Act justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly. - Genesis 18:16-33

Read Genesis 18

Micah 6:8

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

The visitors to Abraham tell him that God intends to destroy Sodom because of his relationship with God. God’s covenant is a special relationship that he now has with Abraham. Like Adam and Eve in the garden, or like Noah and the ark, God is now sharing his plans and his work with mankind. Abraham intercedes for Sodom. Abraham's attitude toward the Sodomites was to intercede for them, and his relationship with God allowed him the privilege.

God promised Abraham that he and his descendants would be a blessing to the world. Here we see an example of Abraham acting according to the covenant relationship God established. He dares to make requests of God. And God listens. Just as Abraham interceded on behalf of Ishmael in the previous chapter, again he prays for mercy on behalf of the people of Sodom. These people are not part of God’s covenant, and God has made it clear that they do not deserve mercy. Still Abraham prays.

Lot's family living in Sodom was six people. Only four left the city. Only three made it all the way out to safety.

It is a significant example of the nature of God’s intention for his covenant people that Abraham’s relationship with God is so often shown as that of a mediating intercessor between God and the world. This finds its final fulfillment in Jesus, the one and perfect mediator between God and mankind. As we follow Christ’s example, we continue as God’s people to live mercifully, humbly, and prayerfully among and for our neighbours.

1 Timothy 2:1-5
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Abraham's intercession taught Abraham about the nature of God's justice.