Wow if God did not spare lots family Jesus would not have came form that line. Jesus a descendant of Ruth who was a Moabite. It shows even out of a shameful situation (daughter lying with father) God can still bless and good can still come of it if he so chooses
I am so confused about the interactions between Lot and his daughters… Wouldn’t God be upset with Lot’s daughters for what they did to him while he was inebriated?
love this “On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’””
John 7:37-38 NLT
rivers of living water will continue to flow. the flow never stop. wow!
love this “On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’””
John 7:37-38 NLT
I have been eating crow and fretting since right after posting last night! I kept reading through comments and saw the ones that truthfully showed that Jesus did come through the Moabite Ruth! I had even thought of her when I read that portion and then forgot that quickly!!!! I pray I didn’t make anyone stumble for my short sightedness!!! Please forgive me!
I am speaking up to point out an error I see in some comments I have read today. Please do your research to know what you are reading outside of the Scripture is Truth. Jesus comes from the lineage if Abraham, not of Lot and either if his daughters. Today’s reading even names the people groups that came of that situation. But go to Luke to read Jesus’ lineage.
We need to be careful what we share is Truth and we need to offer correction when we see a mistake. It is important to handle God’s Word accurately, for His honor and for our edification!
Does anyone else feel like they were reading about America in the Genesis chapter? Also, it’s amazing how they all kept asking questions in John, but none listened to the answers. It’s so simple! Follow Jesus and everything will be alright!
The sins of Sodom and Gomorrah parallel America, even more so now than when I was a child and realized that truth. Lord, help us not to look back, but cling to your righteousness. Help us to protect our children from the wicked culture in which we live and teach them your ways. Thank you, Lord, for your sovereignty, grace, and mercy.
Jesus understands His people; he understands the division, wickedness, and loneliness we go through. When you think He won’t understand or care about what you are going through, He really does… He has lived through it too
So many people have questions upon questions, like the Pharisees and Jews at the feast, but they just wonder. They do not seek out the truth or press in to know it. May the Spirit guide me to know the truth and never stop searching and learning more. Thank you, Lord.
I love that the Lord met with Abraham – walked and talked with him before He came to save us! He is still with us today! Interceding on our behalf – the power of His Spirit guiding, teaching and directing our path. Thank you Lord
1. Sarah did not believe that she would become pregnant and doubted God. There are so many times that I doubt God, essentially I’m saying that He is not enough.
2. Abraham and Lot both bargained with God. If they had not bargained and just trusted God what would it have looked like. If Lot went to where God told him would his daughters have laid with him? There are so many times I bargain with God, when what I really need to do is trust Him.
3. The officers knew that Jesus was different by the words he spoke. Do people know I am different by the words that I say?
Amazing passage from John in today’s devotion about division among the people. This is so relevant these days. May we remember that we are all children of God ❤️
In reference to Lot and his daughters, I agree that God can and did perform a great work even in spite of their sin. But parents, there is also a great lesson for us to learn here. The daughters of Lot were being raised in a culture of wickedness. They were even betrothed to men of the city. Although they were raised in a righteous household, the influence of their surrounding culture was much stronger. It should not surprise us the choice they made to defile themselves in the same way they had learned from the world. We too are raising our sons and daughters in a culture of wickedness! What are we doing as parents to protect them? What are we allowing them to be exposed to or influenced by? It’s time for parents to wake up and start protecting our children, actively disciple them in righteousness. Pray for them daily! Hold the line!
I also loved John again today. There were a lot of passages about judging one another : “Stop judging according to outward appearances; rather judge according to righteous judgement” John 7:24 was one of my favourites. Even though the only one who can truly judge us is God himself, it reminds us not to judge someone based on how they seem, rather judge them on their true character.
I struggled with the stories of Lot and his daughters. I was shocked to read that and even felt the need to tell my husband “I can’t believe that happened.” But after reading some of the comments about how Jesus eventually came from this. It is a reminder of how God always has a plan regardless of the shocking and horrible moments that have to happen in order to get us there.
By God’s covenant with Abraham, God helped Lot. Just proves that our relationship with God is not just for ourselves, but for those around us and to come.
I never realized that Abraham pleaded for the saving of sodom. He asked God to not destroy sodom if he found 50 righteous. He went back and forth with God and they settled on if 10 righteous were found Sodom would not be destroyed.
I assume you’re speaking of the old testament passages, and I think the point is it’s NOT okay. Just because it’s “in the Bible” doesn’t mean God condones it. Polygamy is not okay. Incest is not okay. Etc. Never does it say God condones it. In fact it’s the complete opposite. It is sin and God abhors it. The point is that people are sinful. But God, in His great love and mercy, worked His great plan of redemption for His people in spite of their sin. God never chooses perfect people to accomplish his perfect will because there are no perfect people. We are all hopelessly dead in our sins. But that does not thwart God’s plan!
8/365
God is so very patient… I wonder what the msg is behind negotiating from 50 believers lives to 10 sparing the people? Perhaps to show how patient and eager the Lord is to communicate with us?
I think also to show the level of sin in those cities. He would spare the whole city for 50 people because He knew there weren’t 50 who were righteous. Not 45, 40 … not even 10. What a sad statement that in the whole city not even 10 were righteous.
Really seems like Lot and his daughters were a mess, but God can work through a mess! From the eldest came the Moabites, from the Moabites came Ruth, from Ruth came Obed, then Jesse, then David, and from that line came our Savior, Jesus!
YES! I at first was having a rough time with Lot and his Daughter’s through this but you hit the jackpot MESS and he works all good through it all and even comes out through it at the end❤️
We sure make a mess of things when we take matters into our own hands! But God knew and knows. He allowed their sin to bring about the Moabites, the Moabites brought us Ruth, Ruth brought us King David, and that is the family tree of our Savior, Jesus!
Same!! It makes me wonder if there was so much struggle in the Old Testament because of how much incest there was. Thinking about how having a child with your father would severely effect the child’s cognitive abilities, it makes me wonder if that was a thing back in the day and contributed to so much hardship…
I LOVE the way Abraham negotiates relentlessly with God to save the righteous (his fam) from Soddom and Gomorrah. It goes to show that if God has a plan, he will change his mind if you ask him. #prayerworks.
I always wonder that. For me it’s a reminder to trust God by moving forward in life and not look back. Maybe it’s symbolic for them leaving their old sinful life and following after God.
The power of prayer and constant communication with the Lord is shown when Abraham is kept safe from the ending of the city of Sodom. Our God LISTENS to us. He is after our thoughts and prayers and we must speak with him about what is on our mind to grow in our relationship with him. This passage pushes us past a “Parking lot faith” and brings us to a relationship with God. We all fall short, but God listens to us and hears us. He shows the depths of his graciousness and mercy, so we should constantly talk to him.
19‘For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him.”
I, too, am chosen; may I keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness & justice, and lead those after me to do the same.
16”But he, LOT, hesitated. So the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, for the compassion of the Lord was upon him; and they brought him out, and put him outside the city.” The compassion of the Lord, the core emotion of love, help me Lord, to be compassionate.
38‘He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” 39But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. I have been given that Spirit! My I get out of the way of it’s flow!
19‘For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him.”
I, too, am chosen; may I keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness & justice, and lead those after me to do the same.
16”But he, LOT, hesitated. So the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, for the compassion of the Lord was upon him; and they brought him out, and put him outside the city.” The compassion of the Lord, the core emotion of love, help me Lord, to be compassionate. 38”‘He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” 39But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” I have been given that Spirit! From my innermost being flows rivers of living water! May I not block the flow with junk/self/unrighteousness.
“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37-38) Oh Father, you have given me life and given me the chance to share that life with others!! Thank you for the life giving water that you share so freely.
I admit I actually never knew the story of Lot’s daughters and was surprised to read that. We all sin, even the people in the Bible did, and that makes us human but we have a forgiving God.
May we remember as Abraham does, the sober reality that we are but dust and ashes. And yet it pleases the Lord to let us come to Him in prayer as Christ His precious Son is our mediator.
Humans commit acts of depravity, and we all fall short of the glory of God. But our God is merciful, and he forgives us through all of our transgressions. Today I pray that we walk the narrow path of serving his will, and that when we stray we ask for forgiveness and then move forward- not let our mistakes permanently derail us.
Jesus’ words in this passage of John really reminded me of the adage from apologetics that you really cannot get away with thinking Jesus was just a cool guy with good life advice. In this passage it is clear that he is either crazy, evil (intentionally leading others astray) or he is who he said he is – Lord.
Today I found comfort in verses I had read before but hadn’t put much thought into- John 7:40-43. I have recently been struggling with the question of what denomination has it right. It seems overwhelming and confusing to work through all of the contradicting views. I have often found my self praying that God would show me the right answer. But this passage revealed that even when Jesus was in the flesh, talking to the people and explaining facts about himself, there’s was debate over what was true! It is not just us, so far removed from the early church who struggle with these questions. The important thing is knowing that Jesus is with us as concretely as he was with them.
You are not alone! I have been having a hard time figuring out what I believe about a few different minor issues that seem to divide denominations. I’m encouraged when I read about how important it is to be united as a body of believers though. Just focusing on who Christ is and what He did for us. Sometimes I forget to see the bigger picture.
I grew up in a denomination that focused so much on “how” we practiced religion or why, but the focus was never Jesus. Once I became a believer I finally got it. Jesus is all you need!
It was really neat reading Genesis right along side of John today, because I never pictured the same Jesus walking around in the New Testament to be the exact same person as the one walking with Abraham in these chapters of Genesis. So cool that we have a God outside of time.
For those wrestling with the poor choices of Lot and his daughters (I cringe to read them as well)…..a few thoughts from my own study. Notice the verses at the end of the chapter following their sinful choice. Even in this, God’s mercy is evident I believe…..one of the sons became the father of the Moabites. If I remember correctly, RUTH was a Moabite and she is in the lineage of CHRIST. I also mentally noted that God wouldn’t have included this awful depiction of sinful acts if it wasn’t important. He doesn’t include it to glorify sin, ever (other places in Scripture are “hard” as well), but it shows the depravity of man and our desperate need of His mercy and grace, and, ultimately, SALVATION. He also had to let us know where these people groups came from and thus the lineage of His Son. The whole chapter, with the vileness of Lots words and actions at the beginning to the end of it with his daughters even tainted by the evil in Sidon, scream the mercy of God. God was keeping His covenant with ABRAHAM by being merciful to Lot and his daughters. It said right in he text that He remembered ABRAHAM.
That is such an interesting connection Angie! My first take away when reading this story was how sin effects more than just yourself because the Moabite and the Ammonites become enemies of the Israelites. It made me sad to see this. But the fact that Ruth was a Moabite and in the lineage of Christ is so fascinating because it shows how God redeems even the most depraved sins. I love seeing the thread of redemption through the Bible. Thanks for sharing!
I really struggled with why Lot’s daughters and their father’s sins were noted in the Bible. Thank you for shedding sone light on it. I knew there had to be a significant reason, but was lost.
Wicked things happened in the OT! It always surprises me to read about how terrible Sodom and Gomorrah were and how it influenced Lot’s daughters living amongst all the unrighteousness to do the unthinkable. How do we protect our own children from the wickedness in the world?
I don’t know if you follow them already, and I’m not yet a mom, but there is a family that are trying their best to raise their kids biblically and I look up to them so much. They just launched a podcast called Courageous Parenting, they are Angie and Isaac Tolpin! Just if you’re interested in another awesome parenting resource :)
Also loved John 7:24 because I am far too familiar with judging or assuming the worst of others. “Do not judge with appearances but judge with right judgement.” Lord help me to see with your eyes, you are the only one who judges and condemns not me!
Feeling a little confused by the character of Lot here. Offering up his virgin daughters to the people of Sodom, not leaving Sodom with urgency as the Lord asked of him.. seems like God just saved Lot because Abraham wanted him to, I don’t really know if we see Lot being a righteous man. And then his daughters both having children with him??? Also does anyone know the significance of Lots wife turning to a pillar of salt? I didn’t see a warning about what would happen if they looked back at Sodom while they were escaping. If anyone has any thoughts please share!
Lot is a man of flesh. I looked back at some of my decisions in life and wonder what was I thinking. I wonder why didn’t I trust in God, why didn’t I believe. Sometimes I think I know more and sometimes I just plain want it to be my way. I have grown a lot in my 47 years on this earth in my relationship with God and am just so thankful He gives me chance after chance and grace after grace to get it right. I have never done anything that would get me incarcerated but I have been far from perfect.
