Negotiating with God

Scripture: Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes.” Genesis 18:27

Observation: God announces his intention to destroy the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham speaks up and gets God to agree that if God can find 50 righteous people in the city, he will spare the whole city. Abraham then gets God to drop that number from 50 to 10 righteous people who can save the city. What gave Abraham the idea that he could negotiate with God? Why did the all-powerful God of the universe listen to the dust and ashes of a man like Abraham? Maybe what was driving Abraham to speak so boldly was the fact that God had already commissioned him to be a blessing to the world. If these cities were destroyed, how could Abraham bless them? Also, by destroying these cities, God would be killing many righteous people along with the wicked. Abraham was concerned for God’s character and reputation and sense of justice.

Application: This text puzzles me with questions about prayer and sovereignty. I also wonder why Abraham stopped at ten. Maybe he felt he could “press his luck” only so far. Maybe there was something in God’s tone that signaled negotiations were at an end. It kind of reminds me of when my kids negotiate with me for dessert. The difference here is that Abraham was negotiating not for his own benefit, but as his role as blesser of the world. Abraham is standing in between the power of God and the destruction of a city. The sense of responsibility to his mission and his desire to see God act justly towards the wicked and righteous gave him boldness.
Question: What do I feel so strongly about from God’s word that I would be willing to undertake to speak to the Lord about it? What would I be willing to press my luck with God over? How far can I press my luck before the proverbial lightning bolt falls? It seems God is not angered by Abraham’s boldness, as Abraham is acting not for selfish gain, but for the good of God. Could this principle guide me to test my motives before I open negotiations?

Prayer: God, give me bold humility in my dealings with you. Who knows that you were planning this all along and part of your plan was to get Abraham to engage with you in prayer? What is it in my life you wish me to wrestle with you over? Please continue to grow me in the area of prayer, and in this area of bold approach.

Obstacle or Opportunity?

Scripture: He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. Acts 28:30-31

Observation: Luke ends the book of Acts with Paul in prison for at least 2 years. Yet while in prison, the bible says he continued to proclaim Christ with boldness and without hindrance.

Application: I certainly would call being in prison a “hindrance” to proclaiming the kingdom of God. I would try to help God see that if released, I could do a much better job of proclaiming the kingdom. But not Paul. No matter his circumstances, he continued to proclaim with boldness. Paul did not see obstacles, only opportunities. How different this is from me. I tend to see the smallest of obstacles as excuses not to share.

Prayer: God, you are using Acts to challenge my notions of witnessing and boldness and obstacles. May you show me today obstacles that are really opportunities to share. I want to volunteer to be used by you this day.

Three Strikes, But Not Out.

Scripture: Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “Thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel…” Jeremiah 38:17

Observation: Three times Jeremiah is asked to speak the words of God to Zedekiah. The first time, he counsels surrender to Babylon, which gets him beaten. The second tie, he predicts defeat and gets thrown in a cistern. The third time he is wary of the request and only speaks after assurances there will be no reprisal. He is spared, but once again the king ignores the very counsel he himself asked for, and is defeated. I am amazed Jeremiah continues to speak God’s words instead of changing the message to save his skin. I am astounded that Judah keeps asking for words from God that they have no intention of following.

Application: When some people say they want leaders who hear from God, they really mean they want leaders who hear from God words that affirm their choices and course of action. So many times I have had people come to me to get “godly advice,” only to leave angry when they got words contrary to their plan. God is telling me to:

1. Keep telling the truth, even if I am branded a deserter, and
2. Be prepared to be rejected, but not to worry, God can and will deliver me.

Prayer: God, I don’t know who this applies to in my life right now, or if it is a preparation for an upcoming challenge. Help me to hear from you and speak truth to those in my life—and not words that will make them (or me) feel better.