Persist in Doing Good, Genesis 19:2-3

Persist In Doing Good

Genesis 19:3 But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate.

Lot invited the visitors into his home. At first this show of hospitality was refused, but Lot, knowing the dangers of staying in the street for the night, insisted that they come to his home. There he prepared a quick meal, provided water for their feet, and gave them a place to spend the night.

It does not appear that Lot knew who they were. He entertained them unaware (Hebrews 13:2). Certainly if he had known, he would have welcomed them with open arms, but to him they were just strangers passing through. So, why then did he insisted that they come to his house? Because, he was a righteous man who cared about people.

A and K, notice that Lot insisted. He didn't just stop asking when the said no. He continued with his invitation until they agreed. I am not asking that you plague them to death. But, when you see that they are truly in need and that you have the ability to help, insist on it. Not only will they be blessed, so will you!

~Dad

A Spiritual Leader, Genesis 19:1a

A Spiritual Leader

Genesis 19:1a The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening , and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. ...

Lot had traveled from Ur to Haran with Abram and his fathers family. Then, as Abram was called to move on and leave his family, Lot chose to make the trek with him to a new land. As families and possessions grew in size, Lot's herdsmen began to quarrel with Abram's and it became necessary to separate company. Abram allow his nephew to chose the ground to live on. Lot moved his family and possessions to the plains and Abram pitched his tent among the hills of Canaan. Lot, choosing the well watered valley near Sodom, moved among the wicked who were sinning greatly (13:13).

Years later, we find that Lot has left the freedom of his tents live within the confines of the city of Sodom. Here the people have grown even more wicked. So much so that the Lord sent his angels to go and completely destroy not only Sodom but all the cities of the plains. This would include all that was living among them... This would include Lot and his household, his wife and two daughters. It is not recorded that he had other children.

Abraham pleaded with the Lord to not destroy the cities for the sake of the righteous, but not even ten righteous people could be found! As the angels reached Sodom, Lot was found sitting at the entrance to the city. He welcomed the visitors and invited them into his home to care for their needs just as Abraham had done. Seems to run in the family.

Lot was a righteous man (2 Peter 2:7) and bothered by the depravity of those living there, but that did not stop him from trying to be an influence. In fact, from where he was found, at the entrance to the city, he appears to be an elder of the city. This gives him input into policy and decision making in the city. Lot, despite being in an extreme minority, lived and taught and judged righteously.

K and A, no matter where you go, lead in righteousness. Be the Spiritual example you need to be. That is lacking in society and in our churches today. Many are teaching to follow what is popular or trendy. Go along, don't make waves, can't we all just get along. But that is where Satan wants you. But you can be a spiritual leader within and outside the church. Show to those in today's church that the Bible is still relevant. Give biblically sound arguments on why Christ ways are right and just. Remain holy even those around you may not be. That is the way it was for Lot. You too can rise above and be spiritual leaders.

~Dad

Find Peace At Home, Genesis 18:33

Find Peace At Home

Genesis 18:33 When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home.

Abraham knew it was over for the people in the plains. It is not recorded that the Lord had told Abraham that Lot was to be spared, but even if he had many, many people would die. Abraham, certainly distraught, went home to his wife and family.

This is not an interpretation of scripture it is an observation. Notice where Abraham did not go... He did not go to the local bar to find solace as he drank his sorrows away. He did not go to the local men's club and tell the latest news on Sodom and Gomorrah. He didn't hang out with his friends tell stories and laugh it up to forget was to happen. No! He went home to his family.

K and A, Home is where we go when life is joyous. Home is where we go when life goes sour. Build up your family ties. Care for each other. Spend time together. Make your (future) children tough it out. Don't let them leave the room and go play when the grown up talk. Make them sit. Make them listen. Boring is an attitude. Tell them to change their attitude. Then when times get rough and life goes sour they will return to find solace together not run to drug or alcohol. They will find peace and love at home, not in so prostitute or girl/boyfriend. And the same goes for your husband. Build the ties of the marriage. You marry the person to be with them, so spend your time together. Pray and study together. That's what a marriage is to be. You care and share and spend time with each other. After all, God has made you to be as one.

~Dad

Standing In The Gap, Genesis 18:22-33

Standing In The Gap

Genesis 18:32 Then [Abraham] said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?" He answered, "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it."

50, 45, 40, 30, 20 and finally 10... Abraham made six attempts at saving Sodom and the surrounding areas. If only God would relent and not destroy the cities. But, the area was wicked, so wicked that not even ten righteous people could be found in all of them. But, Abraham tried. His relative lived there, and Abraham continued to be concerned for him. The acts of the wicked were so egregious that God was willing to destroy the area and everyone in it, nothing would be left. Abraham knew this, so he gathered his courage and spoke with boldness before the Lord. For a moment he stood in the path of God's destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. After every attempt was given, he watched as the Lord headed to the plains.

