I’ve always been fascinated with the story of Lot and Abraham, and ponder it often. When I first read the story of Lot’s escape (Genesis 19) I was horrified to see he offered up his daughters for sex, in his attempt to defend the angels he was entertaining, unaware. Sometimes bible stories are a little shocking!
The two men who came to stay with him were really Angels sent to destroy Sodom And Gomorrah, as he found out later.
Prior to this, in Genesis 13, we see how Lot came to be in this place. Abraham (Abram at that time) and he were havng disagreements, as the land was not large enough to accomodate both of their families, and herds. Abram suggested they seperate, to stop the quarrelling. Incidentally, Abram’s name was changed to Abraham (by God himself) In Genesis 17.
Abram means “exalted Father” where Abraham means “Father of Multitudes.”. All that aside, he generously told Lot he could choose first, if he would go to the right or the left, and Abram (his uncle) would go the other way. Lot chose the pleasant looking land, (in my mind, being a little selfish)
While Abram had a surrendered attitude towards God. 2 Peter 2-8 describes Lot as a “righteous man” so I really pressed in toward God (many years ago) In Prayer. “How can he be righteous?” I Inquired boldly toward the Lord. “He was going to let the men “have their way” with his daughters, he chose the better (more pleasant land) and he did not (like Abram) Build and Altar when he got to his new home.
God honored Abram’s prayers and saved him, but here is what the Lord pointed out to me “Lot was distressed and vexed, over the depraved conduct of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.”
His heart was not in alignment with the wickedness going on around him. And yet, he had to live there, because it was the place he had chosen to be. God notices, when he sees righteousness in a person.
Maybe you aren’t all the way there, maybe you are not “Perfect” and perhaps not as obedient as someone else (such as Abraham) but God will STILL give you credit for at least having your feet in the waters of life.
Abraham challenges us to go deeper…….
In Fact, if we really did recieve the gift of Salvation Jesus died for, he sees you are righteous, right now. That does not mean however, that you will not be challenged to make a different choice than whatever you have done in the past.
Lot got a clear warning from two angels (sent by God) “Get out of this city, God is going to destroy it.” In Matthew 11:20-24, Jesus mentions Sodom and Gomorrah again, as he says…
“For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” Let that sink in for a moment.
Therefore, we have a bit of a clue, as to why we don’t see miracles as often as we’d like. There is great responsiblity that goes with seeing miracles.
God is merciful and kind, but he is also “Righteous Judge” and he is not a pushover. He expects His loving kindness toward you to lead to repentance.
“Father, let the Holy Fear and reverance toward you, return to your people today,” In Jesus’ name……..I pray. “Wake up” those who slumber to realize you are Holy, that you don’t always “get down to our level” but lift us up to see YOUR Viewpoint on things we don’t understand.” In Jesus’ name! AMEN
-Laura Grace This message is from my book of Sermons (coming soon).
gracetogrowdaily 