Have you ever been surprised by something when you should have seen it coming? It happened in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit the city on August 29th, 2005. According to the 113 page Hurricane Disaster Response Plan published in 2004 the city was given fair warning that disaster was about to strike. The plan stated,
“There could be "thousands of fatalities," "floating coffins," and that there would be "large quantities of hazardous waste" that "would result in airborne and waterborne contamination" if a large hurricane hit Louisiana and the levees broke in New Orleans.”
The people of the city, including the city and state governments, were completely surprised by the disaster. They had chosen to ignore the warning signs until it was too late and the predictions of the report came true.
In our passage today we are going to see that the people to Sodom were no different. They had been given a warning back in chapter 14 when Abraham rescued them for foreign invaders. They had a chance to turn to God instead of carrying on with their own pleasures, but they chose the latter and the consequence was disaster. In fact, Jesus describes what the city of Sodom was like before God inflicted judgment on them:
Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot--they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building,
(Luke 17:28)
Their lives were going on as normal. They were completely oblivious to the sin that had overtaken them. Their concern was for themselves only; their own gratification – eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, and building: Life as usual, but ignoring the fact that judgment was around the corner.
The Story Shifts from Abraham to Lot
The story now shifts from the life of Abraham and Sarah to the life of Lot. We don’t know a lot about Lot, but we do know some things.
1. He was the nephew of Abraham (Genesis 11:27).
2. He traveled with Abraham after they left Ur of the Chaldeans (Genesis 11:31).
3. He traveled to Egypt with Abraham (Genesis 13:1).
4. He was very rich (Genesis 13:5).
5. He separated himself from Abraham and chose the lush Jordan Valley as his land (Genesis 13:11).
6. He was attracted to the big cities and moved next to Sodom (Genesis 13:12).
7. He was captured by foreign invaders (Genesis 14:12).
8. He was rescued by Abraham (Genesis 14:16).
9. He eventually moved into the city of Sodom (Genesis 19).
10. He was an important figure in the city (Genesis 19:1).
11. He was a righteous man (2 Peter 2:7).
Lot’s New Life In Sodom: Genesis 19:1
We know that Lot was a very rich man. Earlier, he had set up his tent outside the city of Sodom, but as he gained prestige in the city, he eventually moved inside the city and bought a house. Now, he sat at the city gate.
In ancient times, the city gate was where all of the action took place. People bought and sold items at the city gate and it was a place of judgment where the magistrates would decide court cases. He had some authority in the city.
But the problem with Lot was not necessarily that he moved into a big city. His problem lay in the fact that his motives appeared to be wrong. It’s possible that Lot moved into Sodom in order to benefit from its ungodly way of life, rather than trying to convert it (Boice, 621). Not only that, but Sodom was a very wicked city – his moving there would be like a Christian entering into business with a drug dealer or a pimp. While Christians are to “Go into all the world” to make disciples that doesn’t necessarily mean that we should settle down and live just anywhere.
The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:22 that he “became all things to all men” so that some might be saved. But Paul didn’t become a gambler to save gamblers; he didn’t become a drug addict to save drug addicts; he didn’t become a homosexual to save homosexuals – Paul means that he didn’t think he was better than any of these people. His background didn’t make him more important than others. His goal was to look past their sin, but not condone or participate with them.
Lot was not being a positive influence for the Lord in Sodom. As far as the town was concerned, he was just like them.
Lot’s Hospitality: Genesis 19:1-3
It is evident from these three verses that Lot was a hospitable man. The Apostle Peter said Lot was righteous, so perhaps he sat a the gate to look out for innocent travelers who might enter the city and get themselves in trouble with the townspeople. Lot was insistent that these two created angels (appearing as men) stay at his house and not in the town square. He most likely knew how dangerous that would be to the point where he “pressed them strongly” to go to his house instead.
The Immorality of The City: Genesis 19:4-7
These verses show us how immoral the city had become. It was filled with rampant homosexuality. It was so corrupt that “all the people to the last man” were caught up in homosexuality.
In 2008 homosexuality is a way of life for many people. There may not necessarily be more homosexuals than in the past, but they are certainly more vocal. Their agenda is being taught as normal and their lifestyle is being accepted as mainstream. Today, there is even a church that calls itself Christian that is made up of homosexuals. It is called Metropolitan Community Church. The church founder, Rev. Troy Perry justifies homosexuality this way:
1. God loves everyone.
2. God made human beings in his own image.
3. He made homosexuals.
4. Therefore, homosexuality is a gift from God.
5. God accepts me and my homosexuality as good.
6. God wants me to start a church for homosexuals.
Of course there is such a huge problem with that line of faulty thinking. Imagine replacing the word homosexuals or homosexuality with adulterers or adultery, gamblers or gambling, murderers or murdering, pedophiles with pedophilia?