Lot is a man of flesh. I have made many poor choices (nothing criminal) and many mistakes but God has never failed me. He has given me chance after chance to get it right (His grace). Lot is the same as us, he didn’t have any more knowledge about life. He was just a man trying to navigate this world with what he knew of God. At 47 my relationship with God is the strongest it’s ever been because He has never turned his back when I stumbled and in times I didn’t trust him (Like Lots daughters). That is one of the many comforts I find in the Bible, all of the men and women of God who failed home miserably but still showed a heart for God and he used them for great things in His name.
Yes you’re so right! Thanks for your thoughts and for sharing. I often forget to read through the lens of grace when I read about someone like Lot when that’s the lens that God sees me through as well. Thank you for the reminder :)
I look at characters like Lot in the Bible and I am so thankful for God’s never ending grace. We always think that God was all fire and brimstone in the Old Testament but he is the same God. He saw a struggling man like Lot and whether or not it was the pleading of Abraham, he gave him another chance. I am so glad that I serve a God willing to pursue me in the middle of my disobedience.
When you pitch your tents next to the unholy, you have to expect that you and your children will be influenced by it. Thus, Lot offered up his daughters to the Sodomites.
We also see that Moabites and Ammonites (from Lot’s daughters) will always diametrically oppose the Israelites. Though they were “saved” they are still outside God’s favored tribe, stained by association all the way back to S&G.
There are two paths we can take: God’s and not God’s. There are always consequences to the latter and blessings to the former.
I love this chapter of John! A little Jewish culture for you… the last great day of the feast of Sukkot is thematically all about water. The priest would have poured out water in a ceremony at the temple and the people would start praying for the winter rains at this point. His words about living water and the Spirit would have struck a chord that day.
Alone here… I need to catch up with the plan! But I still enjoy reading everyone’s thoughts. A few things stood out for me. Is anything too hard for the Lord? I have an “impossible” situation in my life where I think I have been acting like the answer to that question is YES and becoming hopeless as a result. Reality is: with God we are never without hope! I also found it interesting that God chose Abraham SO THAT Abraham could direct his family to follow the Lord SO THAT the Lord could bring about what He had promised Abraham. In other words, we have a part to play. Finally, Lot’s daughters: so easy to judge their behavior but how often do we want a good thing and go about trying to get it in our own ways/strength rather than praying and waiting on God? Very similar to Sarai trying to have an heir through her servant. Forcing things to happen in our way and time leads to bad results!
Yes, we just don’t understand the family line in the same way today. It seems that the better choice would have been to go back to Abrahams people and find husbands but I guess that’s not the way history reads :)
I love that God, even when we hesitate, is merciful and will save us.
“16 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them.”
But how often in our day to day lives do we hesitate or ignore God altogether? I find this encouraging that Gods mercy was not contingent upon Lot being perfect but Lots survival was due to Gods care for his creation.
The men of the town wanted to have sex with the two men who came to Lot’s place….and God saw that as abhorrent. So you could infer that homosexuality is a sin from the passage.
The Ezekiel passage explicitly says the sin of S&G was denying the poor and hungry. We’ll see through the Bible that God repeatedly tells his people that their true sin is not loving one another! And if you infer from this passage that homosexuality is a sin then you must infer that it is okay for a father to hand over his young virgin daughters and tell men to “do what they please.” You must also infer that it’s okay for daughters to get their own father drunk and get pregnant by him. You can’t have it both ways!!
But, if you’ll notice, God doesn’t allow the virgins to sleep with the men, and after the girls continue their family line by sleeping with their father, the Moabites and the Ammonites come from them, which I believe are enemies of the Israelites.
“No Ammonite or Moabite may enter the assembly of the Lord. Even to the tenth generation, none of them may enter the assembly of the Lord forever,”
Deuteronomy 23:3 ESV
Homosexuality is a sin that is stated in the Bible several times, and in fact in Jude, it states that Sodom and Gomorrah where destroyed, at least in part, because of it.
“just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”
Jude 1:7 ESV http://bible.com/59/jud.1.7.esv
It also says this in Jude:
“just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”
Jude 1:7 ESV
Nowhere does it say that the sexually immorality referred to is homosexuality, in fact it seems much more obvious that the sexual immorality is the rape which the men of the town were attempting to commit.
My thoughts, too, Amy. I know this is a confusing and controversial passage, so I’m not trying to offend or alienate anyone. I have just never quite understood how the inference was that homosexuality was a sin from this passage. But that’s why I’m reading the Bible in a year, to better understand how some of these prevalent conclusions are reached.
Ch 18- Not even 10 righteous people were found in the city otherwise the Lord would not have destroyed S&G. So, there was a plethora of sin abounding there. “Their sin was exceedingly grave” Homosexuality is one of many sins that was judged on that day when God rained down fire and brimstone. The whole city it seems is engrossed in sinful behavior. Ugh… So like today. God, change my heart. Show me Your ways. Help me walk in the truth of Your Word. Amen.
John 7:24- “Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.” That really stood out to me today, what a great reminder that we never know what’s really going on in someone’s life so don’t be so quick to judge, I know for me personally I really struggle with that because it’s so easy to say what you see but you never know, on the inside maybe that person is broken.
Interesting to me that because Abraham petitioned the Lord to save Lot, the Moabites and Ammonites were born, nations that would later attack Abraham’s own descendants.
It’s hard reading the story of lot and if his daughters lack of faith. Not that I would go to that extreme but it revealed I’m no different in my lack of faith. And Jesus dealt with so much just to save us! That’s grace, mercy, and love ❤️
Like a lot of others, I found the genesis readings to be slightly disturbing, especially having to do with lot. There’s a lot of sin going on: homosexuality, premarital sex, incest. It’s enough to make me crawl out of my skin. I think the fact that we feel this way is proof or evidence that Christ is living in us. John 7.38 “The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.” We believe in him and he gives us a heart like his, one that is grieved by sin and pursues his glory.
3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.
This reminds me of the modern philosophy we now have going around, “If it’s not on Instagram/Facebook it isn’t real.
God doesn’t need to give us signs in this life, His Word alone is enough. HE is enough. God you are amazing!
How many times have I been like Sarah thinking “as if something so good could happen to me?” It amazes me how we can read these truths and see over and over that God is faithful, trustworthy, mercifully and still waiver in our hopes for our own lives.
Recently I’ve had the gift of learning patience as I job search. This position I now have is such a big opportunity but my fear has been keeping me back. Today I remembered the prayers I prayed for God to give me the sight to see my ability for this position and to help me get the job. Now I have it and I have been so worried about how to move to a new place, how to do a new job, how how how when I need to be focused of thank you thank you thank You! How many times did Sarah pray for children? How many times did she yearn for that opportunity? Then when she gets it she says “how is that even possible that this would happen to me?” Let my heart and my prayer be thank you Jesus not how!
Genesis 18:20-33 we can question to know Gods mind, because he keeps nothing from us. Amen! The explanation in my bible basically says that Abraham did not change Gods mind but through questioning God changed Abrahams mind, and reaffirmed that He is merciful. Asking anything is allowed! May I never forget that the answers come from God’s perspective. Just like I need to meditate on prayers of thank you, may I also remember that God’s thoughts are not always in harmony with my expectations because he knows the whole story! I will pray that I stop missing God’s answer because of my expectations.
How common sin was in Sodom that Lot thought nothing of offering his daughters to be ravished? Perhaps he thought he could save the visitors and his daughters as the homosexual men would not be interested in his daughters or that their fiancés would come to save them. Regardless this shows that living around sin, like Lot in Sodom, hardens our hearts and makes sin seem common place, even ok. In today’s culture, my opinion is, that our hearts are hardened to sin, similar to Lots. Just look at the images of death, destruction, sex, and war we see everyday. May our hearts be alert to recognize sin.
We are most likely to sin when we feel entitled. Do you need to view that image? Or could you protect someone’s dignity? I’m thinking specifically of that boy whose body washed ashore beginning the world wide awareness of the refugees fleeing. How many of us needed to see that before we prayed or took action? Why wasn’t it enough to just pray and help when our ears heard of the strife? Our society is thick with drawing pleasure off of others pain. Our hearts are hardened to expect these types of images in news reporting. How many of us need to see over serialized images in shopping malls to be encouraged to shop? Do you need to see that model in lingerie to know what the store sells? How can I protect my heart from comparison and affirm in my mind what sexy is and isn’t?
Jesus, please grant me grace as I learn to recognize need, and help me to be your hands and feet in creating change. Please help me to protect my heart from wrongness and unrighteousness so common in life today, and to recognize sin immediately so I can protect my relationship with you. Amen!
Thanks so much for you contribution. God has indeed given you a unique perspective. Thanks for sharing it with us. Everything you’ve said struck a chord with me. I’m even saving it for further medication.
I noticed today that Abraham obeyed without question when God gave him directions… Lot hesitated when told to flee Sodom. Why? Are their faiths at different strengths? Was lot distracted by his life and wanting to be sure he really had to go? I want to know The Lord so well I know it’s Him and can obey immediately!!
That is a beautiful desire. Pray for the Fear of the Lord in your life. Joy Dawson wrote a couple good books about how to live life fearing God. It has been the biggest blessing in my life as a Christ follower.
What I love about this is that Abraham was begging for 10 but when it came down to it, God ended up saving 3 even though that wasn’t close to 50 or even 10. He was saying that he would save 50 but if there was even just one person that had a heart that even had the hope of loving God. (Looking at Lot, he was debating on listening to God or staying and God was still so merciful with him) he would have saved them and not let them go down with everyone else.
Wait a second, in Genesis 18, there are 3 men visiting Abraham, speaking as the Lord (I thought it was the trinity) then at the beginning of 19, there’s 2 angels in Sodom. Can anybody help a girl wrap her brain around this? I know it may not be paramount to the text but it seems like the interactions that Abraham, Sarah, and Lot have with them seem much more informal than prayers might.
That is an interesting question, Heather. I didn’t take any thought to that until you mentioned it. From what I’m reading in my Bible commentary, they were just “visitors” and their purpose of visiting was Sarah’s pregnancy. It also reads that in the ancient Middle East, Abraham’s reaction to his guest, was the typical reaction then. “In the ancient world, a person’s hospitality was often determined by the ability to provide an extravagant welcome.” Hope that helps a bit more. ☺
I love seeing Jesus through both stories. Jesus was there in the beginning. He told Abraham about his plan for Sodom and Gomorrah. He had mercy on Lot, a sinner like us all but believed in the Lord, and it was credited to him as righteousness as 2 Peter mentions. We clearly see him in John, again amongst unbelievers yet there were those in the crowd who did believe, like Lot. Reading through Genesis and John really drives home that the entire Bible is God’s story of love for his people through his Son Jesus Christ.
When first reading Genesis 18-19, I felt like all hope was lost. And when you look at the humans in this story, that might be true-except for Abraham, they are all tainted by sin.
But look at how God acts and is:
-He is ready to spare a whole city full of sinners for ten righteous people.
-He does not give up on Lot but has him almost dragged out of the city.
-Later on, in 2.Peter, Lot is called righteous and it says that he was tormented by the sin of those around him. So, while I personally don’t see that many good things in Lot, for God, whatever there was, it was enough.
(And that’s really comforting, somehow.)
I like your thoughts and perspective. You’re right, it is comforting to know how far God was willing to go for Lot. Even before the work of the Cross, God was just and merciful, as ready to love us as He was ready to punish us. To see the consistency of of His attributes, and understand Him a little bit more is wonderful. I think that I used to assume that the God of the Old Testament was simply a God of wrath. But what I see now is His love and justice, His grand plan in motion.
I’m struck again by the outrageous claims that Jesus has been making throughout John. As Christians, we can sometimes gloss over how mind-blowing and unbelievable the statements he made would have been for the Jewish population, because we, ourselves, have heard them before and already accepted their truth. He has been saying, in no uncertain terms, that he is equal with God! That he is the ONLY way to have access to life, and that the religious authorities and not only wrong, they are ignorant, stupid and willfully sinful.
I wish I could hear what the Angel who took Lots wife’s hand when fleeing the city (v.16) thought once the hand he once was holding onto turned into salt! I’m sure there was confusion but probably thinking, “I’m not looking back to see what happened!” Just one of the many questions I’d love to ask in heaven.
His power had not been fully demonstrated. They had seen his grace and seen part of his glory in 6 when he calmed the sea, but they didn’t understand his power.
