Genesis 18:20-21 And the LORD said, "The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave. "I will go down now, and see if they have done entirely according to its outcry, which has come to Me; and if not, I will know."
Murder, Lying, Stealing, Rape, Adultery: Which one is worse? According to God? Well whatever sin Sodom and Gomorrah were committing, God calls it exceedingly grave. That sounds pretty bad to me.
Webster.com defines grave, the adjective, as significantly serious. Now since we know that God considers all sin very serious - to share with Abraham that these people are committing significantly serious sin leaves one to wonder what in the world these people are doing.
Here's something that's extremely interesting: How does God know about the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah? Well we all know that God knows everything. He's well aware of the sinning that's going on. Sin goes on all the time and God doesn't blow people up - America would've been gone a long time ago. Why is He stepping in and not allowing it to continue? Because His people have prayed. If there was ever a question about God hearing our prayers - this is the answer. The people are praying about the situation in Sodom and Gomorrah.
It wasn't just one prayer in passing that caused God to take such action - it was the constant continual prayer of His people. If you are asking God to take control of a situation - He needs to know you are serious about it. Do you care enough about what ever the issue is to offer it up in prayer on a constant basis? Does it mean enough for you to bring it before God every time you are on your knees?
7 comments:
Were any of the people in Sodom and Gomorah good people who were praying? I am not going anywhere with this, I just can't remember. Obviously it is something that I need to reread. Once I finish reading the Bible cover to cover I plan on rereading most of it again right away. I have learned so much and I really enjoy reading your take on these stories.
One thought on the ones who were praying was that it was 'family'. Abraham was praying for his nephew.
One of the sins mentioned about Sodom and Gomorrah was 'idleness'. I know that may not be the one usually associated with it - otherwise known as sodomy - but God doesn't look kindly on either one.
Thanks for the thoughts you shared too.
Oh, by the way, there is strong indication that Lot prayed for Sodom as well. But sad to say, the lifestyle of Sodom 'captured' most of his family even though he prayed.
Where a family lives does matter.
Keep sharing
Reminds me of the instance of the burning bush where God tells Moses that He has heard the cry of His people in Egypt. I love your posts...they are perfect bite-sized studies...like morning devotions. Something we can reflect on during the day. Keep up the great work.
In the previous post, it talks about Abraham looking out toward Sodom. There are many neighboring cities that I'm sure are affected by the sins of Sodom. Perhaps like Australia and Canada praying for America during the terrorist attacks or even Baton Rouge, La praying for New Orleans during hurricane Katrina. You are right, there were none righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah (not counting Lot). As for the sins, Bringer of Peace is correct that God doesn't like any sin. Good link to Moses as well. I am learning right along with you as I do this and really appreciate what you all have to offer. Thank you!
what a powerful prelude to tomorrow's events in Washington! We need to be people who diligently pray for our country and its leaders...constantly!! The Lord has specifically called me to be about prayer tomorrow...but I needed this reminder to NOT STOP!
Thank you, Jesus, that you hear to prayers of your people!
thanks for sharing this, dorothy, I love the title, too!!
I believe you have hit on the best kept secret among God's saints: prayer is powerful. I have found if I want to save money on refreshments I can invite a large group of saints to a Prayer gathering. Seriously when I attend conferences I have learned when I go to any training, called prayer time or anything connected with prayer only a small percentage of the group will show up.
I'm convinced if we witnessed answered prayers as we diligently came together and agreed in prayer you couldn't keep us away from prayer.
Keep teaching Dorothy this is good!!!
Prayer--you know I believe strongly in prayer--continuous prayer.
Only God has the power, the might, the strength and the unconditional love for us to bring about change.
He is in control, Dorothy, always in control.
I'll be posting my prayer in just a little bit. Thanks for stopping by and visiting God's new vision in our lives as a way to intercede for others.
Beth
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