Draw Near to God

December 28, 2025|Draw Near to The Lord|Genesis 18:21-31

Will Davis

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As this year draws to a close, and this is the last Sunday before the New Year, many of you might have made New Year's resolutions.

I typically don’t make them, as most New Year’s resolutions are things that we should be doing already, like reading our bible more, spending more time in prayer, or exercising more or eating healthier. The reason I don’t make these things a resolution is that we are prone to fail, as most people quit their resolutions by the 2nd Friday in January.

For me, resolutions tend to feel like added burdens, more works I place on myself. And when life happens and I don’t measure up, that discouragement can quickly lead to the temptation to abandon them altogether.

So instead of a New Year’s resolution, I want to encourage you that your walk with the Lord is not dependent on keeping some resolution, but on the grace and mercy of God. This morning, I want us to look back at this familiar story of Abraham interceding on behalf of Sodom in a little different light than you are probably used to.

There are moments in Scripture when God can seem distant, right? For instance when He is speaking through thunder, fire, or prophets from afar. And then there are moments like this one, where God allows us to listen in on a conversation between Himself and a man He calls His friend.

Genesis 18 is one of the most remarkable passages in all of Scripture, not because fire falls from heaven, but because before the fire ever falls, God pauses. He stands. And He allows Abraham to stand before Him.

Genesis 18 is one of the most remarkable passages in all of Scripture, not because fire falls from heaven, but because before the fire ever falls, God pauses. He stands

This passage is not primarily about the wickedness of Sodom, but about the nearness of Abraham to his Lord. It is not mainly about judgment, but rather it is about intercession. It shows us what happens when a sinful man draws near to a holy God, not to accuse Him, not to bargain selfishly, but to plead for mercy on behalf of others.

Many people today believe or have this idea that God is unapproachable, too holy, too angry, too distant. Others believe the opposite: that God is casual, informal, and easily accessed without reverence.

Genesis 18 corrects both errors. It shows us God, who is holy and just, yet relational; sovereign, yet willing to listen; righteous, yet inviting His friend to speak.

And that brings us to the central question of this text, and the central question for us this morning:

Will we draw near to the Lord as Abraham did?

Verse 22 tells us: Genesis 18:22 “So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD.”

That phrase is the hinge of the entire passage. Everything that follows flows from this posture, standing before God.

And we must understand who Abraham is standing before.

Scripture tells us there are angels present, but one figure remains. Scripture identifies Him simply as the LORD. Many theologians believe this may be a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ which is referred to as a christophany. I personally agree with this understanding of scripture, but at the very least, the text is unmistakably clear: Abraham is not speaking to an angel. He is standing before Yahweh Himself.

This is the God who called him out of Ur.

This is the God who promised him a son.

This is the God who not only made a covenant with him but signed it twice for both of them.

Abraham is not a stranger approaching God. He is a friend drawing near. This brings us to our first point this morning; Approach: Drawing Near to God

I. Approach: Drawing Near to God

Genesis 18:21” I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.”

Did God really need to go down and investigate? Of course not. This is also the same language used in Genesis 11:5 “And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built.” So, just like with the tower babel, God is not in need of information. Rather He is showing His people that He is not far off from His creation. He is not an idol god made by human hands, but living and active to the deeds of mankind.

Scripture is clear that God lacks nothing in knowledge. Psalm 147:5 says, “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.”

So why does God speak this way in verse 21?

Because He is revealing His justice.

So the question becomes, why does God go out of His way to prove He is just in His judgments?

First, God is showing that His judgments are never rash, never impulsive, never unjust, but His judgments come from eternal counsel of all knowledge, but He also speaks in a way we can understand, so we can know that His judgments are righteous and just. He lets us know and understand that as the righteous judge of all He Himself bears witness to mankind's iniquity.

This matters today because many accuse God of being unfair and unjust. They say, “How could a good God judge anyone?”

But Scripture tells us:

John 3:17-18 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

What the world fails to understand is that God does not punish on a whim, based on an accusation, or on the information of others. What the world fails to understand is what Jesus says in John 3:19 “this is the judgement: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” The world misses and fails to see the goodness of God that He did not leave us hopeless but sent His Son to do what we could never do.

Second, God is showing us that He is sovereign, that all things were made by Him and through Him. Colossians 1:16–17, “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

This means God does not need to investigate in order to discover the truth. He does not wait on evidence, testimony, or confirmation. He does not need a DNA test to verify His verdicts. His knowledge is perfect, complete, and infallible.

