Readings: Genesis 18, Genesis 19, Genesis 20

Genesis 18:24 – “Abraham approached and said, ‘Will you really sweep away the innocent with the guilty?'”

Genesis 18 begins with 3 men visiting Abraham. He graciously welcomes them, giving them water and shade, then food. One tells Abraham that he will return next year and that by then Sarah will have a son. Sarah laughs at this notion. She “was no longer menstruating.” In the end, God responds, “Is anything too difficult with the Lord?”

One visitor remains (the Lord) and the other 2 head to Sodom. The Lord shares the depravity of Sodom with Abraham. He learns of God’s justice. Abraham then negotiates with God to spare the city. God agrees to save the city for 50 innocent people. Then for 45… 40… 30… 20… and finally for 10. Abraham learns of the depth of God’s mercy. The 2 men who went to Sodom meet Lot and are welcomed into his home. Very soon, though, the depth of Sodom’s sin is revealed. Lot and his wife and daughters escape the city just before it is destroyed. Lot’s wife, however, looks back and is turned to a pillar of salt. Chapter 19 ends with Lot’s daughters sleeping with a drunk Lot to preserve the family line.

In chapter 20 Abraham returns to his old ways as he again lies about Sarah’s identity to save his own skin. That same fear returns. But this time God intervenes sooner, keeping Abimelech innocent. The king confronts Abraham, who admits his fear. To make things right, Abimelech blessed Abraham with flocks and servants and money and an offer of land. All is set right. Abraham then blessed Abimelech and his household. Good health returns to them all.

In today’s chapters we are reminded once again of the depth of God’s love for humanity, of God’s great justice and mercy, and of God’s abundant care for each of God’s children. We are recipients of all this and more. In response, we say, thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, through these challenging stories we see your love, your grace, your mercy, your care. What was true long ago remains true for us today. We rejoice in and celebrate today who you are, O God. Amen.