EXPLORE IT! - Genesis 18

Genesis is a fantastic book of the Bible.  Its pages are full of lively accounts of our heritage as Christians.  The stories Genesis tells not only reveals details about history, but also about the character of our Heavenly Father.  Tradition holds that all the books in the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) are written by Moses.  Some scholars will argue this point, but since the author doesn’t sign his name, Moses is our best fit.

Genesis 1-11 tells the story of human history.  These passages are both poetic and narrative in nature.  Genesis 12-50 shares the historical narratives of the Israelite nation.  It’s very interesting to me that the account of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18-19 is found in the second section of Genesis and not the first as it seemingly has nothing to do with Israelite nation.  Instead it seems to be a story about the destruction of foreigners.

In Genesis 18:16-33 we enter into a discussion between God and Abraham.  God decides to fill Abraham in on His plans.  It then appears as if Abraham tries to make a deal with God, but that is not really the case.  Haggling is a common practice in all Middle Eastern business practices.  In our passage of Scripture, while it seems strange to us, Abraham is not acting out of character for someone of his culture.  Knowing that his Nephew Lot and family are in Sodom, Abraham is trying to negotiate terms for those within the city.  This concern for Lot, Abraham’s extended family, is most likely the reason this story is shared in the second half of Genesis instead of closer to the account of Noah and the flood, another story about judgment and destruction.

But I would like to suggest this account is not only about judgment and destruction.  It is also a testimonial to God’s faithfulness.  Genesis 19:29 says, “So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived.”  God remembered the conversation with Abraham and saved those who were found righteous. 

We serve a God who is not only good, but also just.  He remembers our conversations and desires to save those who know Him.  It’s our job to pray for our non-believing friends.  It’s our job to introduce them to the only one who can save them:  Jesus.  God is faithful and will be faithful to all who are found righteous.

Blessings,
Pastor Amy