And yet, in His wisdom, God condescends to show us how righteous judgment is exercised. He sets an example for all who will ever stand in positions of authority, that judgment must be rendered with care, diligence, and integrity, after a full consideration of the matter at hand.

In this, God sets an example for all who will ever stand in positions of authority. Judgment is never to be rushed, careless, or driven by emotion. It must be rendered with care, diligence, and integrity, after a full and fair consideration of the matter at hand.

For husbands, this means leading your home not with harshness or impulsive reactions, but with patient discernment. We are called to listen before we speak, to seek understanding before rendering correction, and to lead as one who will give an account to God for how we shepherd our families (Ephesians 5:25).

For parents, this reminds us that discipline is not about convenience or frustration, but about wisdom and love. We are to correct our children not in anger, but in truth, seeking their hearts, not merely their behavior (Ephesians 6:4).

In the work place, authority is not a license for power but a stewardship. Decisions affect livelihoods, families, and futures. God’s example calls you to weigh matters carefully, to be fair, and to remember that you, too, answer to a higher Judge (Colossians 4:1).

And for elders and church leaders, this is especially sobering. Shepherding God’s people requires prayerful discernment, humility, and faithfulness to the Word. Judgment must be guided by truth and love, never favoritism or haste, knowing that the Chief Shepherd is watching (1 Peter 5:2–4).

In every role of authority, God reminds us: leadership is not about asserting power, but reflecting His character. Those who lead in His name must judge as He judges, carefully, justly, and with mercy.

All authority finds its meaning at the cross, where the Judge of all the earth showed us that true leadership is not the exercise of power, but the willing sacrifice of self for the good of those entrusted to our care. And when authority is exercised with mercy rather than mere power, we begin to see not only how God judges, but how He graciously invites intercession.

But even more than that, God is revealing His mercy. By sharing His intentions with Abraham, He opens the door for intercession. He invites His friend to plead for the city. In the same way, from the moment you were born, your condemnation was known, but for the Son who intercedes for you before the Father, you would fall under righteous and perfect judgment.

God’s justice pauses, not because He is uncertain, but because He is merciful. And when mercy makes room, it always invites a response. God does not reveal His purposes to Abraham so that he might observe them from a distance, but so that he might step forward and speak. Judgment is announced, but intercession is welcomed. And standing in that holy space between what God knows and what God will do, Abraham does the unthinkable, he draws near.

This is where the gospel begins to shine most clearly.

Because this moment is not just about Abraham pleading for Sodom; it is about God revealing His heart. Before a city is destroyed, a mediator is allowed to speak. Before wrath is poured out, mercy opens the door. And this is how God has always worked. When judgment is deserved, God provides an intercessor.

Abraham steps into that role imperfectly and temporarily. But centuries later, God would provide a better and final Mediator. Abraham pleads with words; while Christ pleads with His spotless blood. Abraham stands before the Lord asking if the righteous might spare the wicked; Jesus becomes the Righteous One who is crushed so that the wicked might live.

And now, with that gospel truth in view, we come to verse 23: “Then Abraham drew near and said…”

Intercession always begins with nearness. You cannot stand in the gap from a distance. You cannot plead for others without first drawing close to God yourself. And just as Abraham steps forward here, every believer who has been drawn near by Christ is now called to do the same, to stand before God, not silent, not indifferent, but pleading for mercy in a world under judgment.

Notice this: God already knows what will happen to Sodom, and yet He pauses. Why? Because He is making room for intercession.

This is a picture of the gospel. This is a picture of what we saw back in 1 John 2:1-2, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”

When no one could intercede, God Himself provided one.

And once God speaks, Abraham does not walk away.

Look back at verse 23: Genesis 18:23 “Then Abraham drew near and said, ‘Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?”

I want to focus on this small phrase, “Abraham drew near”. What is that all about? The Bible does not waste words. If Scripture tells us Abraham drew near, it is because something significant is happening.

There is a difference between being near God and drawing near to God. You can sit in worship week after week and never truly draw near. You can know sound doctrine and never draw near. You can even come to the table and yet fail to commune with Christ. Proximity is not the same as nearness!

Abraham approaches God boldly, but never arrogantly. He comes humbly, but not fearfully. His confidence is not casual; it is cultivated.

Proximity is not the same as nearness!

Why? Because his nearness was built on a life of obedience to the Lord. It was the fruit of a walk marked by faith, reverence, and submission.

That is why Scripture goes out of its way to tell us that Abraham drew near. And it forces us to ask the question: can we draw near to the Lord in the same way?

