• theme of justice connected to preceding narrative
• justice validated through Abraham’s intercession

• a sovereign soliloquy and its rationale
• announcement of the investigation of Sodom
• defining righteousness and justice

• Abraham’s appeal for justice
• Abraham’s humble, persistent and targeted intercession
• assurance of mercy in the midst of judgment

• Lot rescued (19:1-22; 2 Pet. 2:7), Sodom destroyed (19:23-28), Abraham remembered (19:2)

• Because the LORD’S mercy flows even in judgment, recognize His righteousness and rejoice in His revelation.
• See the destruction of Sodom as a warning of the certainty of God’s ultimate judgment (Luke 17:28-30; Rom. 9:29; 2 Pet. 2:6; Jude 7).
• “There is no refuge from God, only in God.” (D. Kidner)
• connection to NT and Christ: Rom. 8:1; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 1:3; Psa. 24:3
• conform…convey…cry (Hab. 3:2)
• “Your mercy flows upon us like a river. Your mercy stands unshakable and true. Most holy God, of all good things the Giver, we turn and lift our fervent prayer to you. Hear our cry, O Lord, be merciful once more. Let your love, your anger stem; remember mercy, O Lord, again.” (W. Sutton, “Your Mercy Flows”)

• to stagger us
• to show us

• Elohim
• El Shaddai
• significance of a name change

• orientation
• renewal of covenant promises
• “…walk before me…blameless…”
• Ishmael and Isaac (Gen. 21:1-7)
• same day submission

• Since the Lord keeps His promises, anticipate His future faithfulness in every facet of your life.
• “God loves to magnify His sovereign grace and keep us in our humble place.” (Piper)
• Orient your life to God’s presence and God’s promises.
• It really is all about Jesus (John 8:58)!

• significance of “After these things…”
• protection and provision

• Abram’s address:”…O Lord GOD…”
• Eliezer of Damascus: slave as heir? Abram: father of any/many

• when promise and problem intersect
• repetition, clarification and expansion (Psa. 147:3-4)

• verse 6: believed…counted…righteousness
• repeated in Rom. 4:3, Gal. 4:6, Jas. 2:23
• The Lord’s confirmation points us to the cross (Gen. 15:7-21, Isa. 45:22)

• Because the LORD has the power to protect and provide for you, understand that your circumstances pose no problem for Him.
• Don’t fear or fret. Do delight and depend. Expect Him to be what you call Him!
• “I am the God of the stars. They do not lose their way. Not one do I mislay. Their times are in my hand. They move at my command.” (A. Carmichael) “Standing on the promises that cannot fail, when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, by the living word of God I shall prevail, standing on the promise of God.” (R. Carter)

• from the covenant with Noah to the covenant with Abram (Gen. 31:53, Josh. 24:2)
• cast of characters and itinerary

• Get out! … Be a blessing.
• promises: land, nation, name, blessing

• leaving his “world” to follow the LORD’S command (Gen. 15:6, Heb. 11:8)
• without the benefit of travel brochures or social media
• obedience in spite of advanced age and the presence of idolatry

• revelation by word and appearance
• heavenly visitation and confirmation of promises

• tent and altar
• worship prompted by the word

• Because the LORD is the ultimate deliverer and promise-keeper, forsake all to worship Him and serve His purposes.
• Resolve, by God’s grace, to live as a sojourner and worshiper.
• Connection to Christ: Luke 9:57-62, Rev. 5:1-11
• “Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty, hold me with Thy pow’rful hand…” (W. Williams)