We are to pray and intercede in difficult relationships. Abraham interceded for Lot and Sodom. Genesis 18: 23 Abraham approached him (God) and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? 24 Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes? 25 Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” [1]
Abraham and Lot’s Relationship
Lot was Abraham’s nephew and had come from Ur with Abraham. Lot had benefited by being with Abraham. Genesis 13: 5 Lot, who was traveling with Abram, had also become very wealthy with flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and many tents.[2] This probably occurred on their side trip to Egypt.
But the great wealth of both Abraham and Lot caused them to separate. Abraham allowed Lot to choose. It seems that Lot had experienced the good life in Egypt and wanted to continue the lifestyle. Thus, Lot chose the fertile valley where Sodom was even though the people there were wicked.
Then Abraham had to rescue Lot and the people of Sodom from a coalition of four enemy kings (Genesis 14). He did this with 318 men and the help of God. Lot and the people of Sodom would have witnessed the interaction between Melchizedek and Abraham, which gave God the credit for the rescue. Even with this, they don’t appear to be thankful and return to their sin.
The relationship between Lot and Abraham seems to be rocky at this point. A servant in Abraham’s household is his heir, not Lot, who is a blood relative. Genesis 15: 2 But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth.[3]
Praying Despite the Circumstances
I have friends and family who refuse to listen to what I have to say about God. It is not helpful for me to witness to them. But I can still pray for them. I can ask God to open their eyes and hearts to hear the Gospel through a different messenger. I can pray for health and other blessings. Even though our relationship won’t allow me access, God can do a workaround.
In our story, although Abraham doesn’t appear to have a positive relationship with Lot, he intercedes on his behalf. We, too, are to pray and intercede in difficult relationships. At times, that is all we can do. But we have a God who works miracles and doesn’t want anyone to perish.
1 Timothy 2: 4 God wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.[4]
To find out more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/interceding-like-abraham
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.