Scripture makes it clear that Abraham shared an intimate relationship with the Lord, one that allowed him to approach boldly, yet humbly. This nearness did not happen in a moment. It was established by his walk with God, shaped by obedience, and sustained by reverence and honor in his home and in his life.

And the call to draw near did not end with Abraham. Hebrews 10:22 commands us, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Through Christ, the way into God’s presence is not only open, it is commanded.

So the question is not whether God is willing to draw near to you, the question is whether you are willing or even able to draw near to Him?

Now before we misunderstand this nearness, we must be clear about one thing, this access was never earned by Abraham’s works. Scripture makes this clear in Genesis 15:6, “And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.”

Abraham’s obedience mattered, but it was not the foundation of his standing with God, faith was. He trusted that God would do what He had promised. His walk with the Lord was not built on self-effort, but on believing the word of God. And in this, Abraham points us forward. Unlike Abraham, who trusted what God would do, we place our faith in what God has already done through the blood of Jesus Christ. Our righteousness is not achieved; it is credited. It is not earned by our obedience, but received by faith in the finished work of Christ.

So, we see that Abraham did not arrogantly approach the Lord without being in submission to the Lord. In the same way, those who are already in Christ may draw nearer still, but we must do so like Abraham did, with reverence, a reverence that is proven by the fruit of our walk with Him.

In other words, we must stop treating Jesus as just something we add to our lives. Jesus is not just our crutch, we go to when things are stacked against us. Jesus is not our cosmic genie we go to when we need a miracle or something big to happen in our lives. Our love for the Lord is meant to be lived out daily, not only when we need a miracle, as though God were a wishing well we toss a prayer into and walk away unchanged.

Let us not forget that He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords as Revelation 19:16 tells us. Yet this same King laid down His life, paying a costly ransom to redeem us by His blood: “you were ransomed… not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot” 1 Peter 1:18-19. It’s no accident that the writers of the New Testament refer to themselves not as religious consumers, but as bondservants of Christ, men who belonged fully to their Master.

Too often, we think that humbling ourselves before God is something we do in a single moment, then we pray, expecting Him to hear, and go back to living for ourselves. But Abraham shows us what true humility looks like. Humility is not a momentary act; it is an everyday part of our walk with God.

Many of us treat God like a wishing well, only turning to Him in emergencies. Abraham did not. He made God his everything. He lived in daily, humble submission to the Lord’s will, so that when trouble came, he could approach boldly, with confidence and reverence.

Abraham is a picture of Christ, who walked in perfect, humble submission before His Father. Abraham shows us what boldness in Intercession looks like. This brings us to our second point this morning: Ask, Boldness in Intercession.

II. Ask: Boldness in Intercession

Genesis 18:24-25 “Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”

What is Abraham’s petition to the Lord? Is he saying, “Yes, please kill and wipe out these unworthy sinners”? No. Abraham intercedes for them, just as Christ intercedes for us every day before His Father. Abraham undoubtedly hated the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah, yet he prayed that God’s wrath might be averted from them. In the same way, Jesus, like the Father, hates our sin, yet He pleads with the Father, saying, “Look at Me and my blood that covers them.” He is our eternal advocate, ever before the Father when we do fall into sin.

Now we also see that Abraham lived separate from the wickedness of Sodom, yet he prayed earnestly for them. And we, too, should be praying for the lost around us, asking the Holy Spirit to soften hearts and turn people from their sins. As Matthew Henry says, “God delights not in their death, nor should we desire, but deprecate, the woeful day.”

Abraham’s first concern was for Lot, yet his prayer did not stop there. He prayed that all might be saved for the sake of the righteous. This shows us that our prayers should extend beyond ourselves. We are all created in the image of God, and we are called to pray for all, even and especially, for those who persecute us, as Jesus instructs us to do in Matthew 5:43-48: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

This is what true intercession looks like, standing in the gap between a holy God and a sinful people. Abraham is appealing to God’s character, not trying to manipulate His will. He does not say, “God, they don’t deserve judgment.” Instead, he says, “God, You are just.”

And in this, Abraham becomes a shadow of Christ.

Abraham asks because of the righteous might you spare the wicked. Jesus answers that question centuries later by becoming the Righteous One who is swept away for the wicked.

2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Abraham pleads with words. Christ pleads with His blood.

And this confronts us.

Who are we interceding for? Only ourselves? Or the lost around us? Our families? Our neighbors? Our cities? Those of a different political affiliation? Even those who oppose us?

