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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Abraham asked, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (Gen 18:25). The answer is a resounding “Yes!” You are loving and merciful, not willing that any should perish. You give people chance after chance to repent before your final judgment comes. I praise you today and bless your name! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The sin of the cities of the plain was “exceedingly grave,” and the outcry of their wickedness had come up before you. What was their sin? Ezekiel said, “Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty and did an abomination before me. So I removed them, when I saw it” (Ezek 16:49–50). Knowing that Abraham’s nephew Lot was living in Sodom, you revealed to Abraham what you were about to do. You allowed Abraham to intercede for Sodom because you loved him and cared about his feelings. You wanted him to understand that your justice and mercy are perfectly balanced. You do not take pleasure in destroying the wicked, but you must punish sin. You sent your angels into Sodom to rescue Lot, who was greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of wicked. Peter later said that this shows that you know “how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment” (2 Pet 2:7–9). Lot and his wife and two daughters made it out of the city before your judgment came, but Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt. Jesus later used her as an example of how we can become so attached to this world that we end up being caught up in the destruction that falls on the ungodly (cf. Luke 17:32–33). Reflection You asked Abraham, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Gen 18:14). This question is a great reminder that you are more than a match for my problems! Request Father, help me to remain unblemished in the midst of a corrupt and sinful world. Remind me that this world is not my home—I’m only passing through. Thanksgiving Thank you for the kindness that you show to undeserving sinners. I, too, was once lost in sin, desperately needing your grace. How thankful I am for the cross! Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “The Choice of Lot” by Jeremiah Clarke. Meditation Verse: Genesis 19:26.