And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in which Lot had dwelt. — Genesis 19:29 NKJV
Is it not interesting that on account of Abraham’s relationship with God, he was able to save his nephew Lot?
And we can all agree that the strength of relationships is hinged on constant communication and communion — the type that comes from continually seeking God’s face to know what’s on His agenda for you and His purpose for your life.
This intimacy is what inspired the intervention, as you’ll see in earlier sections of the scripture, with God stating His relationship status in these words:
Genesis 18:17 KJV [17] And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?
I mean — the Almighty God considered a man’s opinion regarding a judgment He had already set in heaven and had sent His angels to execute.
You can now see Abraham making negotiations, stating his case, and ultimately interceding for Lot’s situation with God in Genesis 18:23-33.
I tell you the truth — Abraham was that intimate with God, as the Bible records that everywhere he went, he continually raised an altar in worship to God, who had called him out of his father’s house to head into the Promised Land.
And now in our days, we’re all children of Abraham, joint heirs of the promise by faith in Christ Jesus. But are we interceding for our families, friends, and relatives?
Can your intimacy with God, on account of your habitual prayers, fastings, and supplications, save your unbelieving brothers, or a classmate who’s a drug addict, or a cousin living an immoral and sinful lifestyle?
The strength of our intimacy with God can occasion intervention in the lives of others. In constant and continual communion with God, we give ourselves the opportunity to know the will of God concerning ourselves first — and then concerning others. Because we are in constant relationship with others every day, it’s important we prioritize our relationship with God so we can also know His mind and will over those around us, just like Abraham had the opportunity to.
You see — the picture we have in the salvation of Lot is of a man living in a city whose sin had brought judgment upon them and who were due for damnation. It’s the same in the case of your relatives and acquaintances living in the bondage of sin, that except they receive Christ Jesus and repent, they’re unfortunately doomed for death, as we have it that the wages of sin is death in:
Romans 6:23 KJV [23] For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Seeing as we’re called in these last days to pray and intercede so we can intervene in the lives of people, Paul admonishes us:
1 Timothy 2:1 KJV [1] I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
We should start with our immediate family at least — which forms the building blocks of the society at large — so that the Holy Spirit will intervene and touch the hearts of sinners and unbelievers, that they may be saved.
I’d like to end with this encouraging nudge from the Prophet Samuel:
1 Samuel 12:23 KJV [23] Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way.
Imagine him calling it a sin not to intercede and pray for the people!
I don’t mean to scare you or weigh on your conscience, but in all honesty — by virtue of our redemption in Christ Jesus — we’re all called to intercede for men: in our relationships, the church, and the world at large.
Get intimate with God today. Get on your knees. Let incense rise from your altar. We’re sons of God — let’s lift our voices so we can take our place at the round table in the business of His Kingdom here on earth.
