Abraham’s Approach
In my bible reading this morning there was something in the
scriptures that leaped out at me. Yet, it was simple. It perhaps is not
revelatory to most. But still it impacted me and so it may you as well.
The story is Abraham and GOD in discussion of Sodom. This is
found for your reference in Genesis, the 18th chapter. It starts out
as Abraham not knowing GOD’S plan. It starts out as a question of GOD. The LORD
asks, “Shall I hide my plan from Abraham?” It is apparent that GOD has
trust in Abraham. It is also apparent that GOD has already had conversations
with Abraham. Abraham has already shown himself as an altar builder. He has
already shown himself as one that trusts in GOD. He has already stepped away
now and is way beyond Ur and has since left Haran. He has done this in search
for that city whose builder and maker is GOD. Abraham has shown he’s willing and
is on course of showing his faith in his continued journey. What I find amazing
is Abraham’s approach to GOD about this city called Sodom. Of course, Abraham
knows his nephew Lot is there with his family. So, here is the debate between
GOD and Abraham. Abraham’s approach to GOD wasn’t just it the behalf of his
family. In fact, Abraham never even mentions Lot or his family. The argument.
The sticking point. The case presented before the LORD doesn’t even include his
family. Abraham mentions no one by name. Abraham mentions no traits of certain
individuals. Abraham doesn’t reach for reputations or names of the so-called
greats. He does not mention any standing of attribute of certain individuals.
Abraham does not bring before GOD the wealth or riches of any particular
individuals. Abraham doesn’t point to any individuals’ talents, giftings, or
one’s intelligence for sparing the city. Surely, they were all there. I am sure
they had those people. However, none comes to the mind of Abraham. No name is
mentioned. Nor is anything that is possessed by those who live in Sodom does
Abraham bring up. Other words, Abraham did know what to mention. Abraham knew
how to approach GOD in persuading GOD not to destroy Sodom. How crazy is that?
Abraham brought it up because he knew what to bring up. Abraham knew the
sticking point. Abraham stayed with his argument to the end. And when Abraham
brought it up, notice this. GOD never corrected him in what it was he brought
up. When Abraham stood before the judge in the court of GOD. GOD never told
Abraham. Your presentation is wrong. Your constitutional argument is in error.
GOD never said, “Abraham you would be more apt to convince me from this
standpoint.” “Abraham here is your case. Here is your argument. “Article such
and such number.” Nope, both knew the one thing that would destroy or keep
GOD’S destruction from coming.” Just the one thing, that’s it. This one thing
that had to be there. It wasn’t power, prestige, position, positivity, or
popularity. The one thing that will always win the argument. Abraham knew where
to point. Abraham as the appointed attorney for Sodom’s defense. He knew if he
was to win the case. There was one standing argument. It’s the same argument
that still prevails with GOD today.
Gen 18:24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within
the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty
righteous that are therein? KJV
And Abraham and GOD both stay within the argument, the
debate, the question of; IF THERE BE 50 RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE WITHIN THE CITY WILL
YOU STILL DESTROY IT?
RIGHTEOUSNESS… The question, the only question. Is there 50,
45, 40 and so it goes all the way down to ten. If there be but ten found
righteous, GOD said, I will spare the city of Sodom.
While Sodom did what Sodom did. While Sodom slept. Just a few
miles away the great debate for their existence was found in the courtroom of
GOD.
I can’t help wander for the generation of today. Will GOD?
Can GOD find righteousness amongst us today? Not righteousness that we have
defined for ourselves or others in what it looks like. But righteousness as GOD
has determined it to be. Is it present? Or is found absent and wanting in this
present day?
I do find with much amazement I might add. That in today’s
world in contrast to the days not so long past. Righteousness seems to be just
another relative term that can be changed, and/ or manipulated, to meet our
design. The existing pressures today, maybe they are being put upon us to see
just what we are made of. GOD does seem to be placed on the outside to only be
looking in where righteousness was easily found.
