18. ABRAHAM AS A PRAYER INTERCESSOR

Genesis 18
First: This took place in the same year when Abraham received a new promise of a child's birth (compare to 18:21). Now Sarah also had the chance to encounter the Lord and hear that she would indeed become the mother of the promised child – at the age of 90. Abraham's household had settled in the oak grove of Mamre near Hebron.
Verses 1-5. Note that Middle Eastern men never run, especially not during the hottest time of the day.

• What was unique about the Lord's appearance this time?

• The Letter to the Hebrews refers to this visit by saying: Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (13:2). Did Abraham know at this point who the visitors were, or did he perhaps treat all passersby this way? Give reasons for your opinion.

• Jesus explained how we can also host him as a guest: by receiving the hungry, thirsty, homeless, naked, sick, or imprisoned, we are actually receiving him (Matthew 25). What do you think of these words?
Verses 6-8. A seah is about 12 liters.

• Why was Abraham in such a hurry?

• Observe closely what was offered to the visitors. How long did it probably take to prepare the meal?

• Why did Abraham want to personally serve these visitors? Why weren't the servants or Sarah suitable for this task?
Verses 9-12

• Which of these two options do you find more probable: a) Abraham had told Sarah about the promise God had made him about the child during their previous encounter (27:15-16), but she hadn't believed him. b) Abraham hadn't told Sarah about the promise concerning her.

• If Abraham hadn't told his wife about God's promise, why do you think he hadn't?
Verses 13-15

• How did the visitors know who had laughed?

• Whom did Sarah laugh at? What does her laughter and the white lie reveal about her faith?

• What was Sarah afraid of when she claimed not to have laughed?

• Apply this verse to your own life: Is anything too hard for the Lord? (14a). What does God want to say to you in your current situation?

• However, the Letter to the Hebrews gives this honorable mention of Sarah: By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. (11:11) So, despite everything, what was exemplary about Sarah's faith?

• Sarah doubted God's promise. What would she have done if she had been completely overwhelmed by disbelief?
Verses 16-21. It becomes clear in the following chapter that Sodom lacked all norms of sexual life. For instance, gang rape was considered acceptable.

• What do these verses reveal to us about the relationship between God and Abraham?

• According to verse 19, what are the responsibilities of a family leader (father)?

• Whose outcry is mentioned in verses 20-21, and what was the content of the outcry?

• Think about what kind of outcry and from whom, rises from your country to the heavens when your nation has now forsaken God's commandments? (Who suffers the most from the absence of sexual norms?)
Verses 22-33. Remember that Abraham had become acquainted with the people of Sodom when he rescued them from captivity (chapter 14).

• Based on these verses, consider what Abraham thought about Sodom and its corrupt inhabitants. (If Abraham had wanted to save only the righteous from destruction, how would he have prayed?)

• What did Abraham believe about God when he started bargaining with him (25, 30, 32)?

• Think about why Abraham ceased his negotiation at ten people.

• What do these verses teach us about prayer? (What things can we pray for as persistently as Abraham did, and what things should we not?)

• As Christians, we are often scorned in our cities and workplaces. However, what is the significance of a few believers for their city and workplace even today?
Finally: Abraham knew that God loves also the people of Sodom because they are his creation. That's why he was so persistent. Jesus confirmed this by saying: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

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