In Genesis 18, we read about God’s conversation with Abraham just before He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. God decided to tell Abraham of His decision to destroy the city: ‘I have heard many complaints against the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. They are very evil. I will go down and see if they are as bad as I have heard. If not, I will know’ (Genesis 18:20-21 NCV). God has no need to justify His actions to anyone, so why did He explain to Abraham? One of the possible reasons can be found in the previous verse: ‘I have chosen him so he would command his children and his descendants to live in the way the Lord wants them to, to live right and be fair.’ God had promised that Abraham would be the founder of a ‘great nation’ (take a look at Genesis 12:2), and Abraham was responsible for passing on his knowledge and teaching God’s way of living, so the nation would be equipped to grow into a righteous, godly one. The destruction was a demonstration of what would happen to people who sinned and refused to repent, and it was a powerful lesson that Abraham could teach to others – as well as witnessing the destruction of the city for himself (see Genesis 19:27-28), he understood God’s motive. When God reveals something to us, it’s important that, like Abraham, we listen and take notice of what He’s saying, even if we don’t understand it at first. He might give words of warning, guidance, teaching or comfort, but whatever He reveals to us, let’s hold on to it and value it. And if we can, let’s use what God’s revealed to us to show others the right way and stay on God’s path.

What Now?

Think about something that God’s revealed to you. If it’s appropriate to share, think of a way to use it to teach, help or encourage someone else.