This passage in Genesis 18 is significant because it records Abraham’s inductive discovery of his mediatorial (priestly) role. In addition to promising Abraham that he would become a great nation, God had promised him that he would be a blessing to others, that is, he would be a mediator of blessing. Here in Genesis 18:17-21 God makes a point of letting Abraham know that he is about to bring judgement down upon Sodom and Gomorrah and, in doing so, adds in a reminder of the promise that Abraham would be a mediator of blessing to the world (vs. 18). Abraham’s nephew, Lot, was living in that region at the time so Abraham is alarmed and says to God: “Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city?” Abraham must have been surprised at his own impertinence in saying such a thing to God. But this is exactly what God wanted from him. Possibly to Abraham’s greater surprise, God conceded to his indirect request. With this, Abraham goes further and again God concedes. The pattern goes on and on and each time God answers in the affirmative in response to Abraham. This is a remarkable moment; the first intercessory prayer in Scripture. Abraham is realising here that God is prepared, in a sense, to make him part of the decision making. God wants to show grace to people and bless them, but he will only do this through the prayers of his people. That’s because we were made responsible for this world (Genesis 1:28) and so if God does anything, he does it through us.
Do you know someone in need? Intercede for them.
Read Genesis 18:16-33.
