The men turn away and go toward Sodom, but Abraham remains standing before the LORD. The separation is deliberate: two of the visitors go toward Sodom (they will arrive in Genesis 19:1), while Abraham stays with the LORD for the intercession that follows. The posture — Abraham 'remaining before' the LORD — is the posture of priestly intercession. The priest stands before God on behalf of others. Exodus 28:29–30 describes the priestly function: Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel before the LORD continually. Abraham's standing before the LORD is the prototype of that function. Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25 describe Christ's perpetual intercession — the same standing before God, the same advocacy. The application: intercession requires remaining when others depart. The two go toward Sodom; Abraham stays to pray. What departure into action are you called to pause from in order to pray?

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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