Category: Lot

Abstain From All Appearance of Evil #1

Friday, May 5, 2023

“Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV).

Could we follow today’s Scripture to prevent the founding of another false religious system? (Yes!)

Many, many, many years ago, a certain man who had been raised in
“Christian religion” observed some hypocritical behavior. The men who would watch vulgar performances on Saturday night would show up Sunday morning for “church services.” Eventually, he became so cynical toward Christianity that he actually defied it by founding an evil religious system to compete with it. That instance of spite, of course, is definitely not isolated. We can only wonder just how many souls were forever lost to the world, the flesh, and the Devil because of something insincere they saw or heard from supposed “Christian” people.

One of the saddest cases of compromise in the Bible regards Lot, Abraham’s nephew. Lot knew the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, and while he did not originally live in Sodom, his front door faced it! “Abraham dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom” (Genesis 13:12). By the time of chapter 14, however, Lot was dwelling in Sodom (verse 12)! Moreover, by the time of chapter 19, Lot “sat in the gate of Sodom” (verse 1), indicating he held a prominent political position. When the two angels notified him the LORD was soon to destroy Sodom, we finally see the bitter harvest of his worldliness.

“And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it. And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law” (Genesis 19:12-14). Having lost his testimony and their respect, Lot was unable to convince his sons-in-law to take his warning seriously….

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Do Not Look Back!

Thursday, June 27, 2019

“And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed” (Genesis 19:17 KJV).

Here are God’s instructions to Lot and his family. Will they be snubbed?

Recently, I passed by one of our old church buildings at which we attended denominational services over 20 years ago. The people we knew there are now long gone (in Heaven, or elsewhere); the current pastor is apostate (I talked with him years ago). Looking at the structure (it sure looked much larger when I was a little boy!!), I recalled good memories and friends, but the bad doctrine and spiritual confusion I did not miss. I still have no regrets leaving legalism, for grace teaches me how to live (Titus 2:11,12). Thank You, Lord, for bringing me out of that spiritual nonsense and into Your marvelous grace! I now have the privilege of helping others do likewise!

Concerning today’s Scripture, God will soon destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of homosexuality. He commands Lot and his family to escape; after much urging, they get moving. Lot “sat in the gate of Sodom” (verse 1): he was a politician or other governmental official. He and his wife were reluctant to abandon their lavish home, social standing, and other comforts. As they fled, God commanded them not to look back.

“[24] Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; [25] And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. [26] But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” Lot’s wife was so materialistic, worldly-minded, she had to take one last look, lamenting, “Oh, look at all that we are leaving—the wealth, friends, celebrations, delicacies!” (Glance at Luke 17:28-33.)

Friends, when we come to faith in Christ, let us not yearn to return to the old life. As alluring as they are, the exquisite stained glass windows, the “feel-good” ceremonies and songs, and the “humbling” edifices are nothing compared to the eternal truths of God’s Word rightly divided!

Lingering Lot

Saturday, June 24, 2017

“And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city” (Genesis 19:15,16 KJV).

In “lingering Lot,” we see many a Christian today!

Nephew to Abraham, Lot was a very compromising believer. While the world’s sins bothered him (2 Peter 2:6-9), he did not mind dabbling in them himself. For example, Lot “sat in the gate of Sodom” (Genesis 19:1): he was an important statesman in that most wicked city, enjoying high social standing and great wealth. Once God had enough of the homosexuality in Sodom and Gomorrah, He sent two angels to destroy them (see Genesis 18:16-22; Genesis 19:1ff.).

God also sent those angels to deliver Lot and his family before His righteous wrath falls upon Sodom and Gomorrah. In today’s Scripture, the angels urge Lot to hurry and take his wife and two daughters and escape. Three words stand out: “and while he lingered….” Lot wanted to stay just a bit longer, to take one last look at all his possessions he had acquired while officiating over Sodom. His beautiful home and its furnishings would be destroyed. His sinful acquaintances would be killed. (Notice how his wife “looked back behind him” once they did leave in verse 26, and she “became a pillar of salt!” She too had been attached to the material goods she and Lot had.)

Lot should have led his family out of such wickedness, yet he “lingered.” The angels had to thus forcefully grab all four of them (he, his wife, and their two daughters) and bring them outside the city! JEHOVAH God could have consumed Lot for being so wicked, so idolatrous, and yet He was “merciful unto him.” No doubt, many such saints will want to “linger” at the Rapture, when Christ returns to take all Christians to Heaven, desiring to stay behind and enjoy this evil world one last time. May we not be those “lingering” believers!

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