I liked reading John 7 because I love the way Jesus takes the people off guard with his answers. It’s easy to read and say “wow those people have no idea what they were doing” but how often do I do that? A LOT! We forget about the times we stop listening or seeing where God is directing us.
I like verses 6-7 where Jesus is speaking to his brothers “My time has not yet arrived, but your time is always at hand. The world cannot hate you, but it does hate me because I testify about it-that it’s deeds are evil”
How hard to tell your siblings something like that. While Jesus always obeyed the Father it probably wasn’t easy to tell your brothers that they are sinful (anyone with siblings will understand).
As many others mentioned, I am confused as to why Lots daughters felt the need to sleep with him to preserve his line. It sounds like a generous offer (to preserve his line) but obviously the sin of it is evident (they had to get him drunk) and then had sex with him (he’s their father and obviously they aren’t married). However, we know that God doesn’t just let these things pass that there is judgement for them.
Kira, in my opinion Lot’s daughters probably thought the world was ending after the destruction they saw so they acted in haste. But I think the point of this passage is to show that the daughters were so engrossed in sin that what they thought was righteousness was actually evil. Their offspring the Moabites and ammonites were known to be evil, sick, violent people. So sin bred sin. That remains true today. Our sin can have catastrophic repercussions. And sometimes what we may think is right is actually sin. Thanks be to our Lord Jesus for giving us life even though we were dead in sin!!
Also keep in mind that they grew up in a place where their father was basically the only righteous person, so much so that God called for its utter destruction. They had been betrothed however the men they were supposed to marry (& produce offspring with) where destroyed in the city.
I find it amazing that when Abraham and Lot requested God to do something different he complied. Eg/ when he asked to spare the town over 50, then 45, then 40 righteous people and so on. God considered our requests, with no reason of why he should, and that is incredible.
The Genesis reading was very difficult for me today. A lot of nastiness. The grotesqueness of mobs wanting to have sex with these new comers, then Lot offering up his daughters, and then finally his daughters having sex with him. All of it is just super crazy and I guess shows the reality of sin. Ugh. Hard to read through stuff like this.
I think I need to start reading scripture with a concordance. I find that when I don’t understand things I just feel upset and confused for the rest of the reading,
I know sometimes is hard to understand but don’t get upset. What you could also do is buy a bible for teens. It’s the same but with simpler words and then you can go back to the other bible. Hope it helps.
I have been enjoying my ESV Study Bible. It makes the daily readings take longer – as there is a lot of background to read – but I would be lost without the extra explanations and insight!
I have a NIV /Message parallel Bible. I like that it has the footnotes for explanation as well as the message version to make tricky things easier to understand (for me). There are a number of translations of parallel Bibles and parallel study Bibles.
I’m right there with you. Funny thing — I’m 24 years old and have been going to church nearly every Sunday for my entire life, and there were so many times today when I read part of the passage, put my Bible down, and said to myself, “What?!?!” I had no idea some of the things that were recorded in the Bible and am hoping to gain insight and understanding into all of these details. After all, I’m sure they were each included for a very specific reason.
I’m with you all on this! Our pastor has been teaching through Genesis and just the past month or so has preached from these chapters. I have been hugely blessed and encouraged by how he preaches the gospel from this text. If you have some time, give the sermons a listen: http://middletownchurch.org/pages/?page_id=14 Genesis 18 starts on December 14 and chapter 19 closes out on January 18. The only one not from Genesis is on December 28 :) 1/11 & 1/18 were of particular encouragement from really hard texts.
I really enjoyed today’s reading! A good reminder on how important it is to trust God and be faithful to Him.
Geneses reminds us of our sinful world filled with our fears and how we try to make things better rather than trusting God. Like when the girls slept with their father and and how sinful our desires can be. I don’t understand why Lot offered his daughters in an effort to protect the angles. Why didn’t he want to protect them both. Any thoughts on that?
Perhaps Lot saw that these men who were after the angels were homosexuals and therefore would have no interest in his daughters? I still find it odd for a father to say such a thing, “do whatever you want with them” about his daughters. Maybe this is showing us another lapse in judgement for Lot and where his character is lacking.
Lot didn’t immediately obey Gods command to leave, and the Angels took him and his family by the arm and dragged them out. So merciful. I pray that in the important times that I hesitate to obey He will be merciful to me as well. I only want to do his will but sometimes my flesh gets in the way.
I want 2015 to be a year of BIG DREAMS + BIG FAITH. Genesis 18:14 poses the question “is anything too hard for the Lord?” The same verse responds that no, nothing is too hard. :) Step out in faith. Dream big. Pray big. Ask God to do big things. I think I just found my theme for the year. :)
Also, while reading in John about Jesus being the living water, my Bible cross-referenced Isaiah 58:11 and I found it very encouraging. “The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.”
This morning I was feeling quite “dry” and exhausted from the week, and God in his faithfulness definitely restored my strength. This passage also reminded me of my need and desire of his continual guidance. He is so good!
I was a little confused by Genesis 18:20-21– “20 Then the Lord said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous 21 that 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.”
We know God is omniscient and knows all, so what does he mean when he says he’ll go down there to check it out? I’d appreciate any thoughts! :)
I thought it was interesting as well. I think it was just like the opportunities he gives us. He is always extending more grace, more mercy. He was giving the people more time to repent and turn away. He’s a many chance giver.
Yes God is omniscient, but he used his servants/messengers to physically go to the town to find out for the Lord, which he says in verse 22 The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord.
That’s what I had understood. That the Lord sent these men into the towns to be witnesses. I hope this helps
Lot’s wife looking back in a sense caused her destruction. That spoke volumes to me. It we keep looking back and hold on to our past it can very well destroy us. Look forward. Let go and let God.
It’s also pretty amazing how God can use our mistakes to accomplish His will. So thankful for His love and mercy.
I really loved the connection you made with his wife looking back and our pasts. It helped me better understand the message of Lot’s wife destruction and how we shouldn’t look back on our pasts.
I can’t help but think that Lot offering up his daughters for sex to the wicked men seems so wrong. He’s saying don’t have sex with the men but here take my daughters. What?! And God still saves him and his family.
I’ve had trouble reading this passage ever since I first read it. Lot offering up his daughters is so brutal, but after reading some comments here, God saving the entire family does show that even when we try to scrape up some hack job of a solution (like the twisted way Lots daughters are offered up),God still has faith in us and protects us
I did some research on it and was comforted by what I found:
19:8—Was it not wrong for Lot to offer his daughters to the Sodomites? According to the Oriental code, it was a host’s responsibility to protect the guests in his home, defending them even to the point of death if necessary. Lot was prepared to do that. He bravely went out to the mob, closed the door behind him, and faced them alone. By the time he offered his daughters, Lot likely realized that his guests were messengers from God, and he may have reasoned that God could protect his daughters as He had protected his aunt Sarah in Egypt. (Genesis 12:17-20) Indeed, as the matter turned out, Lot and his daughters were kept safe.”
He had faith that God would protect them all.
I love how the readings from Genesis, particularly the ones about Abraham and Lot’s daughters, show that even though we often take things into our own hands, God still loves us. Even though sometimes we fail to trust in His ways, He will never walk away. I find that encouraging. No matter what we have done or what we will do, He will never give up on us and will always love us.
Reading these passages in John, it really hit me that if I was in that crowd, I might also have doubted Jesus. That brought me to my knees. Would I have believed in Jesus if I met Him then? Saw Him shouting into the crowds and arguing with government officials? Would I have seen Him as the true Son of God? I don’t think I would have. That is a crippling realization. Oh Lord please help heal my unfaithful heart!
I had the exact same sentiments. Would I be able to know Him, would I be among those who persecuted Him? It’s scary to imagine that He could be right before you and you miss Him; or worse yet condemn Him!
On this note, I read a book and the Lord revealed much to me about his faithfulness, and ability to work circumstances to good we can’t imagine. It’s called “Better off without Jesus” and I learned a lot about trusting that His plan is truly best. It in a way connects to the way I identify with Lot’s wife. She was looking back physically. But many times, I look back spiritually. Thinking that it would’ve been better if I had, or if God had. But that isn’t true faith!!
I love the OT. The reading today really made me thankful for God’s patience and mercy. He takes me by the hand. He provides a way out of sin and darkness and corruption. I pray that I would Trust in Him with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding (or desires) but In everything submit my ways to Him so He can direct my paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6. I don’t want to be hiding in a nasty cave in fear and darkness. Instead, I want to know and follow God’s best plan for me! That’s why this reading plan is so great! It’s a light to my path!
In Genesis 18:11-15, Sarah laughs at the idea of bearing a child in her old age despite the promises the Lord had made to Abraham. While reading this I am reminded of Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” We have to remember the He is ABLE to do more than we ever imagined! We must have high expectations for our God ALL the time! He is forever faithful!
My husband and I are believing for a house PAID IN FULL by God! We live where the market is AWFUL & it’s been up, up, & away since the oil boom. I’m unemployed and my husband is a waiter. With mortgage companies turning us down left & right, we choose to have hope in our God who is JUST & WILL supply every need for His children. We have high expectations for sure! They’re gonna be part of the testimony!
I love the timing — how God says that when He returns in a year, she will have a child. We never know God’s timing with opportunities and occurrences in our lives . Things that seem unlikely, impossible, or far away can all occur at the drop of a hat with God. Love this. Keeps my eyes looking towards the heavens with hope. :)
John 7:4 “No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world”
I love this scripture so much as i got from it TRANSPERANCY… I love discipleship and I believe it’s mostly about sharing our lives too especially when we help others in their walk with Christ.. :-)
I love this picture of Gods grace! :
Gen19:16 “But he hesitated. Because of the Lord’s compassion for him, the men grabbed his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters. Then they brought him out and left him outside the city.”
Even in our hesitation, God is so quick to love. He is faithful even when we are not. Lord help us to run into your grace, casting off all doubt.
Just as Sarah and Lot’s daughters took the survival of their family lines into their own hands, may I not seek to take matters into my own hands. Rather act when and where God tells me to act, not questioning or negotiating as Lot when the angels told him to flee to the mountains.
We are doing this plan as a group at work. We discussed today how Lot “bargained” with God to find righteousness and how we bargain with God too. I also think about how we try so hard to help save others who aren’t willing to help save themselves.
Today’s passages really spoke to me about the damage that lack of faith in God can do. Lots wife didn’t trust or honor the Lord enough to not look back, and her life was taken from her. Lots daughters didn’t trust the Lord to provide husbands, so they slept with their father and ended up giving birth to two lines of people who became a great burden for God’s people. Then in John, the lack of faith of Jesus’ brothers, the people, and the Pharisees caused them to be blind with doubt and pride and miss out on the Messiah. It may seem like an elementary principle, but just how often do we have lack of faith in God simply by our actions? I know I do. I say I trust Him with my mouth but in my actions I end up trying to take control. I don’t always take God as seriously as I should. And yet because He is so gracious, He forgives me and blesses me regardless. Thank God my faithfulness does not determine His!
I too will say that I trust in God, but I am a control freak and always want things to go my way instead of God’s–even though I know that His will is truly always best!
Abby, I am the exact same way. Trusting and surrendering my plans to God completely has been something God challenged me to work on this year. And it’s definitely not easy…
I was so taken aback by the daughters sleeping with their Father Lot and I was very confused. This helped clarify so much! It was the lack of faith that lead to this sin. Thank you!
I was really confused by this, and struggling to find meaning in this passage. Thank you so much for shedding light on this! It really hit home with me, and I so grateful to have read this!
Sisters, I struggle reading the Old Testament. I get stuck over the beliefs and the traditions I guess. Reading about these two young daughters sleeping with their father to keep the line… I just can’t get past that and understand why that would be ok or why that was even thought. Any suggestions to help me dig deeper into the Old Testament and not let my self get so (honestly..) disgusted over the way people in the Old Testament lived.
I don’t believe that just because something is included in the Bible or committed by a person who is following God it means that act is condoned by God.
I love God with as much as I can but I know I have committed and do commit sin. That doesn’t mean God condones my sin. :)
I don’t see the story of Lot and his daughters written in a positive light at all. It’s very matter-of-fact and even the girls rationalize their acts by “what is the custom” not what will please God. They clearly demonstrate that they do not trust God to come through for them. And their father clearly demonstrates what an irresponsible drunk he is.
Amanda, I had the same struggles as I read the 3 Old Testament chapters today. I got caught up on the part where Lot offered his daughters to the men instead of the strangers he had accepted into his home. I have to remind myself that things were so different back then that it would be impossible for us to relate. What we can relate to, though, is that they were sinners in need of a savior. Just like us. I also think they would look at things we do in our current society, like abortion, drug use, abuse, and the crazy stuff we watch on TV, and have the same feelings of disgust. We, too, are just sinners in need of a savior.
