Genesis chapter 19
To start of the chapter we see the angels coming to Sodom. The good hospitality that Abraham had seems to run in the family. Lot, once seeing the angels, runs to greet them and give them a place to stay and refresh themselves. After some insisting, the angels agree to stay with Lot, but this scene takes place in front of others in the city. After going indoors to eat the people outside gain up courage and knock on the door of Lot's house. You can argue what they wanted with the angels until the eighth verse where Lot, evidently knowing their intentions, offers his daughters to the assailants. Offering his daughters doesn't make this situation in any way better. Although there is a place in judges where a similar incident happens, at no time does the bible ever instruct or give us permission to offer anyone else up to assuage evil. We may offer our own lives to save another, but we can never give another for sacrifice to sin, that is evil. The mob from Sodom will have none of this, so the angels pull Lot back inside and blind the people outside. What is even more disturbing about this is the fact that is appears the people outside, even though they were blinded, still tried to get in. That is the definition of Evil.
The angels insist that Lot gather his family and go because they are going to destroy the city. There are not five righteous and it is time for them to leave if they want to spare their own lives. This is the example for all of us, leave sin now while you can before judgment comes and there is no more escaping. Lot lingers, either from paralyzed fear or procrastination and the angel must take him and his family by the hand and remove them from the city. They are warned to not look back on the city for fear of being turned into a pillar of salt. Before the journey is completed Lot begs that they may enter into the city of Zoar because they are tired from the journey. On the way, Lot's wife looks back on the city and is turned to a pillar of salt just as they are warned. After God has purged us from our sins there is nothing to go back to or nothing to look back upon. Nothing good can come from us looking longingly back on the life that we no longer have a part of. Also, God will not give us a journey that he will also not supply the grace to travel completely. Lot was tired, disheartened and afraid, but he should have taken the full journey with the angels and not stopped short.
So God sends his judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah. They were not without hope or opportunities to come clean. Christianity is not about what God is going to do to us, but about what we decide to do with our lives with our own free will. We make the choice, the consequences are very clear and the warning has been given. Abraham wakes up in the morning and sees the smoke coming from Sodom. You know his first thoughts were of Lot and his family. He also knows that God was not able to find five righteous. Lot is spared, and God does hear our prayers and pleas.
Lot and his family are dwelling in a cave in a mountain by Zoar. Isolation is not for a servant of God. Lot discovers this too late even with the warning of Sodom before him. His daughters imagine an evil thing and Lot gets too drunk to know or do anything about it. What a sad state that we would get so far from God we don't remember our actions. No doubt, when we get in a situation like this, nothing good is going to come of it. So the 'righteous' that was saved from Sodom will give birth to a people that will be a thorn in the side of Israel forever.
Showing posts with label Sodom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sodom. Show all posts
Friday, March 1, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
Genesis 18
Genesis chapter 18
We have in this chapter one of the rare cases that the Lord himself walked on the earth in the Old Testament. He came down to deliver a message to Abraham and deliver justice to Sodom and Gomorrah. News sometimes comes in life just as it does here in this chapter. News comes and it is good, but also there is bad news. We know that Abraham waited all his life for the news of a son of his own with Sarah, but we know he also didn't want to hear the news about the city in which Lot lived.
Abraham greats these 'strangers' like we should greet all those that we have the opportunity to show graciousness too. He kills the fat calf, and prepares the best possible meal and wants to do his best for these new guests. I believe if Abraham did not know exactly who it was in his midst, he had a good idea. Oh, that we would always be ready when the Lord might appear.
After sitting down to eat the news comes quickly that God will grant Abraham and Sarah their son. The news catches Sarah off guard and she laughs within herself. God knows our innermost thoughts and feelings, and there is no need to try and hide or deny them from him; he knows.
As the meal is over the guests get up to leave and head to Sodom. The Lord asks his companions if he should keep hidden the reason they are going to Sodom. God knows our hearts, he knows are pleas, and just as he loved us, he also knows who we love. Our Savior knows when we have deep feelings for someone, and therefore many times Christ will hear our plea for them. Christ knew that Abraham loved his nephew and their family. Jesus knew that there were those in those cities that Abraham had dealings with and would want to spare their lives if he could at all help.
The other two people go on but Christ stays to talk with Abraham and tell him all about their mission that evening. Abraham pleads that the city might be spared if fifty are found righteous and the Lord agrees. Abraham has doubts that there might be that many down there that are righteous so he pleads with the Lord till he gets to only ten righteous and the Lord mercifully agrees. The Lord knows there are only five, but he still hears the cries of his servant. Though our petitions are not always answer, have faith that our Lord and Savior hears them all.
We have in this chapter one of the rare cases that the Lord himself walked on the earth in the Old Testament. He came down to deliver a message to Abraham and deliver justice to Sodom and Gomorrah. News sometimes comes in life just as it does here in this chapter. News comes and it is good, but also there is bad news. We know that Abraham waited all his life for the news of a son of his own with Sarah, but we know he also didn't want to hear the news about the city in which Lot lived.