As we just read, Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Those who draw near to God do not grow cold toward sinners; they grow compassionate. Nearness to God produces intercession as we are conformed to the image of Christ.

Now look at verse 25: “Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”

This verse reminds us that we will not face the same judgment as the wicked. Yes, in this life we may experience some of the same trials, hardships, and consequences as those who reject God. But on the day of final judgment, a clear distinction will be made between the righteous in Christ and the unjust. God’s very nature, His perfect righteousness, guarantees that those who belong to Him will not be swept away with the wicked. As Jesus Himself assures us in John 5:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”

This hope is not wishful thinking; it is a certainty rooted in the character of God. Abraham’s bold intercession flows from this truth, and so can ours, knowing that mercy and justice meet in Christ.

Faith is not knowing outcomes; it is trusting character.

God’s justice is not a threat to the believer; it is a comfort. Those in Christ are not under condemnation, but chastisement from their loving Father.

Faith is not knowing outcomes; it is trusting character.

Romans 8:1 says: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

And yet, even as Abraham boldly intercedes, he never loses sight of his own frailty before a holy God, reminding us that true intercession is never prideful; it is always rooted in humility, pointing forward to the perfect, persistent advocacy of Christ, who pleads for us not with words but with His own blood. This brings us to our third and final point this morning: Appeal, Persistent Humility.

III. Appeal: Persistent Humility

Genesis 18:27, 31a says: “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes.” Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord.”

The closer Abraham draws to God, the more aware he becomes of his own unworthiness. Nearness to God does not inflate his ego; it humbles him. He knows the vast distance between himself and a holy and righteous God. He recognizes that he brings nothing of merit before the Lord. He is dust and ashes, frail, temporary, entirely dependent on God’s grace.

Yet even in his humility, Abraham speaks boldly. He dares to petition the Almighty. He knows God is just, but he also knows God is merciful. This is the beauty of drawing near: humility and boldness go hand in hand. Reverence does not silence our voice; dependence does not diminish confidence.

In the same way that Abraham’s bold yet humble approach points us to Christ, Scripture assures us that we, too, have a perfect Advocate who invites us into His presence with confidence.

Hebrews 4:14-16 reminds us: “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Church, this is exactly the posture Christ invites us into. Because of Christ’s perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, we can come before the throne of grace with confidence. 1 John 5:14–15 says: “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”

And Psalm 116:1–2 reminds us of the response that flows from this nearness:

“I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. 2 Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.”

Drawing near to God is not a timid, fearful approach, it is humble boldness grounded in the finished work of Christ. The same grace that allowed Abraham to petition the Almighty is now ours through Jesus. We may come as we are, weak and unworthy, yet heard, welcomed, and empowered to pray with confidence.

In closing this morning, Abraham stood before God as dust and ashes, yet he drew near with boldness. He pleaded for mercy, not for himself alone, but for others. He walked in humility, reverence, and faith, and God heard him.

And today, God is inviting you to do the same. Not because of who you are, not because of your merit, but because of who He is, and because of what Christ has done for you. Jesus, the righteous One, intercedes for you even now before the Father. In this moment, you may be carrying burdens, guilt, shame, or fear. You may feel unworthy, dust and ashes before a holy God. That is exactly where Abraham began. That is exactly where Christ meets you, but He will not leave you there.

Will you draw near in humility, like Abraham?

Will you approach boldly, as Christ intercedes for you?

Will you open your heart to God’s mercy and grace today?

Some of you here may have never truly surrendered to Christ. You have relied on your own strength, your own goodness, your own prayers, but God is saying to you: “Come near. I have provided the way. My Son has paid the ransom. Surrender to Him, and live.”

Romans 10:9–10 says: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

Others of you may be believers, but you have grown cold, distracted, or casual in your walk. God is calling you back today: draw near again. Renew your prayer life. Intercede for others. Love your enemies. Let humility and boldness guide your steps. Let mercy flow through you as it has flowed to you.

Don’t be mistaken, this is not a momentary act. This is a posture. This is a way of life.

Abraham’s example shows us that drawing near to God produces intercession, compassion, and steadfast faith. Christ makes the way open for us, and His Spirit equips us to walk in it.

So I ask you:

Will you humble yourself before the Lord today?

Will you lay your life, your needs, your sins, your fears before Him?

Will you allow His mercy and grace to fill you, transform you, and send you out to intercede for the lost?

The invitation is yours. Stand where Abraham stood. Approach God as His friend. Boldly, humbly, faithfully. Let today be the day you draw near and never look back.