We read stories like this one every day in the news. This is our flesh – we are totally depraved and for a reason beyond my understanding God still loves us and is faithful to fulfill His promises.
Amanda, I completely agree. I have a difficult time relating to parts of the Old Testament. In this section I thought it was interesting that we have BOTH the story of Lot offering his daughters to the men AND him getting them pregnant while drunk. Maybe part of the reason we are told both stories is to show the ramifications of our sins.
I love the timing of this! I’m going through a lot and the Lord keeps pushing me to trust him and let go of the control. It can be so hard to remember that nothing is too big/difficult for Him! I need to learn to trust more.
Man! what a juxtaposition in today’s reading! First we read so much sin and depravity and then we flip to John and read about Jesus who is the direct answer to all of the sin and heartache that makes us to uncomfortable. What a relief to know the One who is the answer to our sin and the cry of our souls!
“Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” (18:14a) Need this reminder so much. I look at life and think, “this is never going to get better”. Or “there’s no way anything good can come of this”. But God. He can do anything He wants to do. And He promises to act for our good (b/c He loves us!) and His glory (b/c He is creator and redeemer God)!
I’m amazed that Abraham stood before the Lord, literally. It says three men came and then two Angels left while Abraham continued speaking to the Lord. So he wasn’t just praying, he was talking to someone that was there! If I understand it correctly, that would be crazy. And I just keep trying to put myself in the mindset of these people. If my husband ran in and said HEY PEOPLE ARE HERE, make bread NOW! I’d be kinda put off. And then to overhear that I’m gonna be pregnant. I’d laugh too. It helps to really imagine it and it comes alive.
By Theosophrastus, do you mean it’s literal definition “divine expression”? I have been reading on and researching Jesus in the Old Testament. I have not decided for myself; but do think it is interesting that Abraham may have been speaking with Jesus himself. Because God is not bound by space or time, it would make this absolutely possible. Though I am at peace. I do not Need to know how the Lord was manifested. Just that he was is enough for me to sit in silence. In awe of His greatness, mercy and love for His people.
Never noticed this before! (The Lord appeared to Abraham) But I will confirm My covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this time next year.” (Genesis 17:21)
Then in chapter 18: The Lord said, “I will certainly come back to you in about a year’s time, and your wife Sarah will have a son! ” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent behind him. (Genesis 18:10)
I never noticed this the first time. So we know they waited a little over 10 years after the first time God made that promise and Abraham and Sarah tried to make it happen out of their own strength. Then you have the promise in chapter 17 (above) and the one in 18 (above) seems like it was probably only a few months after the promise in 17. It was like a reconfirmation that God was making to them! But maybe He repeated this to simply help strengthen their faith!
Yes! Second chances is what I thought about. The first time God made that promise they tried to make it happen on their own which was disobedient but the Lord reassures them and promises them that nothing is too hard for the Lord!
As bad as we think our world is today, when we read the Old Testament, wow!! It’s pretty disturbing itself. I’m so glad we have Jesus to cling to in our time. Thank you Lord!! xo
Yes! In a day that we are surrounded by bad news, killings and this sinful world, it keeps fear at bay when I can read the old testament and realize that none of this is new. God was in control then and worked all things according to His will, and while it’s so easy to get caught up in the events of our time, The Lord gives is the Old Testament and provides perspective. He is faithful and nothing surprises Him.
I currently work outside of the home and my husband is home with our two boys. We both want to switch roles greatly but my husband can’t find a job. My oldest will be 4 soon and it makes me said I’m missing most of his early years at home. It was so great for me to read about Sarah who doubted, and God responding to her about her doubts. It’s exactly what my heart needed this morning.
What struck me this morning was that Sarah doubted God and laughed when she heard the plans He had for her and Abraham and yet God was still faithful to His word and promise. How wonderful to know that in our doubts God is still faithful and that his love, mercy and grace still abound!
That’s so true and wonderful! I feel God speaking to my heart these last few days through the story of Sarah and Abraham. As I’m going through a difficult time in my marriage, I can see the way God worked in theirs. Through all their doubt and sin God was faithful and true to His promises. He is so graceful to us even when we don’t deserve it. How great is our God!
In v 1 it states ‘The two Angels’ and then the rest of the chapter refers to them as ‘men’. So although Lot offers his daughters to the men in the street. Perhaps he is putting God’s Angels above his own flesh. Which I’m sure was not something easy to do. But perhaps out of reverence or protecting the holy. I’m not sure. But it’s interesting. A couple of other separate thoughts … When God mentions circumcision he refers to ‘slaves’ and that anyone who is purchased with your money shall be included in this. We don’t see God defending or standing up for ‘no slavery’ . And the other thought was how God allowed life to be brought through Lots daughters. Why he didn’t do that differently. It’s hard to understand the ways of our mighty God. That’s what faith is. We either will trust Him or we won’t. It is good and wise to search and know the Scriptures he has given us. And to rely on His Holy Spirit to guide us in our interpretation of His Holy Word.
Yes.. I’m fond of keller’s teaching. And in reflection.. Slavery then really isn’t comparable to the slavery we are familiar with in our history books. Thanks for sharing.. Will give it a listen!
maybe with the daughters he had other plans, but they didn’t have faith to wait and see what /how God would continue the line. I know I have been guilty of not waiting on God’s best for me and came up with my own plans
Yes, I thought this as well! He wanted to protect those who came to protect him, and was willing to give up his virgin daughters to protect Angels of God. Virginity in marriage then was a huge part of the bride’s father’s payment from the groom’s family for his daughters hand in marriage. So, in my eyes (probably a long shot here) Lot was willing to not have that payment, or possibly even son-in-laws and future heirs to his possessions, to protect the Angels from the men.
Gen 18:14 “Is anything impossible for The Lord? ” What a great reminder. Sometimes I find myself doubting because in my mind I can’t figure out how something can be done. But God is always able to do what we think is impossible.
I had the exam same thoughts too Amanda! Such a great reminder that human limitations are of no concern to our God who makes the impossible, possible. :)
I guess I have always looked at it from the point that she was told to leave and not look back, yet she did. God tells us to flee from our sin and pursue righteousness (1 Tim 6:11) and Lot’s wife was unable to do that. She was too attached to her life of sin. Anyone else?
Thank you for that! I was wondering the same thing and wasn’t sure if that would be the reason. God had mercy on her and Lot and only asked a simple thing of them, however she couldnt let her past go. Is that not so representative of us? We want God to save us but are not always willing to let go of the things we are asking to be removed from!!!
thank you for your thoughts. this reading was a bit confusing for me as I read and re read the text. I was wondering the same about lots wife and it is so true of us today. we want God to forgive us but can’t always do the simple things we know are right. thanks everyone
17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
He commanded them not to look back. When Lot’s wife looked back, it represented that she was attached to a life of sin. So instead of having faith in God, she doubted it and looked back.
My Bible has little commentaries for most verses and says… “A pillar of salt was likely chosen since salt was a major trade of the area. Judgment engulfed her because her affections were with Sodom, not with Yahweh.”
My Bible commentary says that the pillar of salt could have been a result of being engulfed in the fiery matter raining in molten lumps from the sky. “The Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur a a fire from The Lord out of heaven. I thought that was interesting.
Because she was disobedient and looked back…some scholars say her heart was still with Sodom and Gomorrah instead of looking forward. God’s thoughts, ways and plans are so much higher than ours (Is 55)
I have to say, the passage where Lot offers his daughters to the men of Sodom has always disgusted me. Much of the treatment of women in the Old Testament is questionable, yet women like Sarah are blessed. It’s such a juxtaposition compared to how Jesus treated women, I admit I still struggle with this.
It reminds me of when God told Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. It showed that God was more important to them than anything or anyone on this earth. God stepped in both times and saved what could have been tragic situations.
However … God never condoned what Lot did. Just because the Bible records it does not mean that God is okay with it. Sin is portrayed … and punished. But God offers mercy and forgiveness to the sinner who comes to Him in repentance and faith.
I have wondered why he offered his daughters? did he recognize the men as angles or know that the men would refuse. I can’t imagine listening as my daughters are offered to a mob of men
Yes! I agree. It never says Lot was worthy of being spared. We learn that Abraham stood in the gap for him. I believe he was doing the best his mind could think of to spare his heavenly guests! Whose to say that Lot on some level after living so long in an area so perverse didn’t have his own perception slightly skewed….
It is so harsh and awful and I struggle with this story! I guess a lot of the OT shows the depravity and ickiness of mankind and THE desperate need for the Messiah to bring hope and new life into our mess!
I wonder if some of this came from Lot’s decision to leave the mountains of Zoar as he requested and instead settle in the caves because he was afraid. He allowed fear to cut him off from the rest of the population so his daughters took it into their own hands to continue their bloodline. Lot took matters into his agenda. Remember Ruth and others came from the Moabites; we never know what God’s plans are and how he’ll use us.
And to think our hearts are just as disgusting and deprived apart from Christ! We are capable of the worst of sin when we are left to our flesh. Reading this bothers me as well… But after I read your comment it was like a light turned on… I am no better than Lot in this situation… I am just as much fallen in my sinful nature as he is and handle things poorly like him… BUT GOD is rich in mercy and pour grace out on my soul!
I agree! I started shaking my head and I’ve read that passage several times. Lot was a godly man, but it shows how desperate the times had become. Reading that is always a “Wow” moment for me!
It reminds me of when God told Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. It showed that God was more important to them than anything or anyone on this earth. God stepped in both times and saved what could have been tragic situations.
It also makes me wonder just how evil Sodom and Gomorrah must have been if that was what he had to do to prevent these men from raping his guests.
As for his daughters, remember their mother looked back, and she may have been from that evil city. Her daughters were raised in an evil place; what more would they have known? It just shows how deep of an influence sin has on humanity already.
Today is not any better or worse than the past, and sin is no longer what surprises me about this, but rather rightousness.
Have a great day friends. This will be an amazing year sharing the word of our Lord together ☺️
i don’t think i realized before this that ruth and her people come from lot! that’s really interesting
Wow if God did not spare lots family Jesus would not have came form that line. Jesus a descendant of Ruth who was a Moabite. It shows even out of a shameful situation (daughter lying with father) God can still bless and good can still come of it if he so chooses
For 10 men, God would spare a city. He is so much more merciful than we can imagine
Wow! I missed that connection.
His word is our strength and produces joy in our hearts… rivers of living water…..
Their purpose was to continue their bloodline. Notice the names of the sons and the nations that they fathered.
looking briefly the defendants were erased from history after being conquered by the Babylonians in 582 bc
I am so confused about the interactions between Lot and his daughters… Wouldn’t God be upset with Lot’s daughters for what they did to him while he was inebriated?
Definitely confused me as well…
love this “On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’””
John 7:37-38 NLT
rivers of living water will continue to flow. the flow never stop. wow!
love this “On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’””
John 7:37-38 NLT
I love the foreshadowing of Isaac’s name in Sarah’s laugh!
Whoever comes to me out of his mouth will flow rivers of living water! Wow !!
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4For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.”
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I have been eating crow and fretting since right after posting last night! I kept reading through comments and saw the ones that truthfully showed that Jesus did come through the Moabite Ruth! I had even thought of her when I read that portion and then forgot that quickly!!!! I pray I didn’t make anyone stumble for my short sightedness!!! Please forgive me!
I love that this reading really teaches the importance of communicating with our Father.
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Amen! Amen!
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I am speaking up to point out an error I see in some comments I have read today. Please do your research to know what you are reading outside of the Scripture is Truth. Jesus comes from the lineage if Abraham, not of Lot and either if his daughters. Today’s reading even names the people groups that came of that situation. But go to Luke to read Jesus’ lineage.
We need to be careful what we share is Truth and we need to offer correction when we see a mistake. It is important to handle God’s Word accurately, for His honor and for our edification!
Prayers, regular communication with God make a difference.
Hooray!
Does anyone else feel like they were reading about America in the Genesis chapter? Also, it’s amazing how they all kept asking questions in John, but none listened to the answers. It’s so simple! Follow Jesus and everything will be alright!
day 8 done! ❤️
Day 8! ❤️
The sins of Sodom and Gomorrah parallel America, even more so now than when I was a child and realized that truth. Lord, help us not to look back, but cling to your righteousness. Help us to protect our children from the wicked culture in which we live and teach them your ways. Thank you, Lord, for your sovereignty, grace, and mercy.
