Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 25, 2024

The Answer Is ‘Yes’

Genesis 18:16-33

1. Background/Context

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

2. The LORD Addresses Abraham 16-21

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

3. The LORD Responds to Abraham’s Appeal 22-33

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

4. The Aftermath

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

5. So What?

• 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”)