Genesis 19:4-11

What about that place we stray to from time to time that we hope nobody ever finds out about? Whether mentally or physically, we wander don’t we? We must learn from Lot’s experience that who we are and where we live becomes blatantly obvious in due time. Lot was so ashamed [verse 7] that his guests were being subjected to such harassment by his acquaintances. We have got to know that sin has no shame or boundaries.

Lot was finding out that where we live is someday going to be evident to everybody, even those we try to protect and bless. Sin is such a trap. About the time we feel we have it under control it spirals downward to a new low, and once again we are reminded that we are in fact, out of control. Why was Lot still living in this ungodly city? Why hadn’t he left this place long ago? How did he expect to keep his marriage pure and raise his children properly in this environment? Sin has a way of easing its way in to our lives, and before we realize it we’re hooked. Before we understand the depths of despair we’ve subjected those we love into, we feel the pain of our bad decisions. Maybe the city reached this state of wickedness in a very gradual manner.

Satan is not in a hurry. He’ll take his time to wear away at us little by little—a bad decision here, a little rebellion there--a small white lie here, neglecting to tell the whole story there, and on and on it goes. Lot should have taken a good hard look at his existence and surroundings before now don’t you think? Before the company arrived he should have taken stock of the situation he was living in. Isn’t it amazing how far we stray from where we want to be if we don’t constantly take inventory of our lives, and take a good long look at ourselves through the Word of God? How long had it been since Lot had made sacrifices to Jehovah? How long had it been since he told the story of how he, and his Uncle Abraham started out on their journey of faith? Were he and his family thanking God for their food and sustenance? It is the small fox that spoils the vine. We must not forget to consider God in everything we do. Nothing is too small to thank God for. Slowly but surely Lot had pulled away from the God of Abraham.

Here he was now totally embarrassed by his life and surroundings, and at a time when he truly wanted to do right. God will put people and situations in our lives to bring us back into fellowship with himself if we’ll pay attention. If we will humble ourselves and obey him, God will save us from our folly. Lot could not get the situation under control, but those whom God sent to him did. It is humbling to admit that you can no longer help yourself or those with whom God has entrusted you. There will be times when the only way out of our dilemma will be to admit our insufficiency and fully trust in God’s grace. Lot was out of control and couldn’t protect his family or guests. Sometimes God allows us to be totally humiliated and seemingly defeated in order for us to learn life lessons. Trust those God has placed in your life to reprove and rebuke you. We’re not perfect, and alone we’ll never accomplish all that God intends for us. We need each other and especially God! Such is the case with Lot; he was saved by joining himself to those God had sent, and letting them do what he could have never done on his own.