✨Day 8/365✨
Jesus understands His people; he understands the division, wickedness, and loneliness we go through. When you think He won’t understand or care about what you are going through, He really does… He has lived through it too
Day 8 ☀️ Is anything too hard for the Lord?
So many people have questions upon questions, like the Pharisees and Jews at the feast, but they just wonder. They do not seek out the truth or press in to know it. May the Spirit guide me to know the truth and never stop searching and learning more. Thank you, Lord.
14Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”
Nothing is too hard for the Lord!!
I love that the Lord met with Abraham – walked and talked with him before He came to save us! He is still with us today! Interceding on our behalf – the power of His Spirit guiding, teaching and directing our path. Thank you Lord
1. Sarah did not believe that she would become pregnant and doubted God. There are so many times that I doubt God, essentially I’m saying that He is not enough.
2. Abraham and Lot both bargained with God. If they had not bargained and just trusted God what would it have looked like. If Lot went to where God told him would his daughters have laid with him? There are so many times I bargain with God, when what I really need to do is trust Him.
3. The officers knew that Jesus was different by the words he spoke. Do people know I am different by the words that I say?
Amazing passage from John in today’s devotion about division among the people. This is so relevant these days. May we remember that we are all children of God ❤️
Yes as Amen!
God would have spared the people if just 10 were found righteous. Hope for America.
Thankful for the Word to keep me grounded in truth.
In reference to Lot and his daughters, I agree that God can and did perform a great work even in spite of their sin. But parents, there is also a great lesson for us to learn here. The daughters of Lot were being raised in a culture of wickedness. They were even betrothed to men of the city. Although they were raised in a righteous household, the influence of their surrounding culture was much stronger. It should not surprise us the choice they made to defile themselves in the same way they had learned from the world. We too are raising our sons and daughters in a culture of wickedness! What are we doing as parents to protect them? What are we allowing them to be exposed to or influenced by? It’s time for parents to wake up and start protecting our children, actively disciple them in righteousness. Pray for them daily! Hold the line!
Yes!!!! Thank you for bringing this up!
I also loved John again today. There were a lot of passages about judging one another : “Stop judging according to outward appearances; rather judge according to righteous judgement” John 7:24 was one of my favourites. Even though the only one who can truly judge us is God himself, it reminds us not to judge someone based on how they seem, rather judge them on their true character.
I struggled with the stories of Lot and his daughters. I was shocked to read that and even felt the need to tell my husband “I can’t believe that happened.” But after reading some of the comments about how Jesus eventually came from this. It is a reminder of how God always has a plan regardless of the shocking and horrible moments that have to happen in order to get us there.
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By God’s covenant with Abraham, God helped Lot. Just proves that our relationship with God is not just for ourselves, but for those around us and to come.
I’ve never thought this way before. Thank you!
Me! I read it twice thinking I read it wrong!
Couldn’t have said this better myself!
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Well said Taylor. I wrestled with it too Tanya!
Well said Audrey*
I never realized that Abraham pleaded for the saving of sodom. He asked God to not destroy sodom if he found 50 righteous. He went back and forth with God and they settled on if 10 righteous were found Sodom would not be destroyed.
How beautiful is it that even then – everything happened in Gods timing and not the timing of man.
This also has me wrestling mentally. Its quite disturbing. Why was this okay?
I assume you’re speaking of the old testament passages, and I think the point is it’s NOT okay. Just because it’s “in the Bible” doesn’t mean God condones it. Polygamy is not okay. Incest is not okay. Etc. Never does it say God condones it. In fact it’s the complete opposite. It is sin and God abhors it. The point is that people are sinful. But God, in His great love and mercy, worked His great plan of redemption for His people in spite of their sin. God never chooses perfect people to accomplish his perfect will because there are no perfect people. We are all hopelessly dead in our sins. But that does not thwart God’s plan!
Another day completed. Feels good.
Caught up! This is intense!
“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Nothing is! Day 8✔️
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Abrahman would have annoyed me when he continued to question God but just with a different number. The patience’s of our Lord is remarkable
Agreed.
Same!
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God is so very patient… I wonder what the msg is behind negotiating from 50 believers lives to 10 sparing the people? Perhaps to show how patient and eager the Lord is to communicate with us?
I think also to show the level of sin in those cities. He would spare the whole city for 50 people because He knew there weren’t 50 who were righteous. Not 45, 40 … not even 10. What a sad statement that in the whole city not even 10 were righteous.
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They wanted to arrest Him but nobody touched Him because it wasn’t time…..God has a timeframe that we do not always see.
Really seems like Lot and his daughters were a mess, but God can work through a mess! From the eldest came the Moabites, from the Moabites came Ruth, from Ruth came Obed, then Jesse, then David, and from that line came our Savior, Jesus!
YES! I at first was having a rough time with Lot and his Daughter’s through this but you hit the jackpot MESS and he works all good through it all and even comes out through it at the end❤️
Thank you father for your goodness!
Thank you Lord, that regardless of my sins, you bestow your grace and forgiveness to me. Such love I could never find from anyone else. ❤️
I think Lot was just as wicked as the rest in Soddom and Gomorrah when he offered his virgin daughters to be raped instead of the angels! What?!
We sure make a mess of things when we take matters into our own hands! But God knew and knows. He allowed their sin to bring about the Moabites, the Moabites brought us Ruth, Ruth brought us King David, and that is the family tree of our Savior, Jesus!
Same!! It makes me wonder if there was so much struggle in the Old Testament because of how much incest there was. Thinking about how having a child with your father would severely effect the child’s cognitive abilities, it makes me wonder if that was a thing back in the day and contributed to so much hardship…
I felt the same Kim!
I LOVE the way Abraham negotiates relentlessly with God to save the righteous (his fam) from Soddom and Gomorrah. It goes to show that if God has a plan, he will change his mind if you ask him. #prayerworks.
thank you Jesus for your caring and listening to me even though i’m only dust and ashes ❤️ i’m welcome to your throne room!
“Never has a man spoken the way this man speaks”
The word of God sure is a beautiful thing and to hear it often only wants you to receive more and understand more.
I wonder what lot was feeling after he lost his wife. She looked back, what lesson is that for us today?
I always wonder that. For me it’s a reminder to trust God by moving forward in life and not look back. Maybe it’s symbolic for them leaving their old sinful life and following after God.
Your question raises a good point. I’ll have to remember that myself
The power of prayer and constant communication with the Lord is shown when Abraham is kept safe from the ending of the city of Sodom. Our God LISTENS to us. He is after our thoughts and prayers and we must speak with him about what is on our mind to grow in our relationship with him. This passage pushes us past a “Parking lot faith” and brings us to a relationship with God. We all fall short, but God listens to us and hears us. He shows the depths of his graciousness and mercy, so we should constantly talk to him.
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19‘For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him.”
I, too, am chosen; may I keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness & justice, and lead those after me to do the same.
16”But he, LOT, hesitated. So the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, for the compassion of the Lord was upon him; and they brought him out, and put him outside the city.” The compassion of the Lord, the core emotion of love, help me Lord, to be compassionate.
38‘He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” 39But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. I have been given that Spirit! My I get out of the way of it’s flow!
19‘For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him.”
I, too, am chosen; may I keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness & justice, and lead those after me to do the same.
16”But he, LOT, hesitated. So the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, for the compassion of the Lord was upon him; and they brought him out, and put him outside the city.” The compassion of the Lord, the core emotion of love, help me Lord, to be compassionate. 38”‘He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” 39But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” I have been given that Spirit! From my innermost being flows rivers of living water! May I not block the flow with junk/self/unrighteousness.
The patience, grace, and justice of God are really shown through both of these!
26And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” Such love and mercy ❤️
“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37-38) Oh Father, you have given me life and given me the chance to share that life with others!! Thank you for the life giving water that you share so freely.
I admit I actually never knew the story of Lot’s daughters and was surprised to read that. We all sin, even the people in the Bible did, and that makes us human but we have a forgiving God.
I never had read it either! Very surprised !
The old testament does a lot of reporting of what the culture was like at the time
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I got off track for a couple days so just now reading day 8, hope to get back to reading daily!
nothing will even be too hard for God -ellie
May we remember as Abraham does, the sober reality that we are but dust and ashes. And yet it pleases the Lord to let us come to Him in prayer as Christ His precious Son is our mediator.
Nothing is impossible for God but it happens in his timing.
“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Let me always find solace and comfort in this verse when the challenges of life seem so overbearing.
God is patient even when we are not
I love this, yes! I loved how God kept saying if there were any righteous in Sodom, he would spare the city. How good is He!
Does anyone know if there is a way to audio/ listen to it?
I don’t know but would love to find out!
I use the youversion bible app to do audio bible!! Super easy to use and I think most translations have the audio feature.
There is also an app called Dwell
Humans commit acts of depravity, and we all fall short of the glory of God. But our God is merciful, and he forgives us through all of our transgressions. Today I pray that we walk the narrow path of serving his will, and that when we stray we ask for forgiveness and then move forward- not let our mistakes permanently derail us.
Amen!!!!!
Day 8!!
Jesus’ words in this passage of John really reminded me of the adage from apologetics that you really cannot get away with thinking Jesus was just a cool guy with good life advice. In this passage it is clear that he is either crazy, evil (intentionally leading others astray) or he is who he said he is – Lord.
I love that reflection! Thank you for bringing that up.
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Good insight!
Today I found comfort in verses I had read before but hadn’t put much thought into- John 7:40-43. I have recently been struggling with the question of what denomination has it right. It seems overwhelming and confusing to work through all of the contradicting views. I have often found my self praying that God would show me the right answer. But this passage revealed that even when Jesus was in the flesh, talking to the people and explaining facts about himself, there’s was debate over what was true! It is not just us, so far removed from the early church who struggle with these questions. The important thing is knowing that Jesus is with us as concretely as he was with them.
You are not alone! I have been having a hard time figuring out what I believe about a few different minor issues that seem to divide denominations. I’m encouraged when I read about how important it is to be united as a body of believers though. Just focusing on who Christ is and what He did for us. Sometimes I forget to see the bigger picture.
I didn’t think of that debate like that, what a good
Wow I didn’t even think of it like that, thanks for that!
I grew up in a denomination that focused so much on “how” we practiced religion or why, but the focus was never Jesus. Once I became a believer I finally got it. Jesus is all you need!
Just joined this app today, this was a neat read. I had forgotten about the actions of Lot’s daughters, that was a bit hard to read through!
I thought the same thing
Gosh, I agree. Does anyone know the significance of this passage? To be very open and honest, it really disturbed me.
Update — Angie Johnson’s post below has some really good insights!
It was really neat reading Genesis right along side of John today, because I never pictured the same Jesus walking around in the New Testament to be the exact same person as the one walking with Abraham in these chapters of Genesis. So cool that we have a God outside of time.
For those wrestling with the poor choices of Lot and his daughters (I cringe to read them as well)…..a few thoughts from my own study. Notice the verses at the end of the chapter following their sinful choice. Even in this, God’s mercy is evident I believe…..one of the sons became the father of the Moabites. If I remember correctly, RUTH was a Moabite and she is in the lineage of CHRIST. I also mentally noted that God wouldn’t have included this awful depiction of sinful acts if it wasn’t important. He doesn’t include it to glorify sin, ever (other places in Scripture are “hard” as well), but it shows the depravity of man and our desperate need of His mercy and grace, and, ultimately, SALVATION. He also had to let us know where these people groups came from and thus the lineage of His Son. The whole chapter, with the vileness of Lots words and actions at the beginning to the end of it with his daughters even tainted by the evil in Sidon, scream the mercy of God. God was keeping His covenant with ABRAHAM by being merciful to Lot and his daughters. It said right in he text that He remembered ABRAHAM.
Love this! So true that God takes the hard to read, wrong things and uses them for His glory. Nothing is wasted!
That is such an interesting connection Angie! My first take away when reading this story was how sin effects more than just yourself because the Moabite and the Ammonites become enemies of the Israelites. It made me sad to see this. But the fact that Ruth was a Moabite and in the lineage of Christ is so fascinating because it shows how God redeems even the most depraved sins. I love seeing the thread of redemption through the Bible. Thanks for sharing!
That’s such a good point! Thank you for sharing this!
I really struggled with why Lot’s daughters and their father’s sins were noted in the Bible. Thank you for shedding sone light on it. I knew there had to be a significant reason, but was lost.
This is helpful. Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing this! Puts into perspective why this was put in the word. God is good all the time! Even when we are not.
