Today’s Key Scripture
“The Lord said, ‘If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.’”
— Genesis 18:26
God’s covenant is essential to intercessory prayer. There are numerous examples throughout the Bible, including that of Abraham and his nephew, Lot.
Both Abraham and Lot were sharing the land, which began to cause conflict between their groups. “The land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great” (Genesis 13:6). Abraham offered to Lot that he take whatever side he wished. Lot looked over the territory and chose all the lush plain of Jordan to the east that was well watered. Then they went their separate ways (verse 11).
Wickedness ruled the area where Lot lived, and when God decided to obliterate Sodom and Gomorrah, the twin cities of the plains, Abraham pleaded that the Lord not destroy the righteous with the wicked. That’s when the Lord told Abraham about sparing the cities if there were at least 50 righteous people there.
Abraham wasn’t sure if there were that many in that evil place who could qualify. He bargained with the Lord and the number fell to 40, then 30, then 20, then 10.
There is every indication that Lot was a righteous man in a sinful city. He was perhaps one of the elders, since he was located at the gate, a place of authority. You might think that Lot, being righteous, could influence the lives of at least ten men, but he could not even persuade his own wife.
Why was he so ineffective? We never find one mention of Lot praying for anybody or anything.
May God help righteous believers today to understand the crucial role of prayers of intercession.
A Prayer for Today
God, help me to be a righteous intercessor, rightly dividing the word of truth and living my life as a faithful witness. Help me to keep my focus on growing and maturing in You every day. Direct my heart and mind toward You as I gain strength through spending time in Your Word. Anoint me for Your purpose and glory. Help me to stand strong for You. Give me the confidence to do Your works, knowing that in whatever I do, I seek to do everything in Your name and in Your will. Thank You for Your powerful presence in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
*All Scripture references are NKJV unless otherwise noted.
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