No, God is very clear about homosexuality. He has not been vague about the lifestyle in his Word. Those who condone homosexuality simply fail to heed the warning signs that God has clearly stated in his Word:
You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
(Leviticus 18:22)
If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
(Leviticus 20:13)
For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
(Romans 1:26-27)
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
(1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,
(1 Timothy 1:8-10)
Also, see Judges 19:22-26; 2 Peter 2:6-8; Jude 7.
Does this mean we are not to associate with homosexuals or to treat them poorly? On the contrary we are to share the truth of God’s word with them. But we are not to agree with what they are doing. And we are to correct them when we see them erring from the truth.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
(2 Timothy 3:16).
The Apostle Paul said that we are to “Speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). It is possible to speak up where you see sin, but do it in love and do it in a way that does not make you appear better than the other person. Do it out of love for the other person.
But from all appearances, Lot never reproved or corrected the men of the city, rather he simply went along with the flow.
Lot Sank Even Deeper Into Sin: Genesis 19: 8-11
It is clear that Lot recognized that what these men wanted to do was not right. In fact, he stated in 19:7 that they were acting wickedly. But then it is hard to believe what Lot did immediately after the mild rebuke. He offered to give his two unmarried daughters to the men instead! It shows us that Lot’s morality was screwed up. He had compromised and compromised that he came up with a solution that was totally irrational. Imagine the fear his daughters must have felt at that moment.
What do you compromise on in your life? I won’t do this, but instead I’ll do this. “I won’t use meth, but I’ll smoke a blunt.” Both are illegal and both have a negative effect on the brain and a person’s judgment, but because one is considered more harmful than the other a compromise is made. But the choice is wrong. Or, “My employer didn’t pay me for all of the hours I worked, but because I am a Christian I won’t make a big deal out of it; I’ll jut take an extra ten bucks out of the cash drawer -- Compromise.
Had it not been for God’s mercy on Lot, he and his family might have been killed that night by the townspeople.
But God had other plans.
The Rescue of Lot and His Family and God’s Judgment: Genesis 19: 12-26
It is amazing that with all of the commotion and urgency of the situation, Lot “Lingered.” It is almost like he didn’t want to leave. Remember, he was rich. He probably had a nice house and a lot of possessions that he would have to leave behind. Perhaps he sat back looking at all that he owned and thought, should I leave? Maybe God won’t really destroy this place?
What struck me about this “lingering” was that God could have said, “Okay Lot, you’re just sitting around and not moving. I’m going to destroy this city and if you don’t want to leave, fine! I’ll just destroy you along with it.” But God didn’t do that. Our God is a patient God. He allowed Lot to linger. The passage says God was “Merciful to him.”
That is the way God is with us.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
(2 Peter 3:9)
But it would appear that Lot’s wife didn’t want to leave. Her heart was still in Sodom. She evidently longed for the rich life of an important man and didn’t want to run away to the tiny city of Zoar. She wanted the big city and all that came with it.
We tend to interpret this passage about Lot’s wife that she simply looked over her shoulder and turned into a pillar of salt. But the New Testament gives us a clearer picture of what actually happened:
Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot--they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all-- so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back. Remember Lot's wife.
(Luke 17:28-32)
Jesus implies that she turned back to the city. She went back before the destruction began and once she arrived she was reduced to a pillar of salt after having the minerals from the region rained down on her. John Walton in his commentary describes the “Mineral salts of the region [that] include sodium, potash, magnesium, calcium chlorides, and bromide. An earthquake in the area may easily have ignited these chemicals, causing them to rain down on the victims of the destruction.”
Abraham’s Intercession Prevailed: Genesis 19: 27-29
On account of Abraham’s intercessory prayer in chapter 18, Lot and his two daughters were delivered.
Conclusion and Application
In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon wrote that there is a time for everything under the sun:
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-4)
And there is also a time to run.
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
(2 Timothy 2:22)
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
(1 Corinthians 6:18)
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
(1 Corinthians 10:14)
We are run from sin, but we are to run to God:
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
(Proverbs 18:10)
You see, the Lord is calling you to separate yourself from the world. He’s not asking you to “leave the world” (1 Corinthians 5:9,10). He is asking you to “Not be conformed to the world” (Romans 12:2). As one man phrased it “Do not let the world squeeze you into its mold.” Lot was becoming squeezed and because of that his family and friends suffered. They never heard the living giving message of the Lord.
