Genesis 18:22 (ESV) — So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom,
but Abraham still stood before the Lord.
REFERENCE: Gen.
18:22.—“But Abraham stood yet before the LORD.” The primitive text was “The
LORD stood yet before Abraham.” It was felt to be derogatory for the Lord to
stand and wait Abraham’s pleasure; and so the text was altered, as we have it
in the present Hebrew Bible and all its versions. (Bullinger, E. W. (1898).
Figures of speech used in the Bible (p. 1018). London; New York: Eyre &
Spottiswoode; E. & J. B. Young & Co.)
NOTE: God was
waiting for Abraham to intercede. That is why the original structure makes more
sense than what we have in our bibles. Either way, Abraham intercedes for Sodom
and for Lot. But it does raise an interesting question -- what is God waiting
upon us to intercede before he acts? Certainly his plan will be accomplished no
matter what. But what does God want us to be a part of by our intercession? And
what we are we missing out on because of our lack of prayer? Another thought:
Abraham fellowships with God over a meal, God reveals his plans for Abraham and
Sarah, and the scene ends with Abraham interceding for things outside his
circle. It is a nice picture and template of meeting with God.
PRAYER: Lord, what
and for whom do I need to intercede? Bring to my mind the things I should pray.
I don't want my prayers to be health prayers, but prayers of activity and work
and calling. I pray you would protect us all from just praying about our sister's
friend's cousin who fell. Yes, they need prayer. They need to know Jesus and
they need to seek you with all of their heart, but we have a world to conquer
and a great commission to fulfill. May those prayers be our true focus.
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