Intercession

So the LORD told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.” [Genesis 18.20-21]

Doesn't God know everything? Indeed He does. 

So, why did He even have this conversation with Abraham? Because He wanted someone to intercede for Lot and his family.

God's justice is not to be trifled with ...except in the arena of intercession.

That is why it was so important for Jesus to pray, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” [Luke 23.34]

That is why Jesus taught:

“If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” [John 20.23]

That's why Paul taught:

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. [1Timothy 2.1]

This also might bring insight into something else Jesus said:

And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” [Matthew 16.19]

What if our singular role on earth is to purvey God's forgiveness?

May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. [Matthew 6.10-12]

Instead of "what if..." I will be so bold as to declare Jesus' own summation of our purpose on earth:

It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the  nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ [Luke 24.47]

May God help His people to understand our role on this planet! Abraham could have said, "everyone in Sodom and Gomorrah knows they are doing wrong and so they deserve what they get - go get'em God!" (I mean, it is questionable that Lot, a righteous man, would continue to dwell in the midst of such debauchery...).

Here's a thought... How might this story have ended had Abraham interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah as Jesus interceded for the world on the cross by saying, "Father forgive them, they don't know what they are doing"?

Father, may I not forget that I am an ambassador of Your forgiveness!