Bible Studies

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Pleading with God
It’s not without reason that Abraham is thought of as the greatest of patriarchs, and Genesis 18 is one his high points. Here he pleaded with God for the lives of Lot, his family, and people he didn’t even know. The why of the pleading is resident on Abraham’s character. The how of the pleading is something we can study.
Abraham approached God with reverence and humility: “I who am but dust and ashes.” His plea did not depend upon his position or achievements, but upon the merits of the case and the character of God. “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” Abraham appealed to the character of God as a righteous judge. God’s character includes mercy, unfailing love, patience, and holiness.
Pleading with God can be based on His promises. Later in Genesis, Abraham’s grandson Jacob pleaded with God for safety when meeting his estranged brother Esau, saying “Please deliver me from the hand of my brother,…for I fear him... But You said, ‘I will surely do you good…(Gen.32:11-12)’” By one count, God has made 868 promises through the Bible, and it’s appropriate to bring them forth.
Pleading with God can be based on the commands He has given us. In Matthew 9:37-38. Jesus instructs His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” As laborers, we should ask God for the tools and co-laborers to do the job.
When Abraham was finished, he “returned to his place” not knowing the outcome. But he’d done what he could, and it was then in God’s hands.
Years later, a Man prayed in a garden, pleading with God “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” The plea was answered, because God’s will was indeed done.

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