As I have been reading through Genesis, I found something that took me a couple reads to understand the full purpose behind. In chapter 18, we come across a conversation, prayer, between Abraham and God. God is preparing to destroy Sodom, a town full of "wickedness" at the time, but then God begins to test Abraham. Take a look at this scripture:
Genesis 18:16-33 (NLT)
16 Then the men got up from their meal and looked out toward Sodom. As they left, Abraham went with them to send them on their way.
17 “Should I hide my plan from Abraham?” the Lord asked.
18 “For Abraham will certainly become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him.
19 I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised.”
20 So the Lord told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant.
21 I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.”
22 The other men turned and headed toward Sodom, but the Lord remained with Abraham.
23 Abraham approached him and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked?
24 Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes?
25 Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
26 And the Lord replied, “If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake.”
27 Then Abraham spoke again. “Since I have begun, let me speak further to my Lord, even though I am but dust and ashes.
28 Suppose there are only forty-five righteous people rather than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And the Lord said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five righteous people there.”
29 Then Abraham pressed his request further. “Suppose there are only forty?” And the Lord replied, “I will not destroy it for the sake of the forty.”
30 “Please don’t be angry, my Lord,” Abraham pleaded. “Let me speak—suppose only thirty righteous people are found?” And the Lord replied, “I will not destroy it if I find thirty.”
31 Then Abraham said, “Since I have dared to speak to the Lord, let me continue—suppose there are only twenty?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the twenty.”
32 Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.”
33 When the Lord had finished his conversation with Abraham, he went on his way, and Abraham returned to his tent.
When I first read this, it sounded as though God had his mind set and then Abraham changed God's mind! Then I mused on that thought for a bit, and I quickly realized that God is omniscient, all knowing, which would make this scenario impossible. After thinking for a another few minutes and reading around, I picked out what this story could be saying about prayer. The entire conversation here is between God and Abraham. So first and foremost, we can tell prayer should be an actual interaction with God-not just a "wish list" of things we would like. Second, and something we can directly see from this story, we should not think something is "not important enough" for God. We can see in this conversation Abraham has with God, that all we have to do is ask and God , if his will permits it, will answer our prayers.
Also, I view this story as God testing Abraham. This is quite the opposite of my initial reaction of Abraham changing God's mind. If anything, God changed Abraham's mind! In all ways, Abraham respected God's decision , but we may not always know God's decision (his will for us). However, I believe that prayer can help us understand what God has planned for us.
Moreover, whatever your personal situation is, just pray about it. We can see that if we ask, God provides for us. Nothing is too small or insignificant for you to talk to him about. He loves us and wants to be with us! No matter what the circumstance, God can answer our prayers. My hope for you is that you can really pray to God about anything and everything.
Matthew 21:22
1 comment:
Good stuff, Logan! I love verse 27...Abraham was able to press God with something that didn't sit right with him but he also demonstrated incredible humility.
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