COV LIFE BLOG

Genesis 18:19-19:29 – The Great Mercies of God

In Genesis chapter 18, we see the great mercy of God on display. The people of Sodom, just like us, deserved to be punished for their sin. Like us, they deserved the wrath of God. And yet, we see here in this scene, Abraham pleading with God to have mercy and each time God says that he will have the mercy that Abraham has asked of him. Notice even the peculiar kindness of God that he doesn’t stop granting Abraham’s requests until Abraham stops asking. We don’t know what would have happened if Abraham had continued to ask, but never once did God refuse the mercy that Abraham asked of him in this moment. God is giving these people every opportunity to be spared. Do we ever stop to remember that if not for the great mercies of God that we would all still be the objects of his wrath?

SCRIPTURE FOR MEDITATION
Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Psalm 25:6
Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

MEDITATION ON THE SERMON PASSAGE
Read Genesis 18:16-18:29.

Do you notice how many times God is willing to not deliver his judgment in response to Abraham’s prayer? How often do you notice God’s mercy in your own life? Do you understand the great mercy that Christ would come to take your place?

SONG FOR THE WEEK
But God by Michael Bleecker