Genesis 19
In today’s reading and studying of Genesis 19, the story of the destruction of Sodom is told. Earlier in chapter 18, God reveals to Abraham that their sin is so flagrant and in-your-face that it will be destroyed. The two Angels visit Lot, Abraham’s nephew, and decide to spend the night with him. After the meal, the smell of fresh-baked bread was still thick in the air. A mob of all the men of the city surrounded Lot’s house and started shouting for him to send the two men out so they could have sex with them. Amidst the shouting, Lot tries to appease the mob.
He goes out while they are shouting, and begs them not to do such a wicked thing, and calls them brothers. He even offers up his two virgin daughters. But, they aren’t into that. The angels reached out of the house, dragged him back in, and blinded the mob.
The next morning, the angels tell Lot to head for the hills; they are going to destroy the city. He hesitates, and the angels rush him, his wife, and his two daughters to the outskirts of town. One of the angels tells them to run for your lives, don’t look back or stop anywhere!
While they are on the move, Lot’s wife, who is following him, looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt. Lot ends up in the hills in a cave, with his two daughters. The daughters get him drunk, rape him, and end up pregnant.
The story of Sodom and Lot and his family is so disturbing. My skin is still crawling after reading this. It’s easy for me to armchair quarterback when I’m not there. But I’ve compromised my values and made horrible choices, too.
If Lot hadn’t been hanging around Sodom, he wouldn’t have been in this mess. Hanging around the wrong crowd leads to trouble.
If Lot hadn’t gotten plastered, his daughters couldn’t have raped him. There’s safety in a sound, sober mind.
If he had put his wife in front of him and ensured her safety, she wouldn’t have turned to salt. Focusing on moving forward, not looking back, leads to life.
But in all of this, we are reminded of God’s forgiveness, looking to Christ rather than our past.
Hindsight is 20/20; looking back on my life, I wonder how many mistakes I could have avoided by staying on the right path and seeking God daily. I never thought about how much my sin would affect other people, or how my choices would affect not only my life but the lives of others. To stay on the right path, I have to commit my morning to prayer and studying God’s word, and reflect throughout the day.
I’m so thankful for the saving grace of Jesus Christ—the transformation of our hearts and family trees. Lord, help me make wise choices that lead to life. Help me stay on the right path, be a good servant leader, and be a light in others’ lives. Lord, let my choices today reflect your grace, mercy, and help others look forward to you.