Bible Reading Blog
“Intercession”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Genesis 18
Abraham knew that Sodom and Gomorrah were wicked (Genesis 18.20-21), but he still attempted to intercede for them. As the angels left, he “still stood before the LORD and said, ‘Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?’” (18.23).Notice he didn’t lobby on behalf of the wicked, or against the need for justice (18.25b). Instead, he pleads according to God’s desire for righteousness. Following the flood, God acknowledged the evil intentions of every man’s heart (Genesis 8.21). But we also learn God’s merciful nature in dealing with humanity (Genesis 8.22).
As Abraham walked with God, he seems to have learned this quality. “Far be it from you… to put the righteous to death with the wicked” (Genesis 18.25). Abraham knew the challenges of living righteously before a perfect and holy God. But his boldness was not self-righteous or subjective. He appealed for God to promote righteousness through mercy to others who were making efforts to honor Him. But Abraham still understood his place in this conversation. “…I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes…” (Genesis 18.27). Regardless of his opinion or the outcome he understood God’s right and perfection as the Creator. Abraham submitted himself to God’s goodness in humility and boldness, trusting God’s perfect decision making.
Abraham’s intercessory conversation with God reveals critical truths about this world. Even the righteous remain at the mercy of God (1 Peter 4.18-19). Abraham’s efforts did not require God to act, or even listen for that matter. But God does, even beyond what makes sense. Abraham’s apologetic tone reveals his understanding that he was treading on God’s turf.
To this day, intercession is a critical need with humanity and the Almighty God. This is why the gospel announces Jesus as our perfect high priest, who acts on behalf of men in relation to God (Hebrews 5.1-ff). Through Christ we have a perfect intercessor, who was tested in all points as we are yet without sin. Jesus learned obedience through the things he suffered, and now lives to intercede for us at the right hand of God. He understands our weakness and pleads for mercy in a more perfect way than Abraham did.
This does absolve us of the practice of righteousness but rather constrains us to greater obedience and service towards other. As Paul would urge, let “prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people… and those in high positions… God our Savior desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2.1-4). Because we follow Jesus who intercedes for us, we also boldly intercede for good in our world.
The longer we walk with God, the more we should desire what he desires. We should learn to see him as Supreme and ourselves as the mortals we are. We should love his righteousness and justice as good and necessary to life. Through his mercy and grace, we can know and live right with him. That should change how we view ourselves and others. Like Abraham, we should grow in compassion and mercy towards others who are struggling through this broken world of sin just as us and plead for God to deal mercifully with the few who are practicing righteousness.
