For Lot's Sake

Dear Christa—

God chose Abraham. And when God revealed himself as the one true God, Abraham chose God. A covenant was made, and from that time on, God had a relationship with Abraham that was significant.

The rest of the world seemed to be about doing their own things, worshiping their own gods—the fake ones—the ones that really placed the focus on people and their selfishness. But, it didn’t change that the world was still the creation of the One, True God. And, he was aware and took action within his world.

There came a time that God decided to bring judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, but before he did, he told Abraham of his intention. And Abraham’s reaction is where the story gets interesting.

As Abraham walked with God and learned of his intentions, his thoughts bent toward Lot, his own flesh and blood. Lot had been foolish in many ways, thinking he could mix the ways of the world and the ways of God. People of Sodom knew him, but they did not listen to him.

So, as Abraham walked with God, he inquired of the Lord if he would destroy the righteous with the unrighteous. Realizing he was pressing God, very God, he still pleaded for the salvation of his kinsman. Would God destroy it for the sake of 50 to 10, he asked. I notice in what way he asked his petition—honoring, yet pushing, for so great was his love for Lot. And, God promised he would not destroy it for the sake of 10 righteous people. Surely in the cities of the plains, there were 10 righteous people, but there were not.

Yet, as the angels pushed Lot and his family on their way, they told Lot they could not do what they’d come to do until he was gone. God would stay his hand for even this one wayward man. It appears he did it for the sake of Abraham.

What if I loved as great as Abraham? What if I boldly asked for too much, for beyond reason, for the undeserving? Are we not all undeserving?

What if I believed in God to that extent?

What if I expected God to act to that extent?

—the parishioner who doesn’t do anything