Impact

Dear Reader,
We find in Genesis 20:32, the culmination of a negotiation between Abraham and God regarding the fate of the city of Sodom, it concludes with 
"Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?”
And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.”

 It's fascinating to see that Abraham negotiates with God to save Sodom. We realise, with hindsight that God is showing Abraham how just God is. God agrees to not destroy the city if fifty righteous people are found. Abraham brings this number eventually down to ten. If ten people in a city can be found who are righteous the rest will be spared. Abraham rests at this point, he has done his part. Can ten people be found, the answer historically is no.Sodom is destroyed.
The text takes on a deeper meaning when we realise that in later times ten is the number of Jewish males needed to form a synagogue in a city!
God is saying "if enough people can be found to form a community of faith, I will spare the city". Never assume your church isn't having an impact, it does.

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