Abraham greats these 'strangers' like we should greet all those that we have the opportunity to show graciousness too. He kills the fat calf, and prepares the best possible meal and wants to do his best for these new guests. I believe if Abraham did not know exactly who it was in his midst, he had a good idea. Oh, that we would always be ready when the Lord might appear.
After sitting down to eat the news comes quickly that God will grant Abraham and Sarah their son. The news catches Sarah off guard and she laughs within herself. God knows our innermost thoughts and feelings, and there is no need to try and hide or deny them from him; he knows.
As the meal is over the guests get up to leave and head to Sodom. The Lord asks his companions if he should keep hidden the reason they are going to Sodom. God knows our hearts, he knows are pleas, and just as he loved us, he also knows who we love. Our Savior knows when we have deep feelings for someone, and therefore many times Christ will hear our plea for them. Christ knew that Abraham loved his nephew and their family. Jesus knew that there were those in those cities that Abraham had dealings with and would want to spare their lives if he could at all help.
The other two people go on but Christ stays to talk with Abraham and tell him all about their mission that evening. Abraham pleads that the city might be spared if fifty are found righteous and the Lord agrees. Abraham has doubts that there might be that many down there that are righteous so he pleads with the Lord till he gets to only ten righteous and the Lord mercifully agrees. The Lord knows there are only five, but he still hears the cries of his servant. Though our petitions are not always answer, have faith that our Lord and Savior hears them all.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Genesis 14 & 15
Genesis chapter 14
It doesn't take long for Lot's choice to catch up with him. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah decide to stop paying homage to Chedorlaomer. Of course, this doesn't go over very well and Chedorlaomer and his other loyal subject kings decide to come and defeat the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah and take their people and possessions. I guess you don't refuse homage if you can't defend yourself.
Someone escapes from this battle comes to tell Abram and his allies Eschol and Aner about the events that transpired. Abram uses his hundreds of 'trained' servants and goes with his allies to get back Lot and all of the possessions of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Bible records that he split his men up and attacked and defeated Chedorlaomer and his army.
After Abram's return we encounter the king of Salem, Melchizedek. This is a mysterious character in the Bible but we do know he is God's priest, and servant and can bless on God's behalf. After the offering by Melchizedek, Abram gives tithes of all victory.
Bera the King of Sodom tries to give Abram all the spoils of war, but Abram won't have any of that. He tells the king that he won't have it said of him that Bera made him rich. He gives back everything but what his allies used and the food his servants ate. God truly does provide if we rely on him.
Genesis chapter 15
Abram (later Abraham) is an example for us all when we doubt. We can go around and complain to whoever might listen about our problems and seemingly unanswered prayers. In the end we will feel worse for it and be no better off. Abram again and again went to God with his doubts. Abram wasn't perfect, and he did sin, but then he would go back and confide in God. If we confided in our Savior as much as we complained, our prayer lives would greatly benefit.
Abram argues with God and says that his only heir is not his own blood. Abram knew how old he and his wife was. There is no other reason for Sarai to conceive when she did but by an absolute miracle of God. God reassures Abram that indeed his heirs will be of his own blood. Isn't that the way with Salvation? God makes us not only adopted heirs but full heirs by Jesus' blood.
God commands Abram to take all of his sacrifices and do as commanded. Abram not only does this but makes sure that no animals or birds take any party of the offering until God answers. Oh, and God answered him through a deep sleep with a grand and terrible vision. God reveals that Abram will die of old age, but his children's children will be in captivity in Egypt. Not to have fear though, because God will bring them out and deliver them into a land of their promise.
Notice that in God's promises he doesn't leave anything out? He also gives great care and detail, for it is nothing for God to fulfill what he says will come to pass.
It doesn't take long for Lot's choice to catch up with him. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah decide to stop paying homage to Chedorlaomer. Of course, this doesn't go over very well and Chedorlaomer and his other loyal subject kings decide to come and defeat the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah and take their people and possessions. I guess you don't refuse homage if you can't defend yourself.
Someone escapes from this battle comes to tell Abram and his allies Eschol and Aner about the events that transpired. Abram uses his hundreds of 'trained' servants and goes with his allies to get back Lot and all of the possessions of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Bible records that he split his men up and attacked and defeated Chedorlaomer and his army.
After Abram's return we encounter the king of Salem, Melchizedek. This is a mysterious character in the Bible but we do know he is God's priest, and servant and can bless on God's behalf. After the offering by Melchizedek, Abram gives tithes of all victory.
Bera the King of Sodom tries to give Abram all the spoils of war, but Abram won't have any of that. He tells the king that he won't have it said of him that Bera made him rich. He gives back everything but what his allies used and the food his servants ate. God truly does provide if we rely on him.
Genesis chapter 15
Abram (later Abraham) is an example for us all when we doubt. We can go around and complain to whoever might listen about our problems and seemingly unanswered prayers. In the end we will feel worse for it and be no better off. Abram again and again went to God with his doubts. Abram wasn't perfect, and he did sin, but then he would go back and confide in God. If we confided in our Savior as much as we complained, our prayer lives would greatly benefit.