This week, will you be bold enough to stand at the city gates of your home, your work, your school, your neighborhood and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all who will hear it?
The message of Lot is a message for you and me today.
“There could be "thousands of fatalities," "floating coffins," and that there would be "large quantities of hazardous waste" that "would result in airborne and waterborne contamination" if a large hurricane hit Louisiana and the levees broke in New Orleans.”
The people of the city, including the city and state governments, were completely surprised by the disaster. They had chosen to ignore the warning signs until it was too late and the predictions of the report came true.
In our passage today we are going to see that the people to Sodom were no different. They had been given a warning back in chapter 14 when Abraham rescued them for foreign invaders. They had a chance to turn to God instead of carrying on with their own pleasures, but they chose the latter and the consequence was disaster. In fact, Jesus describes what the city of Sodom was like before God inflicted judgment on them:
Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot--they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building,
(Luke 17:28)
Their lives were going on as normal. They were completely oblivious to the sin that had overtaken them. Their concern was for themselves only; their own gratification – eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, and building: Life as usual, but ignoring the fact that judgment was around the corner.
The Story Shifts from Abraham to Lot
The story now shifts from the life of Abraham and Sarah to the life of Lot. We don’t know a lot about Lot, but we do know some things.
1. He was the nephew of Abraham (Genesis 11:27).
2. He traveled with Abraham after they left Ur of the Chaldeans (Genesis 11:31).
3. He traveled to Egypt with Abraham (Genesis 13:1).
4. He was very rich (Genesis 13:5).
5. He separated himself from Abraham and chose the lush Jordan Valley as his land (Genesis 13:11).
6. He was attracted to the big cities and moved next to Sodom (Genesis 13:12).
7. He was captured by foreign invaders (Genesis 14:12).
8. He was rescued by Abraham (Genesis 14:16).
9. He eventually moved into the city of Sodom (Genesis 19).
10. He was an important figure in the city (Genesis 19:1).
11. He was a righteous man (2 Peter 2:7).
Lot’s New Life In Sodom: Genesis 19:1
We know that Lot was a very rich man. Earlier, he had set up his tent outside the city of Sodom, but as he gained prestige in the city, he eventually moved inside the city and bought a house. Now, he sat at the city gate.
In ancient times, the city gate was where all of the action took place. People bought and sold items at the city gate and it was a place of judgment where the magistrates would decide court cases. He had some authority in the city.
But the problem with Lot was not necessarily that he moved into a big city. His problem lay in the fact that his motives appeared to be wrong. It’s possible that Lot moved into Sodom in order to benefit from its ungodly way of life, rather than trying to convert it (Boice, 621). Not only that, but Sodom was a very wicked city – his moving there would be like a Christian entering into business with a drug dealer or a pimp. While Christians are to “Go into all the world” to make disciples that doesn’t necessarily mean that we should settle down and live just anywhere.
The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:22 that he “became all things to all men” so that some might be saved. But Paul didn’t become a gambler to save gamblers; he didn’t become a drug addict to save drug addicts; he didn’t become a homosexual to save homosexuals – Paul means that he didn’t think he was better than any of these people. His background didn’t make him more important than others. His goal was to look past their sin, but not condone or participate with them.
Lot was not being a positive influence for the Lord in Sodom. As far as the town was concerned, he was just like them.
Lot’s Hospitality: Genesis 19:1-3
It is evident from these three verses that Lot was a hospitable man. The Apostle Peter said Lot was righteous, so perhaps he sat a the gate to look out for innocent travelers who might enter the city and get themselves in trouble with the townspeople. Lot was insistent that these two created angels (appearing as men) stay at his house and not in the town square. He most likely knew how dangerous that would be to the point where he “pressed them strongly” to go to his house instead.
The Immorality of The City: Genesis 19:4-7
These verses show us how immoral the city had become. It was filled with rampant homosexuality. It was so corrupt that “all the people to the last man” were caught up in homosexuality.
In 2008 homosexuality is a way of life for many people. There may not necessarily be more homosexuals than in the past, but they are certainly more vocal. Their agenda is being taught as normal and their lifestyle is being accepted as mainstream. Today, there is even a church that calls itself Christian that is made up of homosexuals. It is called Metropolitan Community Church. The church founder, Rev. Troy Perry justifies homosexuality this way:
1. God loves everyone.
2. God made human beings in his own image.
3. He made homosexuals.
4. Therefore, homosexuality is a gift from God.
5. God accepts me and my homosexuality as good.
6. God wants me to start a church for homosexuals.
Of course there is such a huge problem with that line of faulty thinking. Imagine replacing the word homosexuals or homosexuality with adulterers or adultery, gamblers or gambling, murderers or murdering, pedophiles with pedophilia?