Thanks for sharing Angie, so so good
This was really helpful thanks
I needed this. Thank you!
Wicked things happened in the OT! It always surprises me to read about how terrible Sodom and Gomorrah were and how it influenced Lot’s daughters living amongst all the unrighteousness to do the unthinkable. How do we protect our own children from the wickedness in the world?
I don’t know if you follow them already, and I’m not yet a mom, but there is a family that are trying their best to raise their kids biblically and I look up to them so much. They just launched a podcast called Courageous Parenting, they are Angie and Isaac Tolpin! Just if you’re interested in another awesome parenting resource :)
Day 8! ✔
I’m so glad you’re doing this girl! ☺️
Hi ladies!!! Proud of you all for doing this too!!
Also loved John 7:24 because I am far too familiar with judging or assuming the worst of others. “Do not judge with appearances but judge with right judgement.” Lord help me to see with your eyes, you are the only one who judges and condemns not me!
Feeling a little confused by the character of Lot here. Offering up his virgin daughters to the people of Sodom, not leaving Sodom with urgency as the Lord asked of him.. seems like God just saved Lot because Abraham wanted him to, I don’t really know if we see Lot being a righteous man. And then his daughters both having children with him??? Also does anyone know the significance of Lots wife turning to a pillar of salt? I didn’t see a warning about what would happen if they looked back at Sodom while they were escaping. If anyone has any thoughts please share!
Lot is a man of flesh. I looked back at some of my decisions in life and wonder what was I thinking. I wonder why didn’t I trust in God, why didn’t I believe. Sometimes I think I know more and sometimes I just plain want it to be my way. I have grown a lot in my 47 years on this earth in my relationship with God and am just so thankful He gives me chance after chance and grace after grace to get it right. I have never done anything that would get me incarcerated but I have been far from perfect.
Lot is a man of flesh. I have made many poor choices (nothing criminal) and many mistakes but God has never failed me. He has given me chance after chance to get it right (His grace). Lot is the same as us, he didn’t have any more knowledge about life. He was just a man trying to navigate this world with what he knew of God. At 47 my relationship with God is the strongest it’s ever been because He has never turned his back when I stumbled and in times I didn’t trust him (Like Lots daughters). That is one of the many comforts I find in the Bible, all of the men and women of God who failed home miserably but still showed a heart for God and he used them for great things in His name.
Yes you’re so right! Thanks for your thoughts and for sharing. I often forget to read through the lens of grace when I read about someone like Lot when that’s the lens that God sees me through as well. Thank you for the reminder :)
Gen 19:17 says they were told not to look back. We’re not always told what will happen if we disobey.
Ahhhh I must’ve just missed it then. Thank you!!
I look at characters like Lot in the Bible and I am so thankful for God’s never ending grace. We always think that God was all fire and brimstone in the Old Testament but he is the same God. He saw a struggling man like Lot and whether or not it was the pleading of Abraham, he gave him another chance. I am so glad that I serve a God willing to pursue me in the middle of my disobedience.
When you pitch your tents next to the unholy, you have to expect that you and your children will be influenced by it. Thus, Lot offered up his daughters to the Sodomites.
We also see that Moabites and Ammonites (from Lot’s daughters) will always diametrically oppose the Israelites. Though they were “saved” they are still outside God’s favored tribe, stained by association all the way back to S&G.
There are two paths we can take: God’s and not God’s. There are always consequences to the latter and blessings to the former.
Yes true! Thanks for sharing!
I love this chapter of John! A little Jewish culture for you… the last great day of the feast of Sukkot is thematically all about water. The priest would have poured out water in a ceremony at the temple and the people would start praying for the winter rains at this point. His words about living water and the Spirit would have struck a chord that day.
Love this insight, thanks for sharing!!
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Not alone! I’m catching up too! Thanks for sharing.
Alone here… I need to catch up with the plan! But I still enjoy reading everyone’s thoughts. A few things stood out for me. Is anything too hard for the Lord? I have an “impossible” situation in my life where I think I have been acting like the answer to that question is YES and becoming hopeless as a result. Reality is: with God we are never without hope! I also found it interesting that God chose Abraham SO THAT Abraham could direct his family to follow the Lord SO THAT the Lord could bring about what He had promised Abraham. In other words, we have a part to play. Finally, Lot’s daughters: so easy to judge their behavior but how often do we want a good thing and go about trying to get it in our own ways/strength rather than praying and waiting on God? Very similar to Sarai trying to have an heir through her servant. Forcing things to happen in our way and time leads to bad results!
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Nicodemus appears again!
I find it so interesting (and slightly disturbing) how in the both the daughters of Lot had sex with there father so they could have children.
I agree.
Yes, we just don’t understand the family line in the same way today. It seems that the better choice would have been to go back to Abrahams people and find husbands but I guess that’s not the way history reads :)
Nothing is impossible for our God.
I love that God, even when we hesitate, is merciful and will save us.
“16 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them.”
Though, I would much rather obey quickly and trust in God completely!
Which is probably why Lot’s line lead to the Ammonites and the Moabites. He didn’t trust God completely.
But how often in our day to day lives do we hesitate or ignore God altogether? I find this encouraging that Gods mercy was not contingent upon Lot being perfect but Lots survival was due to Gods care for his creation.
It’s interesting reading this, because it never actually states that homosexuality is a sin. The sin of S and G are described in Ezekiel.
The men of the town wanted to have sex with the two men who came to Lot’s place….and God saw that as abhorrent. So you could infer that homosexuality is a sin from the passage.
The Ezekiel passage explicitly says the sin of S&G was denying the poor and hungry. We’ll see through the Bible that God repeatedly tells his people that their true sin is not loving one another! And if you infer from this passage that homosexuality is a sin then you must infer that it is okay for a father to hand over his young virgin daughters and tell men to “do what they please.” You must also infer that it’s okay for daughters to get their own father drunk and get pregnant by him. You can’t have it both ways!!
But, if you’ll notice, God doesn’t allow the virgins to sleep with the men, and after the girls continue their family line by sleeping with their father, the Moabites and the Ammonites come from them, which I believe are enemies of the Israelites.
“No Ammonite or Moabite may enter the assembly of the Lord. Even to the tenth generation, none of them may enter the assembly of the Lord forever,”
Deuteronomy 23:3 ESV
Homosexuality is a sin that is stated in the Bible several times, and in fact in Jude, it states that Sodom and Gomorrah where destroyed, at least in part, because of it.
“just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”
Jude 1:7 ESV
http://bible.com/59/jud.1.7.esv
Or you could infer that RAPE is a sin.
It also says this in Jude:
“just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”
Jude 1:7 ESV
Nowhere does it say that the sexually immorality referred to is homosexuality, in fact it seems much more obvious that the sexual immorality is the rape which the men of the town were attempting to commit.
Thank you!
My thoughts, too, Amy. I know this is a confusing and controversial passage, so I’m not trying to offend or alienate anyone. I have just never quite understood how the inference was that homosexuality was a sin from this passage. But that’s why I’m reading the Bible in a year, to better understand how some of these prevalent conclusions are reached.
Ch 18- Not even 10 righteous people were found in the city otherwise the Lord would not have destroyed S&G. So, there was a plethora of sin abounding there. “Their sin was exceedingly grave” Homosexuality is one of many sins that was judged on that day when God rained down fire and brimstone. The whole city it seems is engrossed in sinful behavior. Ugh… So like today. God, change my heart. Show me Your ways. Help me walk in the truth of Your Word. Amen.
John 7:24- “Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.” That really stood out to me today, what a great reminder that we never know what’s really going on in someone’s life so don’t be so quick to judge, I know for me personally I really struggle with that because it’s so easy to say what you see but you never know, on the inside maybe that person is broken.
Thank you lord for this reminder that your timing is always perfect!
Interesting to me that because Abraham petitioned the Lord to save Lot, the Moabites and Ammonites were born, nations that would later attack Abraham’s own descendants.
That IS interesting. Thank you for pointing that out
“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Thankful for this truth.
Amen!
Genesis 18-19, really see how merciful and patient God is. Enjoyed today’s reading
It’s hard reading the story of lot and if his daughters lack of faith. Not that I would go to that extreme but it revealed I’m no different in my lack of faith. And Jesus dealt with so much just to save us! That’s grace, mercy, and love ❤️
I’m so glad you pointed that out ❤
Like a lot of others, I found the genesis readings to be slightly disturbing, especially having to do with lot. There’s a lot of sin going on: homosexuality, premarital sex, incest. It’s enough to make me crawl out of my skin. I think the fact that we feel this way is proof or evidence that Christ is living in us. John 7.38 “The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.” We believe in him and he gives us a heart like his, one that is grieved by sin and pursues his glory.
Thank you for this. Makes perfect sense when you put it that way.
Amen! Love what you said!❤️
Genesis 18:14 Is anything too hard for the Lord… Such a simple yet powerful statement! God is great!
3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.
This reminds me of the modern philosophy we now have going around, “If it’s not on Instagram/Facebook it isn’t real.
God doesn’t need to give us signs in this life, His Word alone is enough. HE is enough. God you are amazing!
How many times have I been like Sarah thinking “as if something so good could happen to me?” It amazes me how we can read these truths and see over and over that God is faithful, trustworthy, mercifully and still waiver in our hopes for our own lives.
Recently I’ve had the gift of learning patience as I job search. This position I now have is such a big opportunity but my fear has been keeping me back. Today I remembered the prayers I prayed for God to give me the sight to see my ability for this position and to help me get the job. Now I have it and I have been so worried about how to move to a new place, how to do a new job, how how how when I need to be focused of thank you thank you thank You! How many times did Sarah pray for children? How many times did she yearn for that opportunity? Then when she gets it she says “how is that even possible that this would happen to me?” Let my heart and my prayer be thank you Jesus not how!
Genesis 18:20-33 we can question to know Gods mind, because he keeps nothing from us. Amen! The explanation in my bible basically says that Abraham did not change Gods mind but through questioning God changed Abrahams mind, and reaffirmed that He is merciful. Asking anything is allowed! May I never forget that the answers come from God’s perspective. Just like I need to meditate on prayers of thank you, may I also remember that God’s thoughts are not always in harmony with my expectations because he knows the whole story! I will pray that I stop missing God’s answer because of my expectations.
How common sin was in Sodom that Lot thought nothing of offering his daughters to be ravished? Perhaps he thought he could save the visitors and his daughters as the homosexual men would not be interested in his daughters or that their fiancés would come to save them. Regardless this shows that living around sin, like Lot in Sodom, hardens our hearts and makes sin seem common place, even ok. In today’s culture, my opinion is, that our hearts are hardened to sin, similar to Lots. Just look at the images of death, destruction, sex, and war we see everyday. May our hearts be alert to recognize sin.
We are most likely to sin when we feel entitled. Do you need to view that image? Or could you protect someone’s dignity? I’m thinking specifically of that boy whose body washed ashore beginning the world wide awareness of the refugees fleeing. How many of us needed to see that before we prayed or took action? Why wasn’t it enough to just pray and help when our ears heard of the strife? Our society is thick with drawing pleasure off of others pain. Our hearts are hardened to expect these types of images in news reporting. How many of us need to see over serialized images in shopping malls to be encouraged to shop? Do you need to see that model in lingerie to know what the store sells? How can I protect my heart from comparison and affirm in my mind what sexy is and isn’t?
Jesus, please grant me grace as I learn to recognize need, and help me to be your hands and feet in creating change. Please help me to protect my heart from wrongness and unrighteousness so common in life today, and to recognize sin immediately so I can protect my relationship with you. Amen!
So good!!
Thanks so much for you contribution. God has indeed given you a unique perspective. Thanks for sharing it with us. Everything you’ve said struck a chord with me. I’m even saving it for further medication.
I noticed today that Abraham obeyed without question when God gave him directions… Lot hesitated when told to flee Sodom. Why? Are their faiths at different strengths? Was lot distracted by his life and wanting to be sure he really had to go? I want to know The Lord so well I know it’s Him and can obey immediately!!
That is a beautiful desire. Pray for the Fear of the Lord in your life. Joy Dawson wrote a couple good books about how to live life fearing God. It has been the biggest blessing in my life as a Christ follower.
What I love about this is that Abraham was begging for 10 but when it came down to it, God ended up saving 3 even though that wasn’t close to 50 or even 10. He was saying that he would save 50 but if there was even just one person that had a heart that even had the hope of loving God. (Looking at Lot, he was debating on listening to God or staying and God was still so merciful with him) he would have saved them and not let them go down with everyone else.
