January 26
January 26.
Lot & Sodom -- The Lord delivers Lot & judges the city of Sodom.
Today's Readings:
Reading 1: Genesis 19
Reading 2: Luke 17:28-36
Reading 3: 2 Peter 2:6-9
Today we return to the story of Abraham and Lot, in a chapter that is not easy to read.
We are confronted with several unpleasant insights: firstly, Lot has slipped inexorably into a place of leadership in the most sinful city around. When Abram originally rescued him, he chose to go toward Sodom (chapter 13) and then live in the city (chapter 14). Now his position at the city gate shows he is a leader in the city. Sin has a way of slowly pulling us in.
Secondly, we see the power of impurity to corrupt widely. This is true of sexual impurity (as seen in Sodom) and of religious power (as seen in the Pharisees of Jesus' day), even of gossip or negativity.
Today, proponents of the homosexual agenda argue that the sin in Sodom was failing to welcome visitors, but this ignores God's original instruction that marriage is the union of one man and one woman (Genesis 1&2) as well as multiple instances where homosexual practice is forbidden. For more on this whole topic, I suggest you read this article at Bible.org.
Let us be careful not to place homosexual sin in a category above other sins. Sin is sin, and we all need a Savior. Some are drawn to sexual sin, others to religious sin. Some struggle with sins of thought or word rather than sins of deed. All are sin and fall short of God's glory.
Thirdly, we see how hard it can be to turn away from sin. Sin is addictive, and we need God's power to reject it. The angels had to urge Lot and his family to leave a place that was being judged for blatant sinfulness. Abraham had interceded to the point where the judgment could have been averted if just ten righteous people could be found in Sodom. But even Lot and his family, despite being believers, were not strong enough in their faith to draw anyone else toward righteousness. So the city is destroyed for lack of godly example.
May that never be said of anywhere you or I live!
What are some of the prominent sins where you live, and what responses would God have you make?
Have a great day!
Mark.