Doom! In this lesson from Genesis 19:1-14, we discover how Sodom and Gomorrah reach their final days. Abraham pleaded to God to find ten righteous men, who could not be found. So, God decided to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. We are reminded that God is always watching, even when we think we are hidden from His view.
The questions for today are:
1. Have we built new and similar cities today?
2. Are we more like Abraham or Lot?
Find some possible answers in this Genesis study.
Final Days of Sodom and Gomorrah – Genesis 19
Then the two men said to Lot, “Whom else have you here?
A son-in-law, and your sons, and your daughters, and whomever you have in the city, bring them out of the place; for we are about to destroy this place, because their outcry has become so great before the Lord that the Lord has sent us to destroy it.”
Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, and said, “Up, get out of this place, for the Lord will destroy the city.”
But he appeared to his sons-in-law to be jesting. – Genesis19:12-14 NASB
Pending Doom for Sodom and Gomorrah
The homosexual men in Sodom who wanted Lot to hand over the strangers was just one example of how low the people of the city sank into sin.
Even Lot, who offered to hand over his two daughters seemed oblivious to the sins within.
Why Lot’s Daughters?
In modern times, we don’t quite understand why Lot offered his daughters to protect the two angels. But in the days of Abraham, it was a matter of hospitality.
The laws of hospitality in the Hebrew community were strong. They stated that a man should protect strangers in his house–no matter what the cost. Either way, the wickedness of these two cities was such that God chose to destroy them.
Ten Righteous People of Sodom
As we discussed in the last lesson where Abraham pleads for Sodom, God offered to spare the city if ten righteous men were found in His dealings with Abraham. So, we now know that ten could not be found as angels were there to carry out the execution.
The consequences of the angels’ presence in Sodom were twofold. First, it revealed the depth of the city’s wickedness, as the men of Sodom sought to harm the angels. Second, it confirmed that there were not even ten righteous people in the entire city, leading to its inevitable destruction.
Are We Similar to Lot?
According to this study, Lot was a respected member of the town, possibly a high ranking man. And he had lived among Sodom’s people for so long that he had become complacent about their sin.
Much like recent times, he had begun to “blend in” with the sinners of the day as so many Christians do today. Similar to Lot, many modern Christians can find themselves becoming complacent about the sin and immorality that surrounds them.
In an effort to “blend in” with society, they may compromise their values and fail to stand up for what is right, just as Lot did in offering his daughters for protection. This serves as a reminder for us to remain steadfast in our faith and to resist the temptation to conform to the sinful ways of the world.
How About Us? Are We “Believable” Christians?
Do we stand out as defenders of the truth or do we blend in to the community around us, so much so that people of the world cannot tell the difference by our actions, or lack of them?
And, no – I’m not talking about racing through the streets with a Bible held high in our hands. But, we can try to live a life of love and compassion that others recognize.
We can demonstrate our faith through actions. Some examples include:
- showing kindness and generosity to those in need,
- volunteering our time and resources to help the less fortunate,
- and actively practicing forgiveness and reconciliation.
We can also prioritize honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior in our personal and professional lives.
And lastly, we can strive to be a positive influence in our communities by promoting justice, equality, and love for all people.
These are real challenges. But, with God’s help, we can strive to meet as many as possible.
What Did Jesus Say about “Blending”
Jesus says, (paraphrasing), that we are to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:15-21 et al). This means we should be set apart and live the example Christ has set for us.
I know, I know! – It’s easy to say, but difficult to do. But, we can at least make an effort not to be “just another Lot“, can’t we?
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to discover how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to look at John 3:16 and take the first steps.