“Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?” He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.””
Genesis 18:32
The story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is pretty familiar to most believers. Even the names of those cities are familiar to unbelievers. The story of the destruction showcases God’s wrath as the people of the two cities have completely turned away from God and chose a wicked, sinful life.
Genesis 18:16 begins with God informing Abraham of the destruction to come to the two cities. Yet, instead of simply taking the news of destruction, Abraham approaches God boldly. He asks God to spare the city if 50 righteous men can be found among the wicked. God willingly agrees to spare the wicked if 50 righteous men can be found. As the conversation continues, Abraham continues to plead with God to spare the city if 45, then 30, 20, and finally 10 men could be found. The conversation ends with the Lord graciously agreeing to spare the city if even 10 righteous men can be found. Abraham fought hard to intercede for the two cities. While Abraham knew that God was the ultimate judge and must punish those who had sinned, he also knew God was merciful. While the story ends with destruction, God did show his mercy by allowing Lot to escape out of Sodom before it was destroyed.
Some may wonder though: does God enjoy the destruction of the wicked?
Scripture would argue against that thought. God is just. He waits patiently for his people to repent and come to him for forgiveness. The world around us today is growing more and more similar to Sodom and Gomorrah. Wickedness is all around, and many live lives full of sin, separate from God. Like Sodom and Gomorrah, the day will come where God will destroy Earth as we know it and call us home to his Kingdom. We don’t know when that day will be. It could be today, tomorrow, or a thousand years from now. Regardless, take a look around you at your friends and family and even strangers you come into contact with. Is there anyone you know living in sin? As Abraham advocated for the people of the two cities, you too should help advocate for your friends, families, and even strangers. Share the Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection so that when the end comes to Earth, you have done your part to help save the souls around you. Be bold in your conversations and don’t let fear overwhelm you.
Abraham boldly approached God to converse with him, because he genuinely cared for the souls that would be lost if God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. In the same way, you too should have the same concern for the souls around you.
Prayer:
Lord,
Let us grieve the destruction of the wicked and help us to draw near to you and your Word. Help us to be mindful of the people, the souls, around us and let us lead them into a relationship with you.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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