The God Who Judges with Mercy

 “The God Who Judges with Mercy”

Text: Genesis 18:17–32

In Genesis 18, we witness one of the most astonishing conversations ever recorded in Scripture—a dialogue between God and a man, Abraham. The subject? The impending judgment of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This passage not only reveals the severity of sin but also the incredible mercy, patience, and justice of God. And as we reflect on the final judgment portrayed in Revelation, we see that the same God who spoke to Abraham is the One who will one day judge the whole earth—with perfect righteousness and compassion.

God Invites His People Into His Plans (Genesis 18:17–19):

“Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing?” (v. 17)

God is not a distant ruler who makes secret decrees behind closed doors. He invites Abraham, His covenant friend, into a sacred conversation. This is the heart of intercession—a relationship where God shares His plans with His people so that they may respond in faith, prayer, and action.

In the same way, God reveals His plans for final judgment in books like Daniel and Revelation—not to frighten us, but to prepare us. We, too, are called to be intercessors in a world that is rushing toward judgment.

God Is Just—He Must Deal with Evil (Genesis 18:20–21):

“Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave…”

God hears the cry of the oppressed. The word “outcry” implies injustice, violence, and cruelty—much like the world we see today. God does not ignore evil. He investigates. He acts. His judgment is never impulsive or careless—it is deliberate, thorough, and fair.

This mirrors the heavenly judgment scene in Revelation 14:6–7 where an angel proclaims, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come.” God's justice is part of the good news because it means evil will not last forever.

God Is Patient and Merciful (Genesis 18:22–32):

This portion of Scripture is almost unbelievable: Abraham, a man, pleads with God for the wicked cities of the plain—and God listens. Over and over, Abraham lowers the number, and God agrees, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.”

What kind of God is this?
—A God who does not delight in destruction.
—A God who searches for even a handful of righteous people before executing judgment.
—A God who listens to the prayers of His children.

2 Peter 3:9 tells us that God is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” Revelation depicts the end of the world, but only after repeated calls for repentance. The three angels’ messages go to “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (Revelation 14:6). Judgment comes, but only after mercy has exhausted every avenue.

God’s Judgment Is Always Based on Knowledge and Fairness:

“I will go down now and see…” (Genesis 18:21)

This phrase doesn’t mean God lacks knowledge. Rather, it shows that His justice is never arbitrary. It is always based on a full and fair assessment. Likewise, in Revelation 20, the books are opened—evidence is revealed—before any final sentence is passed.

We often wonder why God delays in judging evil. The answer is: He wants every decision to be transparent and every opportunity for mercy exhausted. Judgment is not just about punishment—it’s about setting things right.

Genesis 18 gives us a glimpse into the heart of God—a heart that is just, yet merciful; firm against evil, yet open to intercession. This passage points us forward to the final judgment described in Revelation, where the same God who spoke with Abraham will bring this world's evil to an end—but not without offering salvation first.

As Abraham stood before God pleading for Sodom, so we must stand before God today—interceding for our cities, families, and world. Judgment is coming, yes, but so is mercy—if only we will receive it.

Our Call to Action:

Are you ready to stand before the Judge? Have you trusted in the mercy offered through Jesus Christ, our Advocate? And will you, like Abraham, plead for the lost while there is still time?

Let us take our place—not just as observers of God's justice, but as partners in His mission of redemption.

More: Lesson 10 - Upon Whom the Ends Have Come