Quite a bargain

by Jonathan Krause

Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.

Then he said, ‘Oh, do not let my lord be angry if I speak just once more’ (Genesis 18:32a).

Read Genesis 18:20–32

I am hopeless at bargaining. When I see a price on a market stall, I am too shy to suggest anything less. For me, it’s easier to walk away having paid more than the item was worth, or what the seller was willing to accept, than to bargain.

So, when I read about Abraham bargaining with God about the fate of the city of Sodom, I am shocked – at several levels.

Now, I am in no way a theological person, so my reflections are those of a blundering human being drawing what I can from what I read. So, please forgive me if I get things wrong.

But this reading stumps me a bit.

First up, part of me thinks the people of Sodom deserve whatever they get. They are ‘wicked’, not only doing all the ‘normal’ sins we associate with Sodom and Gomorrah, but some commentators suggest oppressing the poor and perpetrating injustice as well.

Second, and even stronger, how can a mere human being bargain with/argue with/pester God? Isn’t that utterly disrespectful?

When I think about it a bit more, though, and put myself in the place of the people of Sodom, knowing that just like them I continually fail and fall short of what God wants me to be, I find myself (literally) thanking God that Jesus – just like Abraham did for the people of Sodom – steps in for me, pleads for me, pays with his life for me.

Then I look at Abraham, and at myself, and wonder where my courage is to plead with God. After all, Jesus promises, ‘Ask and you will receive.’

It’s like I’ve shrunk God down to a size I can understand, which leaves me missing out on all the richness that a real relationship with God offers. Yes, I can talk honestly and bluntly and, like Abraham, perhaps even outrageously, to God. I can keep coming back (just like a widow banging on her neighbour’s door for a loaf of bread), just like Gideon.

So, for me, this event is a wake-up call and challenge to be bolder in my conversations with God, unafraid to be persistent, and confident in God’s infinite mercy, love and patience with me.

That’s quite a bargain I’ve received.

Lord, help me to talk with you honestly, openly, persistently and strongly. Strengthen my trust, so I can be blessed with all you offer. Amen.

• Click here to read previous devotions.
• We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
• Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.