QT 9/10/2025 Gen 18:26-33, God's patience with our prayers

Genesis 18:26–33 (ESV) —

26 And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”

27 Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. 28 Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” 29 Again he spoke to him and said, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.” 30 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Suppose thirty are found there.” He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.” 31 He said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.” 32 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” 33 And the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.

 

NOTE: In my mind, God shows tremendous patience with Abraham. The reality is that there were less than five righteous in the city at the time of Abraham's discussion with God. When it was destroyed, there were zero righteous in the city. I believe there were actually four cities destroyed. Sodom was the most notorious, but the other cities include Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim. God shows similar patience when Moses continually recites reasons he can't do what God commanded. At least until Moses said "no, I'm not doing it" or something to that effect. Then it said that the "Anger of the Lord burned against Moses." The lesson in both cases is that we can be completely honest with God in our fears and struggles. He will be patient. The one thing we cannot do is to tell God that we refuse to obey him.

 

God knew that he would be saving Lot from the city. That may be the reason he sends two angels. The angels have a lot of power, but they also have limitations. They have to be physically present. But they are God's messengers and servants to accomplish his will.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I honest with God in prayer? Do I fear being honest with God?
2. Am I refusing to do something that God has commanded?

 

PRAYER: Father, there is a lot going on these days. Help me to follow through on what you have set before me. Help me to trust you. Help me to continue to lean on you. Help me to listen to your voice.