Genesis 19:16
New King James Version
And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.
For Meditation
We live in a world condemned for unrighteousness and immorality. However, God’s heart is to rescue the godly from its trials and impending danger and judgment for the unrighteous (2 Pt. 2:6-10). So, why do we gamble with our lives, hesitating to escape when God’s mercy holds the door open?
A 2018 Chapman University survey paints a chilling picture of why people refuse to evacuate when disaster looms. Of the 50%, 43% would risk everything to protect their property from damage or theft, and 34% cling to overconfidence in their ability to survive. That sounds unreasonable—especially when lives are at stake; but that is the heartbreak of human folly.
In the story of Sodom’s destruction, the angel’s instruction was urgent and specific: Hurry, escape with your family or perish (Gen. 19:15-16). So, why did Lot hesitate? Why do we often try God’s patience and mercy when He moves to rescue us from sin? Why do we resist fleeing from sin’s looming danger?
The comfort of settlement. Once Lot settled comfortably in Sodom and sunk his roots deep into its life (13:10-11), moving became a burden. The same is true for us when we settle in a new place and enjoy its pleasures. We find it challenging to move, despite its corruption. Though Sodom’s depravity grieved Lot, he hesitated to flee.
The economic gains to let go. Lot arrived in Sodom with abundant property, and the fertile valley only multiplied his wealth. How could he walk away from everything?
Many of us prioritize economics when God calls us away from a location or lifestyle. Our wealth holds us back. Remember the man and the much wealth he couldn’t give up for the kingdom of God (Matt. 19:21-22)? Though we may not be directly involved in its corruption, it is tough for many to walk away from a place when our business is thriving and God calls us out.
The friendship and community to abandon. The passage strongly suggests Lot integrated well in Sodom and earned respect (Gen. 19:1). Leaving everything behind may have felt frightening.
What will it take for you to heed God’s call to move away from your network of friends and community that displeases Him, even if the place wears a church label? The call stays the same. Hurry, gather your family, and leave. Do not linger as Lot did.
The familiarity and beauty of the place. How powerful the pull of our surroundings! Sodom’s beauty created an inviting atmosphere that must have tugged at the couple’s hearts, especially Mrs. Lot (v.26), strengthening Lot’s hesitancy. Though the city’s hedonism pained his righteous soul (2 Pt. 2:7), the allure of material comforts drowned out his discomfort.
Today, the glittering lights and pulsing sounds of Hollywood have dulled many believers’ spiritual senses. We can’t keep the city’s atmosphere out, though immorality seeps into the church fellowship. We have been caught in the snare of modernism, so we linger, reluctant to flee to higher ground. Lord, have mercy!
So, let the child of God harken to His call to flee to higher ground to escape the world’s moral filth, or its corruption sweeps you away.
Let Us Pray Together
Father, please help us obey your urgent call to flee the moral filth of this world, not try to be superhuman, so sin’s swift currents may not sweep us away. May we flee from sexual immorality, homosexuality, transgender agenda, and out-of-control fashion crazes, greed, hedonism, and the like. May we not surround ourselves with those whose immoral lifestyle can make us insensitive to Your urgent warnings and callouts. Strengthen your church in you and your mighty power, as we put on your whole armor and take our stand against the forces of evil in this world. In the matchless name of our Risen Lord and Conquering King, Jesus Christ, amen.
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