What a sobering chapter. Mankind, without God, reaches depths that are hard for some of us to imagine and all too real for others of us! Today I want us to consider 3 truths that emerge for me from these verses.
First, I am surprised by the apparent lack of any sense of shame from the men of Sodom. Is that what happens when we live in sin so long, when it becomes so much the norm, that we can no longer see anything wrong, we see no shame? When Isaiah, the prophet, lets Judah know why God will be sending a judgement against them, he says in Isaiah 3:9: "They parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it." That warning causes me to mourn for my country. Will I intercede for her with the faithfulness and the trust that Abraham showed when he interceded for Sodom? Of course, the example in Genesis 19 is severe. But we must consider where it begins. I think it begins with ignoring the small things. It begins when we justify the "little foxes" that break through the fences of our own lives. It begins when we would rather continue in a pet sin than address it and deal with it. How do you talk? Listen to the words you use. How do you dress, girls? Come on - some of us need to cover up better. Just because our culture says 'bare it all' does not mean that it is a good thing for us to do! What kind of entertainment do you seek? Would you be pleased to have Jesus accompany you there? For myself ... for you ... I pray that we will NOT nurture even the smallest offense against our Lord. Bring it to the light of His Presence ... remember, it is in confession and repentance that forgiveness and cleansing come.
Truth: Sin is a progressive poison - no exceptions.
Secondly, are you as appalled as I am that Lot was willing to give his 2 virgin daughters to this mob of crazed, lust-hungry men? What a vivid reminder of how far from God's original design for humankind man has plunged. What a vivid reminder of the way women were treated in many ancient civilizations. They were property ... they were to be used ... even Lot was willing to throw them away. And then I watch our Lord enter the pages of history and lift woman back up to a place of value and significance. Jesus spoke with them as if they mattered to Him. He healed them alongside men. He taught them side-by-side. Reading verse 8 of Genesis 19 sends me straight to my knees in gratitude and love for my Lord. My own daughters do not have to live in that kind of world because of Jesus.
Truth: Women are valued by God.
Third, I am amazed at the continuing mercy and grace of God toward Lot. God warns him - individually. And He provides a place for Lot and any who will go with him to flee for protection. Lot seems to be not quite as influential as his position of "sitting in the gateway of the city" would initially indicate. Only his wife and his 2 daughters (not their betrothed husbands) left Sodom before the rain of fire. But there was a way out. There was a path of protection and life. I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 10:13
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."God did provide a way out for Lot. His wife started to take it ... but turned back, choosing destruction over life.
Truth: God always provides a path to life for those who will listen and follow.
Lord, give us ears to hear ... and hearts willing and ready to respond to Your voice. In You is life and breath and our very being. Know our hearts, O God, and cleanse us. Cause us to stand upright before You because of Jesus and our faith in Him. We are totally dependent upon You ...
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