Compassion for the "other"

"Then (Abraham) said, 'Oh do not let the LORD be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose 10 are found there?' (God) answered, 'For the sake of 10 I will not destroy it.' And the LORD went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place."

(Genesis 18:32-33)

If you say the words "Sodom & Gomorrah," the first things that probably come to mind are "fire and brimstone" or "pillar of salt." It's the memorable Biblical story about Lot and his wife, and two cities that were destroyed by God's wrath. But do you know the story before that story?!?

When Abraham & Lot (uncle & nephew) traveled together to settle in a new land (per God's instructions), Uncle Abe offered Lot the chance to choose where he and his entourage would settle. Lot chose the land that was green and lush (the plain of the Jordan). It happened to also be the area where Sodom & Gomorrah was. Eventually their evil actions were too much for God (Ezekiel says their lack of concern for the poor was the primary reason God sacked the cities - see Ezekiel 16:49-50). So God decided to destroy the cities. But before he took action, he shared that plan with Uncle Abraham.

What follows is a classic exchange between Abe and God. Abe asks for mercy if God could find "50 righteous people" living in the Twin Cities on the plain. God agrees. For 50 people, he'll spare the cities. Then Abe "bargains God down" to 45... then 40... then 30... then 20... then finally 10. God says he'll save the cities if there are even 10 righteous people living there. (NOTE: It turns out there weren't even 10, but that's beside the point.)

What struck me was the compassion of Abraham. Maybe he was worried about his nephew and family. But I'd like to think his altruism was a bit broader. Compassion for people you don't know! That sounds like a Kingdom of God trait, doesn't it? It's booming more common to "pain with broad strokes" and classify large groups of people as "other" (and therefore "enemy"), based on race, gender, religion, political/theological beliefs, etc. This story calls me to NOT do that. Instead, advocate and have compassion for the people that I don't know. Even if I think they may be "enemies". That's the way of Jesus. And Abraham.

Well done, Uncle Abe... well done.