Genesis 19

Scripture:  Genesis 19:12-29

Observation:  The time has come for God to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.  The only righteous man found in the whole land is Lot, and the angels tell him to gather his family and leave the city.  Lot goes to see his daughter's fiances and warn them of the coming destruction, but they think it's all a joke.  The angels then tell Lot and his family to leave immediately, since they cannot begin destruction until he's safe.  But Scripture says that Lot lingered, to the point that the angels had to grab them and take them out of the city (v.16).  Lot is told to escape to the mountains and not look back, or else he too will be destroyed.  Lot complains that he can't escape to the mountains, and wouldn't it be better to just escape to the small town of Zoar? (v.18-20). The angels again consent in consideration of Lot, allowing him to run to the city of Zoar which they will spare on his account.  As they take off running, the Lord sends down fire and brimstone upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.  Lot's wife looks back in disobedience, and she is turned into a pillar of salt.  Lot was spared because of God's love for Abraham (v.29).

Application:  At first I thought Lot was either crazy, or negligent, or disrespectful, but I could not fathom hearing these words from the Lord and not obeying right away.  Then I remembered the many times I've heard from the Lord and I've not wanted to do that which the Lord is telling me, so I put it off or dragged my feet.  The only one to suffer, of course, is me when I choose not to obey immediately.  God was patient and kind to Lot, but it would have been so much easier on him had he just done what he was told in the first place.

Prayer:  Lord, You ask for my obedience, and I want to obey You, but often I forget that delayed obedience is disobedience.  When I hear Your voice, whether it's that still small voice that speaks to my heart, or a word of Scripture, or a sermon, or a word from a friend, I need to heed it promptly.  After all, everything You tell me is for my good, so obeying is the right course.  Help me to be obedient in all things, at once, when You call on me.  In Jesus' name, Amen.