Praying for Hard Hearts to Soften

Jesus told His disciples, “And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” [1]

The men and women of Sodom had known and been physically rescued by Abraham. They had seen him worship God with Melchizedek and refuse to financially benefit from Sodom’s riches. And they also had Lot living among them, who though weak was described as a righteous man by the Apostle Peter. [2]

The people of Sodom dismissed a need for God in their community. “The men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.” [3]

God, the righteous judge, [4] condemned Sodom, and the other cities on the plain. Although their sins of pride, sexual immorality, inhospitality, and cruelty were committed against other people — ultimately, they were a direct offense against God. Sin is an offense to God and demonstrates rebellion against Him.

But there is hope for sinners because God has provided His Son Jeus Christ as the way of salvation and is patient with us “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” [5]

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him?” [6]

The Heavenly Father has made salvation free for us by having His Son pay the price to pardon our sin. Now, we in Him can enter a new life with God that is according to righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit… that’s what makes neglect of such a great salvation such a crime. [7]

[1] Mark 6:11
[2] Genesis 14:14-24; 2 Peter 2:7-8
[3] Genesis 13:13
[4] 2 Timothy 4:8
[5] 2 Peter 3:9
[6] Hebrews 2:3
[7] John 3:16; John 1:11-12; Romans 14:17