For the Sake of Ten...

Today our passage is Genesis 18:22-33. Abraham has just overheard God’s plans to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness, so he begins an interesting dialogue with God to intercede for the two cities. “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Far be it from you to do such a thing! What if there are fifty righteous people? Will you really sweep it away? What if there are 45? 40? 30? 20? 10? Finally God tells Abraham, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”

Over the years, I have heard several sermons preached on this particular passage; and in almost every one, the preacher focuses on Abraham’s boldness to “push back” on God’s decision to destroy Sodom. I mean, who does that? Getting back in God’s face after he’s already made a decision? That’s pretty gutsy! And while I admire Abraham’s faith and his willingness to speak up, I want to take this moment to focus on God’s response to Abraham’s appeal. 

Many times throughout the Old Testament, we view God as an unwavering dispenser of justice in the form of destruction and deliverance. He destroyed the wicked by flooding the world in Noah’s time. He brought severe calamity upon Egypt before Pharaoh relented and allowed the oppressed Israelites to go free. In one instance He flung huge hailstones upon the Amorite armies and caused the sun to stand still so that Joshua and the Israelites could defeat their enemies. Time and time again, story after story in God’s relentless war against sin, evil and oppression, he brought destruction upon those that were in opposition to both his people and his character. So the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah would only be another “notch” on God’s belt of how he handled sinful people.

But in the midst of our story today, in God’s response to Abraham, we catch a glimpse of more of God’s amazing qualities; more facets in the gem of His remarkable character. While we do see justice, we also see traits like mercy, compassion, patience and grace. I can’t help but think of the Apostle Peter’s words in 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 

“For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”

In the end, God does destroy the two cities; He saw firsthand that their sin and wickedness were just too great; not even ten righteous people could be found. But that’s how serious God is about sin and its destructive tendencies. He hates it and he wants us to avoid it because of what it does to us.

Take some time today and thank God for his patience, his mercy and his grace. And let’s remember, one day the entire earth will be consumed in the fires of God’s judgment. And since we are his hands, feet and voice, let’s bring the message of his love to this world that needs it so desperately. 

Blessings,

Jimmy Garison, Family Care Pastor