Mercy Brokers

Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026

In Genesis 18, the Infinite becomes Intimate in the most unexpected way. Three strangers show up in the heat of the day, and Abraham shifts into high gear hospitality. This isn’t just about being nice or following social etiquette; it’s about recognizing the Divine in the guest or the foreigner. But the conversation quickly turns from lunch to cosmic judgment. Sodom is on the radar. What follows is one of the craziest negotiations in human history, establishing the doctrine of intercessory prayer. Abraham dares to question God: “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” He pushes the boundaries of mercy, interceding for a city that he knows doesn’t deserve it. It’s a radical picture of what it means to be a friend of God, which means you get to argue for grace.

Psalm 11 reminds us that the Lord is on His throne and His eyes examine everyone. While the world feels like it’s falling apart and “the foundations are being destroyed,” we are called to be like Abraham, standing in the gap between judgment and mercy. We don’t just retreat to the mountains to hide; we engage the mess of our culture through prayer and presence. The connection here is that our refuge in God (Psalm 11) should empower us to be bold intercessors for our world (Genesis 18). Faith isn’t a bunker to hide in while the world burns; it’s a bridge for the mercy of God to cross. We are called to be the ones who ask “What if?” in the face of destruction.

Devotional Prompts:

How often do you treat strangers or outsiders as potential messengers from God?
Are you more likely to pray for the Sodoms of our world to be destroyed or for them to be saved?
When the foundations of society feel like they are crumbling, how do you find your refuge in the Lord?
What would it look like for you to negotiate with God on behalf of your city this week?

Prayer: Lord, expand our hearts to welcome the stranger and our voices to plead for the broken. When the world is shaking, keep our feet firm on Your righteous ground. Teach us to be bold intercessors who trust in Your perfect justice and Your even greater mercy. Amen.