- Scripture: Genesis 19:12–19:23
- The Anchor: “When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them.” – Genesis 19:16
The angels try to get Lot out of Sodom as fast as they can so that he and his family can escape before the city is destroyed. First, the angels tell Lot to warn any extended family members to leave at that very instant, yet his future sons-in-law refuse to listen, thinking he is just joking around. After that, the angels are very urgent in trying to get the family out, but Lot is incredibly hesitant. He lingers so much that the angels have to forcibly remove them, basically dragging the family out of the town by their hands. Lot’s character comes across as very weak and full of complaints in this passage; he tries to negotiate with the angels just to stop at a tiny nearby city instead of the mountains, seeming completely meek. Ultimately, they allow him to take refuge in Zoar, as long as the family runs without looking back.
There is a massive distinction between the characters of Abraham and Lot. While both showed hospitality to their guests, Abraham was truly righteous, while Lot was much more attached to this world. When Abraham negotiated with God, he was selflessly interceding for the people of Sodom and for Lot’s safety. When Lot negotiated with the angels, he was only looking out for himself.
God deeply honored His promise to Abraham. Although the initial agreement was that God would spare the whole town if ten righteous people were found, there were only four people pulled out. God didn’t actually have to save anyone because the condition of ten was never met. But through His sheer mercy, God chose to save Lot anyway. Lot was definitely not a godly leader in his community, and he was pretty lazy about spreading the truth, but God had mercy on him. This is a clear example of someone living a life far too close to the world, yet God chooses to save him anyway. Gotta love predestination!
Reflection
- Lot hesitated so much to leave his worldly comfort zone that the angels literally had to grab his hands and drag him to safety. Are there habits, environments, or worldly attachments in your life right now that you find yourself lingering around, even though you know God is telling you to walk away?
- Abraham used his prayer life to intercede for others, while Lot used his prayers to negotiate for his own personal comfort. Looking at your own prayer routine this week, do your requests lean more toward selflessly lifting up your friends, parents, and youth group, or are they mostly focused on your own comfort and desires?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your overwhelming mercy that reaches down and rescues me even when I am hesitant, weak, or caught up in the things of this world. Forgive me for the times I care more about my own comfort than Your kingdom. Help me to run toward Your plans today without looking back. Amen.