THE PRIVILEGE & THE CRITERIA FOR DESTRUCTION

Genesis 18:17,23,32

“Should I hide my plan from Abraham?” the Lord asked.

Abraham approached him and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked?

Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?”And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.”

Reading Genesis 18:16-33, two questions are brought to our attention:

The first is:

What does it take to have the privilege of knowing God's plan?

Abraham was a man of faith, this was shown to us, for God called Him righteousness, again, he was a humble and good man, his goodness gave him the opportunity to entertain angels. His blessings were sealed. However God gave a particular reason why He will not hide His plans from Abraham:

Genesis 18:17-19

“Should I hide my plan from Abraham?” the Lord asked.

“For Abraham will certainly become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him.

I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised.”

God said that Abraham was part of his plan for the earth, not just that, God was sure that Abraham will direct his sons and daughters to keep the way of the Lord. God further said that this was why He will do what He promised Him. (obedience is a criteria for promises to be fulfilled!)

So, are you on God's agenda, do you then qualify to know God's plans?

The second question is:

What is the criteria for destruction?

Two things:

Genesis 18:20

So the Lord told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant.

Firstly, when their cup is full.

Genesis 18:20 (kjv)

And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;

Remember what God said concerning the cities Abraham's descendants were to inherit:

Genesis 15:16b

for the sins of the Amorites do not yet warrant their destruction.”

There is always judgment time for the wicked. The Lord always gives opportunity for repentance, however just as the time of the flood, when the whole earth was corrupt, at that peak destruction is eminent.

Secondly, are there righteous people in the land? We see Abraham counting down from fifty up till ten, yet there wasn't ten righteousness people in Sodom and Gomorrah.

Look at your nation, state/region or community. Are there still righteous people in it?

You will then know if destruction is on the way.

Do you intercede for your nation? Are you one of the righteous? Can God vouch for you?

These things are important and should be taken seriously by believers. We must understand how our Heavenly Father operates, He has given us scriptures as a guide:

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

. . . and the Holy Spirit as a constant guide confirming and clarifying scriptures:

John 14:26

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

We will NOT err, we will NOT fail, fall or falter. We WIN, the Lord will carry us along with His plans.

So help us Good Lord.

He calls us blessed.

Love

@the watcher