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Genesis 18.23 (NIV)
Then Abraham reproached him and said: “Will you
sweep away the righteous with the wicked?”
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God’s plans can be on a greater scale than
our worthy, heartfelt prayers.*
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When God came down to investigate the
reported wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham assumed the role of mediator
on their behalf. God offered to spare the city of Sodom if he found at least 50
righteous people there. Abraham negotiated for 45, then to 40 to 30 to 20 and
finally, at ten, he gave up.
I don’t imagine that Sodom and Gomorrah were
any more or less wicked than our world is today. Perhaps it seems worse today because
we are exposed to it through our television, movie and computer screens and
have become desensitized to man’s depravity. I confess that sometimes I wonder
why I’m not more appalled at what I see and hear.
I have prayed that God would spare the United
States for the sake of the righteous. I know that there are more than 50 good
people in this country. My negotiating skills don’t seem to be any better than
Abraham’s because it looks like my country is heading down the path of
destruction.
Why was God willing to spare Sodom and Gomorrah
but, apparently, not America? Perhaps the lives of ten good people are more
valuable than the political freedom of thousands. We American Christians have
the notion that we have replaced Israel as God’s chosen people. Why? Because he
has blessed us? Because our country was founded on Christian principles?
Because we are a beacon of hope to the oppressed and exploited nations of the
world?
We have forgotten that the “Church did not
need constitutional protection in order to take root in a hostile pagan culture
two thousand years ago.”* The church flourished in the midst of
persecution then and still does in other parts of the world today. What we need
is not to “take America back” for Jesus, but to take his church back for him.*
Back to Abraham’s question regarding sweeping
away the righteous along with the wicked: Yes, Abraham, if that’s what it
takes.
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The first century church didn’t pray for an easing of
persecution; they prayed for courage to speak the truth regardless of the
consequences.*
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*Quote sources available upon request.
so true. I have read where "the persecuted church" in many countries actually pray for us/America. sometimes we think the church grows strong when there is freedom and no hostility; but actually that is not true. the "numbers" may grow but not the spiritual growth I believe is what God intends. that kind of growth, along with numbers of course comes with when we have to put our faith on the line so to speak no matter what is at stake - persecution in various degrees. we truly only grow strong when we HAVE TO. I do hate the thought but the best thing that could happen to the church is not if but when real persecution comes to America - that is when Christians will find their truth strength and spiritual maturity. you only truly stand for something when you risk the loss of everything for it and know that "it" "CHRIST" is all you needed anyways.
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