like Sodom's? All of us as sinners can still repent and become righteous through Jesus. Are we ready to help others find Jesus?
Personal Worship Option:
God of justice and love, may our world turn to you. Help us to see others with compassion and share the good news of Jesus. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment