Lessons on prayer, intercession, and trusting God’s justice.
Genesis 18 Scripture (World English Bible - WEB)
1: And the LORD appeared unto him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
2: And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, behold, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
3: And said, “My Lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:”
4: Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
5: And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, “So do, as thou hast said.”
6: And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.”
7: And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.
8: And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
9: And they said unto him, “Where is Sarah thy wife?” And he said, “Behold, in the tent.”
10: And he said, “I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son.” And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.
11: Now Abraham and Sarah were old, and well stricken in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
12: Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”
13: And the LORD said unto Abraham, “Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?’
14: Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”
15: Then Sarah denied, saying, “I laughed not;” for she was afraid. And he said, “Nay; but thou didst laugh.”
16: And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
17: And the LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
18: Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
19: For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”
20: And the LORD said, “Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
21: I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.”
22: And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
23: And Abraham drew near, and said, “Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
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?”
25: That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?”
26: And the LORD said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.”
27: And Abraham answered and said, “Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes.
28: Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five?” And he said, “If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.”
29: And he spake unto him yet again, and said, “Peradventure there shall be forty found there.” And he said, “I will not do it for forty’s sake.”
30: And he said unto him, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there.” And he said, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.”
31: And he said, “Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there.” And he said, “I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake.”
32: And he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there.” And he said, “I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.”
33: And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.
“Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?” – Genesis 18:25
Table of Contents
Introduction The Lord Visits Abraham Promise of Isaac Abraham Intercedes for Sodom God’s Justice and Mercy 5-Minute PrayerIntroduction
During their visit, God reaffirms His promise that Sarah will bear a son, showing that His plans are always reliable, even when they seem impossible. Abraham also intercedes on behalf of Sodom, boldly negotiating with God to spare the city if righteous people are found within it. This dialogue reveals both God’s justice and mercy, highlighting His willingness to listen to the prayers of those who earnestly seek Him.
Read also: Understanding God’s covenant and His plans for Abraham’s descendants
Genesis 18 teaches us the importance of faith-filled hospitality, trusting God’s promises, and boldly bringing the needs of others before Him in prayer. It also reminds us that God’s plans are perfect and that His mercy is available to those who seek righteousness.
As we begin today’s devotional, may we cultivate hearts of hospitality, trust in God’s promises, and approach Him confidently in intercession for others.
The Lord Visits Abraham (Genesis 18:1-8)
God appears to Abraham in the form of three men, and Abraham welcomes them, showing hospitality and reverence for the Lord.
Reflection: How can you practice hospitality and honor God in your daily interactions?
Promise of Isaac (Genesis 18:9-15)
God reaffirms His promise to Abraham and Sarah, assuring them that a child will be born despite their old age.
Read also: God’s judgment, mercy, and the consequences of sin.
Encouragement: Trust God’s promises even when circumstances seem impossible.
Abraham Intercedes for Sodom (Genesis 18:16-33)
Abraham boldly intercedes for Sodom, demonstrating faith and compassion, and showing that prayer can influence God’s actions.
Teaching Point: God honors intercessory prayer, and we can trust Him to act justly while showing mercy.
God’s Justice and Mercy
This chapter reminds us that God is just yet merciful, and He invites us to participate in His plan through prayer and obedience.
Read also: Trusting God’s protection in difficult and unexpected situations.
Reflection: Are you trusting God’s justice while seeking His mercy for others through prayer?
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Teach us to intercede for others and trust Your timing in all things.
Lord, help us to be bold in prayer, seeking Your mercy for those in need, and trusting Your justice in every situation. Strengthen our faith and understanding of Your ways.
Father, may we emulate Abraham’s compassion and faith, walking in obedience and trust. Let our prayers align with Your will, and may Your mercy flow through us to bless others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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