No, God is very clear about homosexuality. He has not been vague about the lifestyle in his Word. Those who condone homosexuality simply fail to heed the warning signs that God has clearly stated in his Word:
You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
(Leviticus 18:22)
If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
(Leviticus 20:13)
For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
(Romans 1:26-27)
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
(1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,
(1 Timothy 1:8-10)
Also, see Judges 19:22-26; 2 Peter 2:6-8; Jude 7.
Does this mean we are not to associate with homosexuals or to treat them poorly? On the contrary we are to share the truth of God’s word with them. But we are not to agree with what they are doing. And we are to correct them when we see them erring from the truth.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
(2 Timothy 3:16).
The Apostle Paul said that we are to “Speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). It is possible to speak up where you see sin, but do it in love and do it in a way that does not make you appear better than the other person. Do it out of love for the other person.
But from all appearances, Lot never reproved or corrected the men of the city, rather he simply went along with the flow.
Lot Sank Even Deeper Into Sin: Genesis 19: 8-11
It is clear that Lot recognized that what these men wanted to do was not right. In fact, he stated in 19:7 that they were acting wickedly. But then it is hard to believe what Lot did immediately after the mild rebuke. He offered to give his two unmarried daughters to the men instead! It shows us that Lot’s morality was screwed up. He had compromised and compromised that he came up with a solution that was totally irrational. Imagine the fear his daughters must have felt at that moment.
What do you compromise on in your life? I won’t do this, but instead I’ll do this. “I won’t use meth, but I’ll smoke a blunt.” Both are illegal and both have a negative effect on the brain and a person’s judgment, but because one is considered more harmful than the other a compromise is made. But the choice is wrong. Or, “My employer didn’t pay me for all of the hours I worked, but because I am a Christian I won’t make a big deal out of it; I’ll jut take an extra ten bucks out of the cash drawer -- Compromise.
Had it not been for God’s mercy on Lot, he and his family might have been killed that night by the townspeople.
But God had other plans.
The Rescue of Lot and His Family and God’s Judgment: Genesis 19: 12-26
It is amazing that with all of the commotion and urgency of the situation, Lot “Lingered.” It is almost like he didn’t want to leave. Remember, he was rich. He probably had a nice house and a lot of possessions that he would have to leave behind. Perhaps he sat back looking at all that he owned and thought, should I leave? Maybe God won’t really destroy this place?
What struck me about this “lingering” was that God could have said, “Okay Lot, you’re just sitting around and not moving. I’m going to destroy this city and if you don’t want to leave, fine! I’ll just destroy you along with it.” But God didn’t do that. Our God is a patient God. He allowed Lot to linger. The passage says God was “Merciful to him.”
That is the way God is with us.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
(2 Peter 3:9)
But it would appear that Lot’s wife didn’t want to leave. Her heart was still in Sodom. She evidently longed for the rich life of an important man and didn’t want to run away to the tiny city of Zoar. She wanted the big city and all that came with it.
We tend to interpret this passage about Lot’s wife that she simply looked over her shoulder and turned into a pillar of salt. But the New Testament gives us a clearer picture of what actually happened:
Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot--they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all-- so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back. Remember Lot's wife.
(Luke 17:28-32)
Jesus implies that she turned back to the city. She went back before the destruction began and once she arrived she was reduced to a pillar of salt after having the minerals from the region rained down on her. John Walton in his commentary describes the “Mineral salts of the region [that] include sodium, potash, magnesium, calcium chlorides, and bromide. An earthquake in the area may easily have ignited these chemicals, causing them to rain down on the victims of the destruction.”
Abraham’s Intercession Prevailed: Genesis 19: 27-29
On account of Abraham’s intercessory prayer in chapter 18, Lot and his two daughters were delivered.
Conclusion and Application
In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon wrote that there is a time for everything under the sun:
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-4)
And there is also a time to run.
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
(2 Timothy 2:22)
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
(1 Corinthians 6:18)
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
(1 Corinthians 10:14)
We are run from sin, but we are to run to God:
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
(Proverbs 18:10)
You see, the Lord is calling you to separate yourself from the world. He’s not asking you to “leave the world” (1 Corinthians 5:9,10). He is asking you to “Not be conformed to the world” (Romans 12:2). As one man phrased it “Do not let the world squeeze you into its mold.” Lot was becoming squeezed and because of that his family and friends suffered. They never heard the living giving message of the Lord.
This week, will you be bold enough to stand at the city gates of your home, your work, your school, your neighborhood and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all who will hear it?
The message of Lot is a message for you and me today.