Wait a second, in Genesis 18, there are 3 men visiting Abraham, speaking as the Lord (I thought it was the trinity) then at the beginning of 19, there’s 2 angels in Sodom. Can anybody help a girl wrap her brain around this? I know it may not be paramount to the text but it seems like the interactions that Abraham, Sarah, and Lot have with them seem much more informal than prayers might.
I had the same question, Heather. The Lord appeared as three men?
That is an interesting question, Heather. I didn’t take any thought to that until you mentioned it. From what I’m reading in my Bible commentary, they were just “visitors” and their purpose of visiting was Sarah’s pregnancy. It also reads that in the ancient Middle East, Abraham’s reaction to his guest, was the typical reaction then. “In the ancient world, a person’s hospitality was often determined by the ability to provide an extravagant welcome.” Hope that helps a bit more. ☺
I’ve always thought it was the Lord plus 2 angels, with the angels continuing on to Sodom. The Lord being Jesus because he is God in flesh on earth.
I love seeing Jesus through both stories. Jesus was there in the beginning. He told Abraham about his plan for Sodom and Gomorrah. He had mercy on Lot, a sinner like us all but believed in the Lord, and it was credited to him as righteousness as 2 Peter mentions. We clearly see him in John, again amongst unbelievers yet there were those in the crowd who did believe, like Lot. Reading through Genesis and John really drives home that the entire Bible is God’s story of love for his people through his Son Jesus Christ.
Do we receive His Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost? What is the difference?
We receive the Holy Spirit (ghost another term for same thing)… The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit… The Trinity.
When first reading Genesis 18-19, I felt like all hope was lost. And when you look at the humans in this story, that might be true-except for Abraham, they are all tainted by sin.
But look at how God acts and is:
-He is ready to spare a whole city full of sinners for ten righteous people.
-He does not give up on Lot but has him almost dragged out of the city.
-Later on, in 2.Peter, Lot is called righteous and it says that he was tormented by the sin of those around him. So, while I personally don’t see that many good things in Lot, for God, whatever there was, it was enough.
(And that’s really comforting, somehow.)
I like your thoughts and perspective. You’re right, it is comforting to know how far God was willing to go for Lot. Even before the work of the Cross, God was just and merciful, as ready to love us as He was ready to punish us. To see the consistency of of His attributes, and understand Him a little bit more is wonderful. I think that I used to assume that the God of the Old Testament was simply a God of wrath. But what I see now is His love and justice, His grand plan in motion.
I’m struck again by the outrageous claims that Jesus has been making throughout John. As Christians, we can sometimes gloss over how mind-blowing and unbelievable the statements he made would have been for the Jewish population, because we, ourselves, have heard them before and already accepted their truth. He has been saying, in no uncertain terms, that he is equal with God! That he is the ONLY way to have access to life, and that the religious authorities and not only wrong, they are ignorant, stupid and willfully sinful.
I wish I could hear what the Angel who took Lots wife’s hand when fleeing the city (v.16) thought once the hand he once was holding onto turned into salt! I’m sure there was confusion but probably thinking, “I’m not looking back to see what happened!” Just one of the many questions I’d love to ask in heaven.
Wow. Just an overwhelming feeling of “Please don’t go” when Jesus said he would be going where they couldn’t come.
What does it mean in John where it says Jesus had not yet been glorified?
His power had not been fully demonstrated. They had seen his grace and seen part of his glory in 6 when he calmed the sea, but they didn’t understand his power.
Yes!!!! You said it right !
The Holy Spirit had not entered the earth until Jesus died so I’m assuming it means not until Jesus died in his earthly body
I liked reading John 7 because I love the way Jesus takes the people off guard with his answers. It’s easy to read and say “wow those people have no idea what they were doing” but how often do I do that? A LOT! We forget about the times we stop listening or seeing where God is directing us.
I like verses 6-7 where Jesus is speaking to his brothers “My time has not yet arrived, but your time is always at hand. The world cannot hate you, but it does hate me because I testify about it-that it’s deeds are evil”
How hard to tell your siblings something like that. While Jesus always obeyed the Father it probably wasn’t easy to tell your brothers that they are sinful (anyone with siblings will understand).
What a great way to look at it, Kira!
As many others mentioned, I am confused as to why Lots daughters felt the need to sleep with him to preserve his line. It sounds like a generous offer (to preserve his line) but obviously the sin of it is evident (they had to get him drunk) and then had sex with him (he’s their father and obviously they aren’t married). However, we know that God doesn’t just let these things pass that there is judgement for them.
Kira, in my opinion Lot’s daughters probably thought the world was ending after the destruction they saw so they acted in haste. But I think the point of this passage is to show that the daughters were so engrossed in sin that what they thought was righteousness was actually evil. Their offspring the Moabites and ammonites were known to be evil, sick, violent people. So sin bred sin. That remains true today. Our sin can have catastrophic repercussions. And sometimes what we may think is right is actually sin. Thanks be to our Lord Jesus for giving us life even though we were dead in sin!!
Thank you! I was confused by this as well.
Amazing explanation! Thanks!
Also keep in mind that they grew up in a place where their father was basically the only righteous person, so much so that God called for its utter destruction. They had been betrothed however the men they were supposed to marry (& produce offspring with) where destroyed in the city.
John 7:38 – Oh God! That rivers may flow within without. Beautiful metaphor.
I find it amazing that when Abraham and Lot requested God to do something different he complied. Eg/ when he asked to spare the town over 50, then 45, then 40 righteous people and so on. God considered our requests, with no reason of why he should, and that is incredible.
Love this
Lot’s wife looked back and she became a pillar of salt. That is some scary stuff. I think we can all learn something here.
I agree! I’ve never read that before! I was shocked
Absolutely
The Genesis reading was very difficult for me today. A lot of nastiness. The grotesqueness of mobs wanting to have sex with these new comers, then Lot offering up his daughters, and then finally his daughters having sex with him. All of it is just super crazy and I guess shows the reality of sin. Ugh. Hard to read through stuff like this.
I think I need to start reading scripture with a concordance. I find that when I don’t understand things I just feel upset and confused for the rest of the reading,
I know sometimes is hard to understand but don’t get upset. What you could also do is buy a bible for teens. It’s the same but with simpler words and then you can go back to the other bible. Hope it helps.
Having a Bible that has the Greek and Hebrew words is really helpful for understanding the texts.
Or a good study Bible. I really like my NLT study Bible for insight into confusing passages and historical insights.
I have been enjoying my ESV Study Bible. It makes the daily readings take longer – as there is a lot of background to read – but I would be lost without the extra explanations and insight!
Agreed!!! Quality is better than quantity
I have a NIV /Message parallel Bible. I like that it has the footnotes for explanation as well as the message version to make tricky things easier to understand (for me). There are a number of translations of parallel Bibles and parallel study Bibles.
Mine is the NIV/Message parallel study Bible-sorry- the regular parallel doesn’t have the study notes
I have the Believer’s Bible Commentary – SO helpful!!
I agree
I’m right there with you. Funny thing — I’m 24 years old and have been going to church nearly every Sunday for my entire life, and there were so many times today when I read part of the passage, put my Bible down, and said to myself, “What?!?!” I had no idea some of the things that were recorded in the Bible and am hoping to gain insight and understanding into all of these details. After all, I’m sure they were each included for a very specific reason.
I’m with you all on this! Our pastor has been teaching through Genesis and just the past month or so has preached from these chapters. I have been hugely blessed and encouraged by how he preaches the gospel from this text. If you have some time, give the sermons a listen: http://middletownchurch.org/pages/?page_id=14 Genesis 18 starts on December 14 and chapter 19 closes out on January 18. The only one not from Genesis is on December 28 :) 1/11 & 1/18 were of particular encouragement from really hard texts.
I really enjoyed today’s reading! A good reminder on how important it is to trust God and be faithful to Him.
Geneses reminds us of our sinful world filled with our fears and how we try to make things better rather than trusting God. Like when the girls slept with their father and and how sinful our desires can be. I don’t understand why Lot offered his daughters in an effort to protect the angles. Why didn’t he want to protect them both. Any thoughts on that?
Perhaps Lot saw that these men who were after the angels were homosexuals and therefore would have no interest in his daughters? I still find it odd for a father to say such a thing, “do whatever you want with them” about his daughters. Maybe this is showing us another lapse in judgement for Lot and where his character is lacking.
Lot didn’t immediately obey Gods command to leave, and the Angels took him and his family by the arm and dragged them out. So merciful. I pray that in the important times that I hesitate to obey He will be merciful to me as well. I only want to do his will but sometimes my flesh gets in the way.
I want 2015 to be a year of BIG DREAMS + BIG FAITH. Genesis 18:14 poses the question “is anything too hard for the Lord?” The same verse responds that no, nothing is too hard. :) Step out in faith. Dream big. Pray big. Ask God to do big things. I think I just found my theme for the year. :)
Love your way of thinking!
Also, while reading in John about Jesus being the living water, my Bible cross-referenced Isaiah 58:11 and I found it very encouraging. “The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.”
This morning I was feeling quite “dry” and exhausted from the week, and God in his faithfulness definitely restored my strength. This passage also reminded me of my need and desire of his continual guidance. He is so good!
Thank you for this verse Ashley. Isaiah 58:11 was what i needed today.
I was a little confused by Genesis 18:20-21– “20 Then the Lord said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous 21 that 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.”
We know God is omniscient and knows all, so what does he mean when he says he’ll go down there to check it out? I’d appreciate any thoughts! :)
I wondered the same thing… Could it be that He maybe wanted to see if Abraham would speak up to Him and “fight” for his people?
I thought it was interesting as well. I think it was just like the opportunities he gives us. He is always extending more grace, more mercy. He was giving the people more time to repent and turn away. He’s a many chance giver.
Yes God is omniscient, but he used his servants/messengers to physically go to the town to find out for the Lord, which he says in verse 22 The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord.
That’s what I had understood. That the Lord sent these men into the towns to be witnesses. I hope this helps
Lot’s wife looking back in a sense caused her destruction. That spoke volumes to me. It we keep looking back and hold on to our past it can very well destroy us. Look forward. Let go and let God.
It’s also pretty amazing how God can use our mistakes to accomplish His will. So thankful for His love and mercy.
I really loved the connection you made with his wife looking back and our pasts. It helped me better understand the message of Lot’s wife destruction and how we shouldn’t look back on our pasts.
I see this exact thing happening in my dad, and it’s just heartbreaking.
That hit me hard as well, all too often I find myself dwelling on the past instead of looking to the future and what God has planned for me.
I can’t help but think that Lot offering up his daughters for sex to the wicked men seems so wrong. He’s saying don’t have sex with the men but here take my daughters. What?! And God still saves him and his family.
I’ve had trouble reading this passage ever since I first read it. Lot offering up his daughters is so brutal, but after reading some comments here, God saving the entire family does show that even when we try to scrape up some hack job of a solution (like the twisted way Lots daughters are offered up),God still has faith in us and protects us
I did some research on it and was comforted by what I found:
19:8—Was it not wrong for Lot to offer his daughters to the Sodomites? According to the Oriental code, it was a host’s responsibility to protect the guests in his home, defending them even to the point of death if necessary. Lot was prepared to do that. He bravely went out to the mob, closed the door behind him, and faced them alone. By the time he offered his daughters, Lot likely realized that his guests were messengers from God, and he may have reasoned that God could protect his daughters as He had protected his aunt Sarah in Egypt. (Genesis 12:17-20) Indeed, as the matter turned out, Lot and his daughters were kept safe.”
He had faith that God would protect them all.
Thank you for this!
This is awesome information to have on hand!!
I love how the readings from Genesis, particularly the ones about Abraham and Lot’s daughters, show that even though we often take things into our own hands, God still loves us. Even though sometimes we fail to trust in His ways, He will never walk away. I find that encouraging. No matter what we have done or what we will do, He will never give up on us and will always love us.
Thank you for your insight on this! I love the reminder that God is there even when I mess up
Reading these passages in John, it really hit me that if I was in that crowd, I might also have doubted Jesus. That brought me to my knees. Would I have believed in Jesus if I met Him then? Saw Him shouting into the crowds and arguing with government officials? Would I have seen Him as the true Son of God? I don’t think I would have. That is a crippling realization. Oh Lord please help heal my unfaithful heart!
I had the exact same sentiments. Would I be able to know Him, would I be among those who persecuted Him? It’s scary to imagine that He could be right before you and you miss Him; or worse yet condemn Him!
