19 For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice... Genesis 18:19We’re living in a time and season where some of our cities feel more like the fire and brimstone hailed down on Sodom and Gomorra. With protest and rioting, chaos has ensued and tempers are flared. Yet across the nation, there are righteous believers in Christ, praying fervently on behalf of those citizens. When this happens there is a favor for that city to be blessed.
Our righteousness is reflected as we pray and intercede on behalf of others
I know when we hear the word righteous and favor it can sound “preachy” and “religious”. However righteous or righteousness simply means being in “morally” good standing with God.
Just like I mentioned in my previous post Power Belongs To God, righteousness belongs to God too. Apart from Jesus, no one is morally righteous or good. But as a believer, we’re automatically made righteous through Jesus and have the favor of God.
Our righteousness is reflected as we pray and intercede on behalf of others, as Abraham did for Sodom.
22 Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. 23 And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? – Genesis 18:22
Abraham knew that God was extremely displeased with what was happening in Sodom and Gomorra. Abraham was like many of us who are concerned for our families that live in areas impacted by the violence and anarchy we see on the news.
Abraham’s nephew Lot was smack dab in the middle of what God was about to destroy. Since Abraham was counted as righteous in God’s eyes, He listened to Abraham when he approached Him…not once, not five times but nine times on behalf of the citizens of Sodom!
We know that ultimately only Abraham’s nephew Lot and his family were spared from God’s judgment, but talk about persistence in prayer!
God’s favor on you is a blessing to others around you.
There are many examples throughout scripture where God’s favor on a man or woman of God spared a city or its inhabitants. Some examples include:
- Noah – who because of his righteousness in the sight of God was spared along with his family from the worse storm in mankind’s history. – Genesis 7:1
- The city of Nineveh – is another such example of God using a righteous person, the prophet Jonah to speak to them about repentance and having heard the word of God from the prophet, turned and repented of their wickedness, and God spared that city. – Jonah 3:1-10
- Rahab and her family- were saved from the fall of Jericho because of her obedience in hiding the spies Joshua sent. Joshua 2:1, 3; Joshua 6:17, 23, 25
- Joseph – Egypt was unaffected by the severe food shortage that plagued surrounding countries because of God’s hand and favor on Joseph who at the time was the prime minister of Egypt. – Genesis 41:53-55
I bring up these examples because God’s favor on you is a blessing to those around you. Never doubt that your prayers on behalf of others are to no avail. Our prayers matter to God and avail much (James 5:16).
This is a remarkable time in history for the Church. This is an opportunity for believers in every city and state to shine their light in the darkness for Christ and His Kingdom.
The Lord has placed you where you live for a purpose as His righteous representative. We have favor with God so that our cities, towns, and states can be blessed.
Be Encouraged!
Stephanie
Your list of ‘spared’ people and places is an excellent way to illustrate God’s grace and our potential to be spared if we don’t give up and give in sin in its many forms.
It takes time to look up relevant stories to make yours come alive. Good job! Great writing.
Jane I agree with you…and where would we be without God’s grace. Thank you for the encouragement!