January 18, 2020
What does it say?
The wickedness in Sodom and Gomorrah finally resulted in God’s total destruction of those cities. After fleeing with their father, Lot’s daughters conspired to seduce him.
What does it mean?
The depth of evil in Sodom and Gomorrah demanded that a holy God intercede with judgment. Lot had gradually moved from living toward Sodom to being part of the city. Though Lot was a righteous man and grieved by ‘the lawless deeds he saw and heard’ (II Peter 2:7-8), his hesitation to leave and his wife’s backward glance are indications that they were far too comfortable living among the wicked. It was by the Lord’s mercy that the angels took the four of them by the hand and led them out to safety. The sordid manipulation of Lot by his daughters is clear evidence that they had embraced the thinking and lifestyle of the cities in which they had lived.
How should I respond?
You don’t have to look far to see evidence of depravity in our society. Moral values are almost a thing of the past. What sinful behavior grieves your heart? What worldly attitudes have you allowed to infiltrate your thinking so slowly that it’s hardly noticeable? Take a mental inventory of the entertainment choices and friends who influence your thoughts and behavior. You can’t impact the world if you’re isolated from it, but neither can you be an effective witness for Christ if you’ve grown accustomed to sin. Commit to read God’s Word every day, allowing Him to be the chief influence in your heart and mind. It’s not easy to stand alone, but God can enable you to live a holy life that draws others to Him.