Series: The Book of Genesis

Preacher: Ps. Gabriel Wong

Date: July 26, 2026

Passage: Genesis 18:16-33

Our seasons of waiting are invitations to intimacy with God. Often, we hesitate to approach Him, acting like nervous interns standing outside a busy CEO’s office, wondering if He really has the time or desire to listen to us. But through Christ, God’s door is always wide open.

In Genesis 18, we see that we have access to God as His friends. The LORD personally came and ate with Abraham. The LORD didn't hide His plans for Sodom from Abraham because of their close covenant relationship. Jesus offers us this same intimacy today. We are chosen and known by Him as friends (John 15:15).

God is a personal friend, but He is also the Holy, Righteous Judge. When He revealed that judgment was coming to Sodom, He showed that His justice isn't arbitrary or based on a whim—He is careful, measured, and reluctant to punish. Scripture warns us that a final day of judgment is coming when Jesus returns to judge the world. It’s a heavy truth that might tempt us to pull away. But like Abraham, we are invited to trust our Friend and hold onto His goodness, knowing that "the Judge of all the earth" will always do what is just.

God’s justice didn't cause Abraham to run away. It moved him to draw near. He stood before God and interceded for the city, praying with bold reverence. As we grow closer to God, His heart becomes our heart. We too are moved to plead for mercy and pray boldly for the lost, the marginalized, and even our enemies.

Yet, Abraham's bold prayers weren't enough to save Sodom, because not even ten righteous people could be found in the city. This points us to our ultimate hope: Jesus, our perfect intercessor. Where Abraham stopped at ten, Jesus intercedes for a world with zero righteous people. He didn't just ask the Father to hold back His wrath. He took the fire upon Himself on the cross so that we could be covered in His righteousness.

Because Jesus lives forever to intercede for us, the veil is torn. Let's step boldly into our Father’s arms, praying with confidence for others, knowing our perfect intercessor is always pleading on our behalf.