Good morning!
Text: Genesis 18-20; Psalm 7
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah are stark statements of God’s wrath upon wickedness. The truth of this story ought to be a stern warning to our own culture – as violence and immorality seem to prosper. Before the Lord rains fire and sulfur on these cities, He clues Abraham in, and there is an interesting discourse. Abraham asks (knowing that his nephew, Lot, lives in Sodom) whether the Lord will destroy the righteous along with the wicked. The Lord is very patient with Abraham – and makes it clear that He will not.
Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” (Genesis 18:32)
The Lord then evacuates Lot, his wife and daughters – and then destroys the cities.
So… here is something to think about. You and I have been made righteous by the blood of Jesus, and we live in an increasingly wicked culture. Why has God withheld His judgment? Is it possible that we – the Church – are the shield for the wicked around us? If so, why would God do that? Simple. He is a God of mercy, and there are yet those among the wicked who will repent, come to Jesus and be saved. It brings our Gospel mandate into focus, doesn’t it?
in Him, Mike