Series: Called To Promise [#10]
INTERCEDING WITH FAITH
Genesis 18:16-33
Introduction:
In the journey of faith, intercession holds a vital place. It is the act of standing in the gap for others, bringing their needs before God with confidence and trust in His mercy. Genesis 18 presents us with a profound example of intercession through Abraham, who boldly approached God on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah. This passage reveals not only the importance of intercession but also the faith that fuels it- A faith that believes God is just and merciful, and that He desires to save and deliver His people.
Interceding with faith requires more than just concern; it demands a trust in God's character and His promises. Abraham’s dialogue with God demonstrates a deep relationship rooted in faith. His intercession reflects a heart aligned with God's justice and mercy; showing us that effective prayer is grounded in knowing who God is. As we explore this passage, let us be inspired to develop a faith that boldly intercedes, trusting that God hears and responds to the cries of His children.
Genesis 18:16-23
Interceding with…
1. Boldness.
Abraham’s intercession begins with boldness. When he approaches God, he does so with confidence, asking, “Will You sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” (Genesis 18:23). This boldness is rooted in his understanding of God's justice and mercy. Abraham knows that God is just, but also compassionate and willing to spare the righteous. His bold questioning shows that effective intercession involves approaching God with honesty and faith, not hesitance.
This teaches us that we can come before God without fear, knowing that He invites us to intercede. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us, “Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Abraham’s example challenges us to approach God boldly, trusting that He desires to hear our prayers rooted in faith. Our intercession should be marked by confidence that God is able and willing to intervene, especially for those who are vulnerable and in need.
Genesis 18:24-25
Interceding with…
2. Compassion.
Abraham’s intercession is not just bold; it is compassionate. He pleads with God, saying, “What if there are fifty righteous within the city? Will You destroy it for fifty?” His concern extends beyond himself; he cares deeply about the righteous in Sodom. This compassion fuels his intercession, showing that effective prayer for others arises from a heart of love and concern.
This compassion reflects God's own nature. As His children, we are called to mirror His compassion in our intercession. When we intercede, we must do so with a heart that genuinely cares for others, trusting that God's mercy extends to the most undeserving. Our prayers should be motivated by love, believing that God desires to save and restore, not condemn.
Genesis 18:26-32
Interceding with…
3. Persistence.
Abraham’s dialogue with God demonstrates persistence. He does not stop at 50; he continues to negotiate, asking if God would spare the city for 45, then 40, and so on, down to 10. This persistence highlights the importance of continual prayer in intercession. Abraham’s willingness to keep asking shows that faith-filled intercession is persistent and unwavering.
This teaches us that persistent prayer is vital. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Abraham’s example encourages us to keep praying, even when answers seem delayed. Faithful intercession requires perseverance, trusting that God’s timing and mercy are perfect. Our consistent prayers demonstrate our faith that God is able to act and is willing to save those we pray for.
Genesis 18:33
Interceding with…
4. Faith in God’s justice and mercy.
Finally, Abraham’s intercession is rooted in a profound trust in both God's justice and mercy. He recognizes that God is just and will not overlook sin, yet he also believes in God's mercy to spare the righteous. When Abraham ceases his negotiation, he leaves the matter in God's hands, trusting that God's justice and mercy will prevail.
This balance between justice and mercy is central to effective intercession. Hebrews 11:6 affirms, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Abraham’s faith in God's character enables him to intercede effectively. We, too, must trust in God’s perfect justice and mercy as we pray, knowing that He is capable of both judging rightly and extending grace abundantly.
Conclusion:
Interceding with faith is a divine privilege and responsibility. Abraham’s example teaches us that boldness, compassion, persistence, and trust in God's justice and mercy are essential qualities of effective intercession. As believers, we are called to approach God confidently, caring deeply for others, persevering in prayer, and trusting in His perfect nature.
Today, I invite you to examine your own prayer life. Are you interceding with faith, believing that God is able and willing to intervene? Are you persistent in prayer, trusting in His timing? If you feel the burden to pray for someone or a situation, step forward in faith, knowing that God hears and responds to the cries of His children. As we come to the altar, let us commit ourselves to intercede boldly, compassionately, persistently, and with unwavering faith, trusting that God will move in His mercy and justice. Come now and dedicate your prayers to the Lord, trusting that He will answer according to His divine will and purpose. Let us intercede with faith, knowing our God is able.
