Some time before the Genesis 19 occasion, Abraham and Lot decided to dwell in different places because of their herds and servants causing strife. At that time, “Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan” (Genesis 13:10–11). “But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly” (Genesis 13:13).
Peter says concerning Lot: “That righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds” (2 Peter 2:8). On the occasion recorded in Genesis 19, two angels of God, appearing as men, visited Sodom for the purpose of saving Lot and his family and destroying the entire plain of Jordan (included 5 cities, not just Sodom & Gomorrha; however, God spared Zoar per Lot’s request). Upon their arrival, Lot immediately invited them into his home for the night. After supper, and just before bed, the men of Sodom surrounded Lot’s house demanding that he let the two men come out so they could “know them” (sexual intercourse—rape on this occasion).
Lot wrongfully offered his daughters; however, the Sodomites were so engulfed in homosexuality that they were willing to harm Lot in order to get to their desired victims. In the end, God destroyed Sodom, Gomorrha, Admah, and Zeboiim with fire and brimstone. Lot, his wife, and two daughters were saved, but Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt for looking back after being commanded not to do so.
What are some needful lessons for us from this occasion? First, Lot’s daily vexation might have been avoided had he not chosen that environment. It seems he chose the plain of Jordan because of its physical beauty and riches. Jesus says “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). Many of our problems can be avoided by choosing carefully our environments. Second, we learn the limitlessness of wickedness. Sin must cause us to blush (Jeremiah 8:12), but the worldly do not know restraint.
Third, like Lot, we need to stand strongly against homosexuality. This does not mean saying, “That’s gross! Get away from me.” Rather, it means showing those who practice homosexuality the love of God and the power of the gospel. Paul revealed some in Corinth were at one time practicing homosexuality, but they stopped in being converted to Christ (1 Corinthians 6:9–11).
Fourth, unlike Lot, we need never to compromise with one sin in view of another sin. I believe Lot was suggesting fornication with his daughters when he offered them to the men of Sodom. Such is an ungodly compromise. Incidentally, consider the sins listed alongside homosexuality at Romans 1:17–32. We need never to compromise any sin. “That righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds” (2 Peter 2:8).
Clifton preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS
