Last week we read of how Abraham interceded on behalf of Lot in Sodom. Today, the passage focused on events in Sodom itself.
(A) The righteousness of Lot (Gen 19:1-3) -- As an example for us
When the angels arrived, they found Lot sitting at the gate. This was the custom for those who were important in cities. Like Abraham in Gen 18, Lot also displayed biblical hospitality to these visitors. Lot's righteousness, like Abraham's was not absolute, but one that was comparative (compared to those around him) and by faith.
In 2 Pet 2:6-9, we read of Lot's distress as he lived among the people. The Bible does not tell us to launch a moral crusade against the world. Instead, like Lot, we are to be tormented by the lawlessness of the world. Christians today are not to be unaffected by the sins of the world and ourselves. As ambassadors of God, we should be uncomfortable in this world.
(B) The hellish sin of the men of Sodom (Gen 19:4-9) -- We too,need to pray and repent
Gen 19:4-5 and Gen 19:9 helps us to understand the context for severe judgment.
"The men of the city" is a negative description of human organizations. Previous mentions of cities included Cain's city, Babel and Lamech's. Cities are a picture of human effort, a stark contrast against God's provision in the garden. In Gen 18:20, we've also read about the outcry of the city of Sodom.
In this passage, the entire city, a mob of men, have congregated around Lot's house. This is a clear example of perversion of human sexuality and the Bible does not hide it. When confronted and rebuked by Lot, these men did not stop, but instead, promised greater vengeance. This is clear portrayal of sin -- insatiable.
In his efforts to protect his visitors, Lot offers a counterproposal in the form of his virgin daughters. We may squirm and wonder what exactly is going on, but the biblical account, once again, does not mask the sins and failures of the individuals it records.
(C) The tender mercy and holy judgment of God (Gen 19:10-29) -- Let us worship God for that!
God struck the men of the city down with blindness, and told Lot to bring his family (including his sons-in-law) out for there will be impending judgment. From Gen 19:15 to 17, we read of how Lot didn't leave immediately, but was described to have "lingered" (Gen 19:16). But The Lord, "being merciful to him" brought him out by hand.
God told him to run to the hills, but Lot requested that he be able to seek refuge in a small city nearby instead. The merciful and kind God agreed.
Sulfur and fire rained on Sodom and Gomorrah, Gen 19:24 helps us to see that judgment, even through natural disasters, come from The Lord. It was a complete destruction (Gen 19:25). The furnace and heat of God's wrath that cleanses and removes sin (Gen 19:28).
The narrative ends with Abraham overlooking the scene. As he stood there, he must have realized that there were not even 10 righteous in the town.
When reading this passage, it's easy to get distracted by other details (e.g. did Lot's wife really turn into salt?) and lose track of the bigger picture. In Luke 17:28-32, Jesus himself calls us to remember Lot's wife. She turned back, not out of nostalgia, but because of her stuff (c.f. Luke 17:31). Lot's lingering, as well as his wife's turning back are pictures of us today. We know of judgment and God's holiness, but our hearts are prone to turning back to what we have been delivered from, seeking comfort in familiar things. Today's passage reminds us of the reality of sin.
God's judgment also came across clearly. But so did his hand of deliverance. He led Lot by the hand and delivered him from the judgment that would befall the city. Years later, Jesus hung on the cross, bearing God's sulfurous wrath on behalf of us, bearing all our sins, our guilt, our shame. As Christians. those nail-pierced hands have delivered us from the clutches of sin!
Hallelujah, what a Savior.