Genesis 19

Scripture:  Genesis 19:1-11

Observation:  The two angels went to Sodom to investigate what was going on in the city, and came upon Lot, who invited them insistently to come and stay at his home.  Once there, they ate and were ready to get some rest, when all the men of Sodom came to Lot's door demanding that Lot release the strangers to them.  Lot came out of the house and begged the men to leave the strangers alone, offering his 2 unmarried daughters that they may do as they wish so long as they left the men alone (v.8).  The crowd became violent, angry at Lot for trying to tell them what to do, and started pressing against the house to force themselves in.  The angels grabbed Lot, pulled him into the house, and, closing the door, struck all the men of the city with blindness.

Application:  I'm disappointed with Lot.  Although he was brave to stand up to the crowd and defend the men in his home, couldn't he come up with a better alternative than to offer his daughters, who were virgins, to this wicked crowd of perverts?  A father's duty is to care for his family, and to protect them.  In his desperation, Lot would have sinned by turning his daughters over to these filthy men instead of trusting the Lord to resolve the issue.  What about me?  Am I willing to compromise my beliefs and convictions in a moment of desperation?

Prayer:  Father, let it not be so!  You have taught me what is right, and You ask for my obedience.  Do not let me become so desperate that I would throw away all You've done for me.  All sin is detestable to You, and I do not want to do anything that would dishonor You.  Help me to have a faith that can move mountains, and not one that is moved by an ant.  In Jesus' name, Amen.