Abram argues with God and says that his only heir is not his own blood. Abram knew how old he and his wife was. There is no other reason for Sarai to conceive when she did but by an absolute miracle of God. God reassures Abram that indeed his heirs will be of his own blood. Isn't that the way with Salvation? God makes us not only adopted heirs but full heirs by Jesus' blood.
God commands Abram to take all of his sacrifices and do as commanded. Abram not only does this but makes sure that no animals or birds take any party of the offering until God answers. Oh, and God answered him through a deep sleep with a grand and terrible vision. God reveals that Abram will die of old age, but his children's children will be in captivity in Egypt. Not to have fear though, because God will bring them out and deliver them into a land of their promise.
Notice that in God's promises he doesn't leave anything out? He also gives great care and detail, for it is nothing for God to fulfill what he says will come to pass.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Genesis 12 & 13
Genesis chapter 12 & 13
Not long after we meet Abram he is told to talk himself and his possessions and leave everything he has ever known. Anything that God asks us to give up in this world is not to be compared with the glories he has in store for us. Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Abram does as he is told and steps out by faith. God promises him that he will be the father of a blessed people. God is quick to show us what is in store if we will only listen and obey.
As Abram leaves Haran and goes out with just his family and his nephew Lot, he quickly finds the land of the Canaanite which we know are the descendants of Ham. Abram wastes no time to build and altar and make a sacrifice to the Lord for his mercies. We should all be quick to go to God in prayer and not only pray for those in need, but to give thanks for the many wonderful blessings he gives us.
As God would do again years later to show himself strong, a famine sends Abram and his people down to Egypt.While their, Abram fears that someone will take his wife because of her beauty and thinks up a lie to protect her. It turns out that is is not the lie, but the hand of God that protects her and brings her back safely to Abram. So it will be in our lives as well; it is not our own doing but the hand of God that will deliver us.
In the thirteenth chapter Abram is leaving Egypt and we hear that he has great possessions. He returns to Bethel (which is a place and theme that will also be visited again years later) and builds and alter again for the Lord. Thanking God once would only suffice if he only was good to us once but God's mercies are renewed every day and we should be thankful everyday, building many private alters of prayer to God.
With all this great possession comes great problems. Lot and Abrams servants can not get along and they need to put distance between their property. Make sure that we may from time to time need time and space from other people. We may need time alone in solitude, but we are never to separate ourselves from God at anytime. Here Abram separates himself from Lot but not from God. Lot seems to separate himself from both Abram and his God.
Abram gives Lot the choice of the land he wants to dwell in and Lot takes the easier more pleasant land. Make no mistake, that we can live in the best of times and with the best of intentions and still not serve God. Abram takes the harsher land and still lives and increases in the Lord.
Lot chooses the land closer to the wickedness of Sodom. Abram, after making the better choice, is reminded by God of the covenant. If we stay in close proximity to God, he will remind us and encourage us of the promises that are yet to come. So the chapter ends with Abram doing what he always does, and that is sacrificing to God for his blessing and the promise to come.
Not long after we meet Abram he is told to talk himself and his possessions and leave everything he has ever known. Anything that God asks us to give up in this world is not to be compared with the glories he has in store for us. Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Abram does as he is told and steps out by faith. God promises him that he will be the father of a blessed people. God is quick to show us what is in store if we will only listen and obey.
As Abram leaves Haran and goes out with just his family and his nephew Lot, he quickly finds the land of the Canaanite which we know are the descendants of Ham. Abram wastes no time to build and altar and make a sacrifice to the Lord for his mercies. We should all be quick to go to God in prayer and not only pray for those in need, but to give thanks for the many wonderful blessings he gives us.
As God would do again years later to show himself strong, a famine sends Abram and his people down to Egypt.While their, Abram fears that someone will take his wife because of her beauty and thinks up a lie to protect her. It turns out that is is not the lie, but the hand of God that protects her and brings her back safely to Abram. So it will be in our lives as well; it is not our own doing but the hand of God that will deliver us.
In the thirteenth chapter Abram is leaving Egypt and we hear that he has great possessions. He returns to Bethel (which is a place and theme that will also be visited again years later) and builds and alter again for the Lord. Thanking God once would only suffice if he only was good to us once but God's mercies are renewed every day and we should be thankful everyday, building many private alters of prayer to God.
With all this great possession comes great problems. Lot and Abrams servants can not get along and they need to put distance between their property. Make sure that we may from time to time need time and space from other people. We may need time alone in solitude, but we are never to separate ourselves from God at anytime. Here Abram separates himself from Lot but not from God. Lot seems to separate himself from both Abram and his God.
Abram gives Lot the choice of the land he wants to dwell in and Lot takes the easier more pleasant land. Make no mistake, that we can live in the best of times and with the best of intentions and still not serve God. Abram takes the harsher land and still lives and increases in the Lord.
Lot chooses the land closer to the wickedness of Sodom. Abram, after making the better choice, is reminded by God of the covenant. If we stay in close proximity to God, he will remind us and encourage us of the promises that are yet to come. So the chapter ends with Abram doing what he always does, and that is sacrificing to God for his blessing and the promise to come.
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