Abraham’s hospitality to God and His angelic companions was a magnificent example of Christian generosity, but it is not truly the highest expression of Christian service in Genesis 18. The high point of Abraham’s spiritual life is seen in his intercession with the Lord for the sparing of the righteous in Sodom.

Some might conclude that the sparing of the righteous was the result of Abraham’s fervent petition. I do not think so. I believe that God purposely revealed his intention to judge these cities in order to prompt Abraham to intercessory prayer.

Abraham escorted God and His companions as they made their way down toward Sodom. It was on this journey that God revealed to Abraham what He intended to do. The intimacy of the relationship between God and Abraham served as the motivation for God’s disclosure of His purposes for Sodom. The Abrahamic Covenant provided the foundation on which that relationship was based, necessitating that Abraham’s faith be communicated and continued by his offspring. While God’s purposes will be realized regardless, His people are responsible to keep His commands. The faithfulness of Abraham’s descendants is contrasted against the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The two angels went on toward Sodom, leaving our Lord and Abraham alone, overlooking the city. While speaking reverently, Abraham manifested a boldness with God he had not shown before. Undoubtedly Abraham’s primary concern was Lot and his family. He appealed on the basis of God's justice, which would not allow the righteous to suffer the punishment due the wicked. Abraham appealed for the sparing of Sodom in order to spare Lot, not so much out of concern to save the city or the wicked. Nevertheless it is possible Abraham might have hoped that with Lot spared along with the wicked, that they might come to faith in God in time.

Although Abraham stated his case forcefully, I do not believe this is why God assured him that his petition would be honored. Abraham's approach with God was that surely, in justice, He could not treat the righteous and the wicked alike. The righteous did not deserve to perish with the wicked. Spare the wicked and the righteous -- if a sufficient number of the righteous could be found. Once granted, the bargaining began over how many righteous it would take to save the city.

God agreed to spare the city if 50 righteous could be found (verse 26). Abraham must have doubted that such a number could be found, and so he began to plead for a lower figure. Abraham offered several options until he had reached just 10 righteous individuals found within the city would save it.

Why 10? Why not whittle the number down to 1? If one is bargaining with God, why not go for broke? I think Abraham figured 10 was a clearly sufficient number to protect Lot. Lot had a large family of presumably righteous people. He had a wife, two unmarried daughters, his married daughters and son-in-laws, and perhaps sons as well (Genesis 19:12). Surely 10 righteous could be found.

Sadly, Abraham's hopes exceeded reality. This would have resulted in tragedy except that God's grace always exceeds our expectations. In the final analysis there were only three righteous in Sodom -- Lot and his unmarried two daughters. Some might question the righteousness of the daughters from their actions in the next chapter. Regardless, God did remember Abraham’s petition. While He did not spare the city of Sodom, He did spare the righteous. He is able and willing to do far beyond what we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

Christian maturity shifts our attention from self to others. Lot continually thought of himself. Abraham's finest hour was devoted to serving others, first of all in hospitality toward "strangers" and then in intercession on behalf of Sodom. Love of God must reflect itself in a concern of others (Matthew 23:37-39).

In verses 1-8 Abraham was active in offering hospitality to the three strangers, and rightly so. This was something he could and should do. In the matter of Sodom, some might have tended to be passive. God had spoken; the city was to be destroyed; what could Abraham possibly do? He could do what you and I can do when we can do nothing else—pray. Nothing is ever beyond God’s ability to perform. If Abraham appealed according to the will of God and His character, nothing would be impossible. When any situation is beyond our control, it is not beyond God’s. Mature Christians are those who do not fail to petition God when circumstances look dark.

This, of course, does not imply that we should pray only in impossible situations. We should pray always, but mature Christians pray with the confidence that God will act according to His character, with infinite power, and in response to our petitions. When we are helpless, we are not hopeless, for the prayers of the righteous accomplish much (James 5:16). While the secular world may view it otherwise, mature Christians view prophesy as an incentive to diligent prayer and service, not as a mater of mere intellectual curiosity. All too often today Christians are fascinated by prophesy as though it were an intellectual exercise rather than something that should touch our hearts. God’s prophetic purposes are given to incite mature Christians to action (Daniel 9; 2Peter 3:11-12).

Christian maturity is seen when our thoughts are like God's. Abraham did not change God's mind; he demonstrated it. God did not suddenly alter His purposes; He informed Abraham of His purposes so that he could evidence His mercy, justice and compassion. The revelation of God’s activities in Sodom and Gomorrah was given so that Abraham’s faith could be shown in the act of intercession. Abraham knew God so well that he knew He could not destroy the wicked and the righteous together. Maturity is that point where our thoughts and actions become more like God’s.

Lest we begin to feel guilty at the realization that we do not measure up to Abraham, let alone our Lord, we must remember that this maturing process took many years. Let us also keep in mind that Abraham is soon to make another serious mistake (Chapter 20). Failure and error is no reason not to continue to press on, in God's strength, toard spiritual maturity.