Today’s Reading: Genesis 18:16 – 19:38, 2 Peter 2:17-22, Psalm 101
In the Bible, when someone had a decision to make, they would often “cast lots” to determine the will of God. They would do this by throwing sticks or stones with markings on them. In essence, they would use a game of chance similar to flipping a coin or rolling the dice to determine which direction they should go or what should happen next. This is referred to 77 times in the Bible. Thankfully we have the Holy Spirit now to direct us when we have a choice to make.
Consistent with his name, Lot (Abraham’s nephew) had a series of decisions to make. Let’s review some of what we have already learned about Lot. God had blessed both Abraham and Lot with a large possession of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and tents. Things were getting crowded and tempers were flaring among the herdsmen, so Abraham offered Lot his choice of land.
LEFT OR RIGHT
“The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.” – Genesis 13:9
When given a choice, Lot chose the Jordan Valley, an area that was fertile and therefore would make him very wealthy. This area had a reputation of constantly sinning against the Lord, yet Lot was drawn to what this area had to offer him, and he made a choice to live among this sinful society.
OLD OR NEW
Soon after that, a war broke out between nine kings. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were plundered and Lot was taken hostage along with all of his household and many others. Abraham gathered together his men and rescued Lot from the mess he had gotten himself into. Rather than starting a new life in a new area, Lot chose to return to life as he knew it in Sodom.
Now when the three visitors came to Abraham with the promise that Sarah would have a baby in about a year, the Lord also had a message for Abraham regarding the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah. Both cities had become very flagrant in their sin and God was ready to destroy them.
LOVE SIN OR LOVE SINNERS
Abraham had concern for the residents of these cities and asked God if He would spare the cities if He found 50 people who were righteous. God agreed. Abraham asked if He would spare the cities if He found 45 righteous people. God agreed. What about 40? Yes, 40. What about 30? Yes, 30. Abraham boldly asked God if He would spare the cities if he found 20 righteous people. For the sake of 20, God agreed He would spare the cities. Abraham asked God for one more number – would he spare the cities for 10? God stated He would hold back his judgment if He found even as small of a number as 10 righteous people.
Notice the difference between uncle and nephew. Lot was drawn to the sinfulness of society while Abraham was concerned for the fate of the lost. Lot blended in with the sinful people while Abraham separated himself and prayed to the Lord for those condemned to judgment.
STAY OR LEAVE
Two angels came to Lot in Sodom. They warned him of the coming destruction of the city and told Lot to get out of the city. They gave Lot time to warn his daughters and their fiances, but they would not listen. The next morning, Lot was still there. The angels insisted Lot take his family and leave Sodom immediately. Lot hesitated and the angels had to drag Lot and his family to safety. Imagine being so attached to sin that God has to drag you away from it!
When they were safely out of the city, one of the angels ordered, “Run for your lives! And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” – Genesis 19:17
When the angels told him to run to the mountains, Lot begged them to let him settle in a small village nearby. He was being warned to run from sin and wickedness, but Lot chose to stay close to the sinful life he had come to know. Lot’s wife looked back on the city as it was being destroyed. The verb used here indicates she cast more than a curious glance; she gazed intensely for a prolonged period. She was too attached to sin to respond to God’s gracious mercy. She chose to focus on what this sinful world had to offer her instead of the gift of life God was extending to her, and she was turned into a pillar of salt.
With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.” – 2 Peter 2:18b-22
God, reveal the choices we daily make and do a work in our hearts. Lord, help us to see this world and be concerned for their sin, rather than drawn into its corruption. We choose freedom in knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, rather than being a slave to the sin that seeks to control us. We answer your call to live a holy life and ask you to fill us with your righteousness. Lord, we are but dust and ashes, but this morning we boldly pray for you to see the righteous hearts of your people and spare our country of the judgment deserved. Give us the boldness to proclaim your plan of salvation to those who are lost in their sin, so that they can choose to flee from their sinful habits and run to you. We pray for all of this in your holy name, amen.
I will lead a life of integrity
in my own home.
I will refuse to look at
anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
I will have nothing to do with them.
I will reject perverse ideas
and stay away from every evil.
I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
I will not endure conceit and pride.
I will search for faithful people
to be my companions. – Psalm 106:2b-6a