Stand in the Gap
Posted by Karah
Pause
Spend some time thanking God for all the ways He has shown you He is in control of your life this past week.
If you knew that a disaster was coming, what steps would you take to warn the people around you? Jot down your plan of action.
Now, read Genesis 18:16-33 in your Bible to see how Abraham responded in a similar situation.
“Then Abraham answered, “Since I have ventured to speak to the Lord—even though I am dust and ashes—suppose the 50 righteous lack five. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” He replied, “I will not destroy it if I find 45 there.” —Genesis 18:27
Over the last few weeks you’ve learned about God being a covenant God—faithful and true to His word. Abraham understood that. So, when God told Abraham that judgment was coming to Sodom, Abraham believed Him.
But Abraham also knew that God is merciful, and he boldly and respectfully interceded on behalf of the residents of Sodom. That would be easy to understand if the people of Sodom had been godly or seeking to follow God. But it was a place of wickedness, full of people bent on pursuing sin. Still, Abraham stepped forward to intercede on their behalf.
Think about the world we live in. How is Abraham’s situation similar to ours? Explain.
As a Christian, you know that eternal judgment and destruction are coming to those who do not have a relationship with Jesus. What does today’s passage teach you about how you should live in light of that?
The Point
God is a God of mercy and redemption.
Respond
Do you have the courage to stand in the gap for the lost people around you? List the names of three people you know personally who don’t have a relationship with Christ.
Set aside a time this week devoted to praying specifically for those people. Know that you might be praying for weeks, months, or even years. Pray for opportunities for you and other believers to share your faith.
Behind the Story
Sodom and Gomorrah were two neighboring cities, probably located in the Valley of Siddim near the southern end of the Dead Sea. They were known for their sinfulness. Abraham’s nephew Lot made this place his home after a dispute between them (Gen. 13).4
4Trent Butler, “Soddom and Gomorrah,” Holman Bible Dictionary, studylight.org, [cited 20 April 2014]. Available from Internet: http://www.studylight.org
Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions