100 Days of HopeSample

Negotiating With God

Six times Abraham reasons with the Lord on behalf of Sodom. He was concerned for the righteous in the city; or perhaps God was curious whether Abraham would intercede on their behalf; or maybe God wanted to reveal that He is just, reasonable, and willing to negotiate.

In this passage, the Lord makes Himself vulnerable. Abraham knows God to be just, so the thought of Him slaying the righteous with the wicked is preposterous. We see Abraham’s emphatic disagreement: “Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” The very nature of the almighty God stands in question, as Abraham confronts God on His apparent injustice.

Yet, in this process of negotiation, the Lord gently reveals His just nature. He invites Abraham into His plans, knowing Abraham’s response, and in the end, justice prevails for the Lord and for Abraham. Ultimately, Abraham came to see justice not only in the heart of God, but also in his own heart, as he contended for the few that were righteous in a land wrought with unrighteousness.

As I think through circumstances in my life, I can’t help but wonder if the Lord is revealing His nature for the twofold purpose of allowing me to know Him more and then seeing my heart transform to reflect His. Perhaps you’re faced with a trial. What part of the Lord’s nature do you “know” to be true but are currently doubting? Maybe it’s time for a conversation with the Lord. Ask Him to show you what it looks like for Him to be true to His name. The process will likely result in heart transformation for you as well.

Prayer: Lord, you are just, holy, and righteous. Reveal yourself to us in our doubt, and transform our hearts to become more like yours.