January 7

Genesis 18-19 Light and Darkness

Scientists tell us there is no such thing as darkness. There is only the absence of light. In our reading today we see what happens when the light disappears from a city and region. That region falls into moral and spiritual confusion. Fathers forget to take care of their daughters. People deliberately violate the natural boundaries of sexuality. Violence takes over. And according to Ezekiel 16:48-49, people forget to take care of the poor and needy.
'Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.

Isn’t it interesting to also see the compassion and mercy of God in these two chapters? In the dialogue with Abraham, God states that he would have spared this whole region if there were only 10 righteous people living there. That shows us the power of the light.

Another interesting question comes to mind after reading Genesis 18, “Can we change the mind of God?” The short answer is no. It is most likely that God changed Abraham’s mind.

Here are some notes from the Life Application Bible:

“Abraham knew that God is just and that he punishes sin, but he may have wondered about God’s mercy. Abraham seemed to be probing God’s mind to see how merciful he really was. He left his conversation with God convinced that God was both kind and fair. Our prayers won’t change God’s mind, but they may change ours just as Abraham’s prayer changed his. Prayer helps us better understand the mind of God.”

So what is our homework as “light” bearers in the midst of the darkness of the state of Connecticut?
First of all, remember the kindness and mercy of God when you are tempted to think otherwise. Don’t ask God for justice, ask for his mercy. God doesn’t owe us anything, we owe God everything.
Second, live your life and clearly shine the light. Do this in a winsome way, but don’t shrink back from declaring the truth. As light bearers we stand for a personal relationship with God, strong families, caring and protective fathers, lifelong intimacy of one man and woman in marriage, helping the poor, sending money to Africa to build wells, leadership development throughout the world. That is the light that will change the world.
Third, be an advocate. Abraham interceded for the lost region of Sodom. Through prayer, we can intercede for the lost throughout the world. We are praying at 10:02 every day for God to raise up workers in the harvest. Join us in this world changing prayer movement.

It’s not what you believe that counts; it’s what you believe enough to do that counts.