Beware of the Plains of the World!
Genesis 19:17
New International Version
As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!”
For Meditation
Once more, the command was urgent and explicit, leaving no room for confusion.
“Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” (Gen. 19:17)
But Lot insisted he could not reach the mountains in time before disaster struck, so he pleaded for extended mercy and permission to take refuge in Zoar (18-20). The angels were willing to wait for them to climb to safety before unleashing destruction on Sodom and Gomorrah, but Lot had his preference and plan. Why do we always challenge God?
The mountains were straight ahead. A way through them led to where Lot once lived with his uncle Abraham under God’s blessing. Yet the world’s allure had drawn him away, tempting him to settle in the Jordan plains. If only Lot had been discerning and willing, he might have remembered his beginnings and hurried up the mountains to Abraham’s waiting arms. But he didn’t. He couldn’t let go of the plains’ lushness.
“Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it – it is small, isn’t it? Then my life will be spared” (20).
Our defiance is always “very small,” isn’t it? But remember the little foxes that ruin the vine! (Song of Songs 2:15).
Lot’s decision shows he believed he knew what was better for them than God. The mountains were not their choice because of their arid conditions. Zoar in the plains was just the right location and size for his family. Besides, the mountains seemed too distant to reach in time (18-20).
Given all the waivers, why the fear? Is God impatient? Was He not able to help them scale the mountains? Still, God mercifully granted Lot’s request and spared Zoar from destruction (21-26).
God’s permissive will does not sanction our choices. It never encourages our selfish desires. Sometimes, during chaotic times, God allows us to wander so that we can pause, gain perspective, and return with wiser hearts, led by the Holy Spirit. He rescues us not because of our righteousness, but because of His mercy and love in Christ Jesus (Psa 25:6; 2 Cor. 5:21).
Isn’t God good? How profound His love and compassion! For Abraham’s sake, God endured their wavering hearts, even as Lot seemed intent on pushing the boundary of His mercy.
Before we judge Lot for choosing his own way over God’s, let us remember how often we have taken God’s kindness for granted. We pray for His will, yet stubbornly pursue our own paths in marriage, business, career, and relationships, excusing ourselves with claims that our circumstances are too difficult. Isn’t it time to humble ourselves, repent, and seek true restoration?
Abraham, Jacob, and Moses all found higher ground after stumbling like Lot. We too have our stubborn stories, but did we become wiser after meeting God in His mercy and grace? Did Lot choose wisely after his merciful rescue?
Let Us Pray Together
Father, please forgive us for pushing the limits of your mercy and kindness. Help us fully obey your word and not compromise it with selfish desires we cannot let go of. You have met your weary servants like Moses and Elijah on mountaintops and reshaped their perspectives with renewed agendas. Strengthen and lead us also to the mountaintop, where you wait to receive and reset our vision in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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