How much do we care about the people we know, our friends, our relatives? Before God's judgement comes, are we bold enough to bring them before the Lord that they might repent and be saved? Do we ever consider the wicked around us? Maybe we are happy to see them destroyed. I pray that is not true, for even God desires that all come to repentance (1 Timothy 2:4). God asks for people to stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30). He told Ezekiel that he went looking for someone to stand in the gap and could find no one!

K and A, will you be the one to answer God's call? Are you willing to stand in the gap, to do what is right and just, to care for the poor and the down-trodden (James 1:27) to lift the hand of those who are caught in sin (Galations 6:1)? God takes no pleasure in destroying the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23). He wants them to come to the truth and you can work to see that happen. Reach out, care, love those around you. Watch how God uses you to when you are willing to stand in the gap!

~Dad

God Knows You Personally, Genesis 18:20-21

God Knows You Personally

Genesis 18:21 ...I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.

The Lord and his two friend with him chose to tell Abraham what was about to happen. As Abraham walked with them, he was told that, from Sodom, cries for help to stop the grievous wicked acts had reached the ears of the Lord. The Lord had come in person to see and deal with the wickedness. Abraham knew it could not be good.

We may think that the Lord is a long way off. That when we are in distress, God is nowhere to be found. We cry out to him for help, but where is he? Let us never wonder about the knowledge of the Lord. Look at these words from Psalm 139:

2You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

4Before a word is on my tongue

you, Lord, know it completely.

As we see here in Genesis, God is personally involved in the affairs of men. When they call out to him, he hears, and he acts, in person. We do not know how often God actually makes a "visit" in bodily form, but here he responds and acts on what has been brought before him.

A and K, God will do the same for you. He knows you and hears your laughs and your cries. He see you get up and sees you lie down. He has a personal interest in what is going on in your life. When you have joy, share it with him. When you hurt, cry out to him. He will come beside you and personally take care of you.

~Dad

Chosen To Do Right, Genesis 18:16-19

Chosen To Do Right

Genesis 18:19 For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised.

After the incident with Sarah, her being caught in a lie, Abraham's three guests got up to leave and headed toward Sodom. Abraham was walking with them when the Lord asked his two friends if he should keep from Abraham why they we going to Sodom. Then, he talks about why God had chosen Abraham: to keep the way of the Lord.

Each Christian has also been called by the Lord. We are his people. The buzz word in the church today is Relationship. Christianity isn't about religion, it is a relationship. Certainly, it is true that God desires a relationship with us. In the Garden of Eden, God went looking for Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8), he spent much time with Moses and Joshua on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28), and even went on boating excursions with his disciples (Luke 8:22). But, spending time with Jesus is not the only reason we are saved. He calls us to be obedient to him and follow his commands (John 14:15). Paul says that we are created to produce good works (Ephesians 2:10). We have a great responsibility as Christians to be example in and for the world around us.

K and A, you are not saved just to escape the lake of fire, but be happy you will. You are not saved just so you can have a friend who sticks close by you (Proverbs 18:24), although that is so crucial as you walk through the trials of life. No, one of the main reasons you were chosen was to live a righteous life by obeying the commands of the Lord and to teach your children to do the same (Deuteronomy 6:7). He has chosen you to do what is right and just (Proverbs 21:3). So, Live for the Lord!

~Dad

Yes You Did, Genesis 18:12-15

Yes You Did

Genesis 18:15 Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, "I did not laugh." But he said, "Yes you did laugh."

The Lord heard Sarah laugh and called her out. He questioned her faith by surmising that she did not believe God was able to make the seemingly impossible happen. She knew she was barren and that they were up in years, and there is no way for them to conceive a child. It would not happen. So, when Sarah felt the sting of the accusation, she responded by saying she did not laugh. But, the Lord knew her heart and knew what she had said. He spoke directly to her and spoke four words... "Yes You Did Laugh." Sarah's head must have hung low, for the truth had been revealed.

We can be assured that the Lord knows our thoughts (Psalm 94:11), and that we cannot hide from him what we think or  what we do. In fact, what we do in secret will be made known, and others will also know (Luke 8:17). We are called to be truthful (Ephesians 4:25), honest before both God and man. Therefor we must say what is true and be trustworthy, even when what we say will condemn us as it had Sarah. She didn't have the faith, so she lied both to the Lord and to herself.

A and K, are you truthful in all circumstances? You can fool others for a time, but you cannot fool the Lord ever. He knows what you did and what your thoughts were and what they are now. He knows your heart better than you do (Jeremiah 17:9, 1 John 3:20). Always be honest. You do not want to be caught in a lie for it brings disgrace. Your character will be smeared, and it will be difficult to rebuild. Admit when you are wrong for truth brings the freedom we all seek.

~Dad