Read Genesis 18: 16-33
How often do we go before the Lord on someone else’s behalf because they can’t or won’t or, in some cases, don’t know they should?
Abraham was a man of God who wasn’t afraid to go before the Lord in prayer and supplication on someone else’s behalf. We first see him go before in faith for his wife, Sarai, who does not have the faith in the promise that the Lord will provide them a son (Genesis 16-17). Then we see in Genesis 18 that the Lord shared information about His plans of destruction to Sodom and Gomorrah, for “their sin is exceedingly grave” in order to show Abraham what it means to walk in righteousness with the Lord. However, Abraham cries out to the Lord for the righteous among the wicked. He continually questions the Lord, knowing his place is that of “dust and ashes” (18:27), but he is bold and continues on…then the Lord spares the righteous and the wicked.
Does this remind you of someone else?
Yes, Jesus. Romans 8:34 clearly states “Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us”.
As believers we are called to the lost; for Christ came to not only die for the righteous but for the wicked (Luke 19:10). If we are charged to make disciples who make disciples, then we are to not only pray for the righteous among us but also those who are wicked, in hope that they come to know the transformation of death to life.
Most people do not see the power of prayer, but, if prayer is exchanging our broken perspective for God’s divine perspective, the act of prayer of those who are lost or wicked will help us see them through the eyes of Christ. If we do not pray, if we do not intercede for those who can’t, won’t or do not know to, who else will?
In order to live a life of Christ, of becoming more and more like Him, are we willing to see the wicked through His eyes and see the love Christ has for them and, therefore, intercede for them?
Kelly Lawson
21 DAY PRAYER CHALLENGE
For the full challenge, go here!
Day 10: Go for a walk
Read Job 12:7-10. Take some time today and go for a walk. Enjoy the nature, even if it’s cold, and thank God for all that He is doing in your life.
