Daily Thought

We could describe the story of Abraham and Lot, his nephew, as an exercise in brotherly relations. In Genesis chapter 13 verse 8, Abraham deferred to his brother. In Genesis chapter 14 verse 4, Abraham delivered his brother. In Genesis chapter 18 verses 23 to 33, Abraham interceded for his brother.

Genesis chapter 18 helps us to understand why Abraham’s intercession was so effective.

First, we should notice the intimacy of his communion with God. Abraham is called ‘the Friend of God’, Jas 2. 23, citing 2 Chronicles chapter 20 verse 7 and Isaiah chapter 41 verse 8, and this close relationship becomes apparent when God says, ‘Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do’, v. 17. The Lord Jesus said, ‘Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you’, John 15. 15.

Second, we should notice the integrity of his life before God. ‘For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment’, v. 19. God knew that Abraham could be trusted to use his influence properly. The Apostle John reminds us that ‘whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight’, 1 John 3. 22.

Third, we should notice the implicitness of his faith in God. ‘That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?’, v. 25. In perplexing circumstances, we can exclaim with Paul, ‘Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me’, Acts 27. 25.

Fourth, we should notice the importunity of his prayer to God. This is so clear from verses 23 to 32. Like Epaphras centuries later, he ‘[laboured] fervently’ in prayer, Col 4. 12.

We see the effectiveness of Abraham’s intercession, for ‘it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow’, Gen. 19. 29. In other words, ‘the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much’, Jas. 5. 16. How effective are our prayers? Do we really expect results?