Abraham: “a friend of God”! (James 2:23) Abraham believed, obeyed, and feared God. What a friend! Another sign of genuine friendship is when common concerns are shared.
Abraham had a heart troubled by the lawless deeds of others. God is also troubled by the sinfulness of mankind. However, God is also gracious and concerned for the lost.
God was distressed with the sinfulness of Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns, and was therefore going to destroy them. This was something God chose to not hide from Abraham. (Genesis 18:17) How did Abraham respond to the information? He was concerned for those who lived there. Therefore, Abraham pleaded with God that if but fifty, then forty-five, and then forty, thirty, twenty, and finally down to requesting that if even ten righteous were found, that God might spare them. (Genesis 18:16-33) Ten would have been sufficient to spare these towns. Unfortunately, not even ten could be found. Perhaps a side lesson here is for us not to underestimate the power of our presence in a sinful world as we live after the righteousness of God.
Are we concerned about the things of which God is concerned? Do we share a kindred spirit with God over sin while also holding out hope for repentance? Remember God had a concern for Nineveh, and yet Jonah did not share that concern. Yes, he eventually went and preached to the people of Nineveh, but it appears he still did not think they were worthy of God’s mercifulness. In fact, Jonah complained rather than rejoice (Jonah 4:1-2) over God’s willingness to withhold His destruction.
Since we have received the benefits of God’s grace and mercy, should we not share a desire for the world to come to experience it as well? Do we share a concern for lost souls?
Paul expressed his own view in these words:
“(14) I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. (15) So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. (16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:14-16 ESV)
Let us share a concern for the interests of God that we, like Abraham, may also be called His friends!
Have a great day ALLOWING GOD’S MATTERS TO MATTER TO US!
Carl
