08-18-2025 PART 2: Mercy at the Threshold Abraham’s Bold Plea and Sodom’s Dark Descent

Section 1

Sodom and Gomorrah are depicted in Scripture as overwhelmingly corrupt, their sin both blatant and unrepentant. The narrative does not reduce their behavior to simple inhospitability, as some claim, but describes them as sexually perverse, aggressive, and entirely uninterested in turning toward God. Their deviance was not limited to one act, but characterized the entire culture: a willful rejection of God’s design and an unrestrained pursuit of every corruption. When Lot’s visitors arrived, the men of the city demanded access to them, underscoring a society that sought to exploit rather than welcome, to violate rather than honor. The testimony of Jude and Romans confirms this truth: these cities pursued unnatural desires, despised righteousness, and rejected repentance. The point is not a lack of manners but the depth of moral decay, the picture of a people unwilling to hear or heed God.

Section 2

Amid this dark backdrop, the text highlights something extraordinary: “the Lord remained with Abraham.” Two angels continue toward Sodom, but the Lord Himself lingers, choosing to stay with Abraham for a while. This moment reveals not only divine sovereignty but also divine intimacy—God pauses to remain near His servant. It is a stunning scene: the Creator of the universe tarrying to engage personally with one man. Abraham does not take this lightly; he approaches with humility, yet the nearness of God emboldens him to speak. The Judge of all the earth is not distant or disinterested, but relational, personal, and willing to listen. This lingering presence reminds us that even in times of impending judgment, God invites conversation, fellowship, and engagement. The abiding God, who could move on immediately, instead demonstrates His love by drawing near.

Section 3

From that abiding presence flows Abraham’s intercession. Aware of the seriousness of God’s intent, Abraham asks if the righteous will perish alongside the wicked. Beginning with fifty, he appeals to God’s justice and mercy: surely the Judge of all the earth will do what is right. His plea is not defiance but reverence, using God’s own revealed character as the basis for prayer. The bold humility in Abraham’s request shows both trust and desperation, pressing into the heart of God on behalf of others. He knew that even a small number of righteous could bear witness to God’s goodness, and so he dared to ask if their presence might bring mercy upon the city. This is intercession at its core—not demanding, not casual, but persistent, faithful pleading for grace in the midst of judgment. Abraham’s example urges us to stand in that same place: lifting up prayers for mercy, confident that God’s justice is never without compassion.