On this note, I read a book and the Lord revealed much to me about his faithfulness, and ability to work circumstances to good we can’t imagine. It’s called “Better off without Jesus” and I learned a lot about trusting that His plan is truly best. It in a way connects to the way I identify with Lot’s wife. She was looking back physically. But many times, I look back spiritually. Thinking that it would’ve been better if I had, or if God had. But that isn’t true faith!!
Very true. I need to remind myself of this! Thanks!
I love the OT. The reading today really made me thankful for God’s patience and mercy. He takes me by the hand. He provides a way out of sin and darkness and corruption. I pray that I would Trust in Him with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding (or desires) but In everything submit my ways to Him so He can direct my paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6. I don’t want to be hiding in a nasty cave in fear and darkness. Instead, I want to know and follow God’s best plan for me! That’s why this reading plan is so great! It’s a light to my path!
Amen!
Verse 18 really hit me between the eye balls! “Is anything to hard for the Lord?” Our God is so amazing!
Same!! I think it will be my theme verse for 2015. :)
In Genesis 18:11-15, Sarah laughs at the idea of bearing a child in her old age despite the promises the Lord had made to Abraham. While reading this I am reminded of Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” We have to remember the He is ABLE to do more than we ever imagined! We must have high expectations for our God ALL the time! He is forever faithful!
Amen!!! Love that you you shared Ephesians 3:20 to connect with this. What a powerful verse!
My husband and I are believing for a house PAID IN FULL by God! We live where the market is AWFUL & it’s been up, up, & away since the oil boom. I’m unemployed and my husband is a waiter. With mortgage companies turning us down left & right, we choose to have hope in our God who is JUST & WILL supply every need for His children. We have high expectations for sure! They’re gonna be part of the testimony!
Keep the faith, sister! Our Lord is faithful forever and always
Yes & Amen! Thank you!!!
BIG DREAMS + BIG FAITH!! So glad we read Genesis 18:14 today… Nothing is too hard for the Lord! :)
Me too! It was a good read & a sweet refreshing reminder for sure!
Awesome! I thought about how so often we laugh at things God says he can do because we have such little faith.
I love the timing — how God says that when He returns in a year, she will have a child. We never know God’s timing with opportunities and occurrences in our lives . Things that seem unlikely, impossible, or far away can all occur at the drop of a hat with God. Love this. Keeps my eyes looking towards the heavens with hope. :)
Abraham had his promise and still he had to wait for it to happen. I am so impatient. Even right this minute! But God knows and will do in His time.
John 7:4 “No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world”
I love this scripture so much as i got from it TRANSPERANCY… I love discipleship and I believe it’s mostly about sharing our lives too especially when we help others in their walk with Christ.. :-)
I love this picture of Gods grace! :
Gen19:16 “But he hesitated. Because of the Lord’s compassion for him, the men grabbed his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters. Then they brought him out and left him outside the city.”
Even in our hesitation, God is so quick to love. He is faithful even when we are not. Lord help us to run into your grace, casting off all doubt.
So true. God responds in compassion and mercy … when I expect Him to just give up and do me in!!
So thankful for all this wisdom. I was having difficulty relating until I read these comments. There’s some wise women out there
Just as Sarah and Lot’s daughters took the survival of their family lines into their own hands, may I not seek to take matters into my own hands. Rather act when and where God tells me to act, not questioning or negotiating as Lot when the angels told him to flee to the mountains.
Amen. Me too.
We are doing this plan as a group at work. We discussed today how Lot “bargained” with God to find righteousness and how we bargain with God too. I also think about how we try so hard to help save others who aren’t willing to help save themselves.
Today’s passages really spoke to me about the damage that lack of faith in God can do. Lots wife didn’t trust or honor the Lord enough to not look back, and her life was taken from her. Lots daughters didn’t trust the Lord to provide husbands, so they slept with their father and ended up giving birth to two lines of people who became a great burden for God’s people. Then in John, the lack of faith of Jesus’ brothers, the people, and the Pharisees caused them to be blind with doubt and pride and miss out on the Messiah. It may seem like an elementary principle, but just how often do we have lack of faith in God simply by our actions? I know I do. I say I trust Him with my mouth but in my actions I end up trying to take control. I don’t always take God as seriously as I should. And yet because He is so gracious, He forgives me and blesses me regardless. Thank God my faithfulness does not determine His!
Thank you for sharing this! My spirit needed to hear this!
Mahalo Kristina!! Your words encouraged me and helped tie these chapters together!
That was in conjunction with Kristina r.’s post
Human rationalization… Lack of faith … Sin. One man’s sin never only affects one man…. Generations in this case
I too will say that I trust in God, but I am a control freak and always want things to go my way instead of God’s–even though I know that His will is truly always best!
Abby, I am the exact same way. Trusting and surrendering my plans to God completely has been something God challenged me to work on this year. And it’s definitely not easy…
Thank you for helping tie the scripture together!!!!
WHEW, amen sister!
I was so taken aback by the daughters sleeping with their Father Lot and I was very confused. This helped clarify so much! It was the lack of faith that lead to this sin. Thank you!
I agree. What a great piece of truth to take away from today’s reading… Thank you. :)
I was really confused by this, and struggling to find meaning in this passage. Thank you so much for shedding light on this! It really hit home with me, and I so grateful to have read this!
Thank you :)
Deuteronomy 23:3 speaks to the Moabites and Ammonites being excluded from the Lord’s assembly…
Sisters, I struggle reading the Old Testament. I get stuck over the beliefs and the traditions I guess. Reading about these two young daughters sleeping with their father to keep the line… I just can’t get past that and understand why that would be ok or why that was even thought. Any suggestions to help me dig deeper into the Old Testament and not let my self get so (honestly..) disgusted over the way people in the Old Testament lived.
I don’t believe that just because something is included in the Bible or committed by a person who is following God it means that act is condoned by God.
I love God with as much as I can but I know I have committed and do commit sin. That doesn’t mean God condones my sin. :)
I don’t see the story of Lot and his daughters written in a positive light at all. It’s very matter-of-fact and even the girls rationalize their acts by “what is the custom” not what will please God. They clearly demonstrate that they do not trust God to come through for them. And their father clearly demonstrates what an irresponsible drunk he is.
Amanda, I had the same struggles as I read the 3 Old Testament chapters today. I got caught up on the part where Lot offered his daughters to the men instead of the strangers he had accepted into his home. I have to remind myself that things were so different back then that it would be impossible for us to relate. What we can relate to, though, is that they were sinners in need of a savior. Just like us. I also think they would look at things we do in our current society, like abortion, drug use, abuse, and the crazy stuff we watch on TV, and have the same feelings of disgust. We, too, are just sinners in need of a savior.
We read stories like this one every day in the news. This is our flesh – we are totally depraved and for a reason beyond my understanding God still loves us and is faithful to fulfill His promises.
Amanda, I completely agree. I have a difficult time relating to parts of the Old Testament. In this section I thought it was interesting that we have BOTH the story of Lot offering his daughters to the men AND him getting them pregnant while drunk. Maybe part of the reason we are told both stories is to show the ramifications of our sins.
I love the timing of this! I’m going through a lot and the Lord keeps pushing me to trust him and let go of the control. It can be so hard to remember that nothing is too big/difficult for Him! I need to learn to trust more.
You’re not alone sister. Blessings upon you!
Man! what a juxtaposition in today’s reading! First we read so much sin and depravity and then we flip to John and read about Jesus who is the direct answer to all of the sin and heartache that makes us to uncomfortable. What a relief to know the One who is the answer to our sin and the cry of our souls!
Seriously.
“Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” (18:14a) Need this reminder so much. I look at life and think, “this is never going to get better”. Or “there’s no way anything good can come of this”. But God. He can do anything He wants to do. And He promises to act for our good (b/c He loves us!) and His glory (b/c He is creator and redeemer God)!
So thankful for God’s plans for our lives, even if when He reveals them it makes us laugh!
I’m amazed that Abraham stood before the Lord, literally. It says three men came and then two Angels left while Abraham continued speaking to the Lord. So he wasn’t just praying, he was talking to someone that was there! If I understand it correctly, that would be crazy. And I just keep trying to put myself in the mindset of these people. If my husband ran in and said HEY PEOPLE ARE HERE, make bread NOW! I’d be kinda put off. And then to overhear that I’m gonna be pregnant. I’d laugh too. It helps to really imagine it and it comes alive.
Yes isn’t it amazing that Abraham was literally speaking to the Lord (in Theophrastus form of course).
By Theosophrastus, do you mean it’s literal definition “divine expression”? I have been reading on and researching Jesus in the Old Testament. I have not decided for myself; but do think it is interesting that Abraham may have been speaking with Jesus himself. Because God is not bound by space or time, it would make this absolutely possible. Though I am at peace. I do not Need to know how the Lord was manifested. Just that he was is enough for me to sit in silence. In awe of His greatness, mercy and love for His people.
Never noticed this before! (The Lord appeared to Abraham) But I will confirm My covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this time next year.” (Genesis 17:21)
Then in chapter 18: The Lord said, “I will certainly come back to you in about a year’s time, and your wife Sarah will have a son! ” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent behind him. (Genesis 18:10)
I never noticed this the first time. So we know they waited a little over 10 years after the first time God made that promise and Abraham and Sarah tried to make it happen out of their own strength. Then you have the promise in chapter 17 (above) and the one in 18 (above) seems like it was probably only a few months after the promise in 17. It was like a reconfirmation that God was making to them! But maybe He repeated this to simply help strengthen their faith!
This is awesome! Didn’t realize that!
Yes! Second chances is what I thought about. The first time God made that promise they tried to make it happen on their own which was disobedient but the Lord reassures them and promises them that nothing is too hard for the Lord!
As bad as we think our world is today, when we read the Old Testament, wow!! It’s pretty disturbing itself. I’m so glad we have Jesus to cling to in our time. Thank you Lord!! xo
So thankful to Him for that! The Old Testament really disturbs me in some ways , so it’s nice to read a chapter of John right away :)
The more you learn of history the more you realize the world has always been pretty depraved.
So thankful that God still loves us even in that state.
Yep!!
Yes! In a day that we are surrounded by bad news, killings and this sinful world, it keeps fear at bay when I can read the old testament and realize that none of this is new. God was in control then and worked all things according to His will, and while it’s so easy to get caught up in the events of our time, The Lord gives is the Old Testament and provides perspective. He is faithful and nothing surprises Him.
Yes there’s nothing new under the sun as Solomon writes in Ecclesiastics
I’ve read through the New Testament a few times and this time I’m learning so much about the person of Jesus.
♡
I currently work outside of the home and my husband is home with our two boys. We both want to switch roles greatly but my husband can’t find a job. My oldest will be 4 soon and it makes me said I’m missing most of his early years at home. It was so great for me to read about Sarah who doubted, and God responding to her about her doubts. It’s exactly what my heart needed this morning.
What struck me this morning was that Sarah doubted God and laughed when she heard the plans He had for her and Abraham and yet God was still faithful to His word and promise. How wonderful to know that in our doubts God is still faithful and that his love, mercy and grace still abound!
Amen…because I haven’t laughed exactly but there have been moments of doubt. GOD is so faithful regardless…His word will not return void!!
That’s so true and wonderful! I feel God speaking to my heart these last few days through the story of Sarah and Abraham. As I’m going through a difficult time in my marriage, I can see the way God worked in theirs. Through all their doubt and sin God was faithful and true to His promises. He is so graceful to us even when we don’t deserve it. How great is our God!
Praise God!
Abraham laughed too when he first heard it the name Isaac means “laughter”
We get GRACE even when we don’t deserve it. This verse always reminds me of that…
In v 1 it states ‘The two Angels’ and then the rest of the chapter refers to them as ‘men’. So although Lot offers his daughters to the men in the street. Perhaps he is putting God’s Angels above his own flesh. Which I’m sure was not something easy to do. But perhaps out of reverence or protecting the holy. I’m not sure. But it’s interesting. A couple of other separate thoughts … When God mentions circumcision he refers to ‘slaves’ and that anyone who is purchased with your money shall be included in this. We don’t see God defending or standing up for ‘no slavery’ . And the other thought was how God allowed life to be brought through Lots daughters. Why he didn’t do that differently. It’s hard to understand the ways of our mighty God. That’s what faith is. We either will trust Him or we won’t. It is good and wise to search and know the Scriptures he has given us. And to rely on His Holy Spirit to guide us in our interpretation of His Holy Word.
Hi Su! I felt similarly in reading about the angels and Lot being willing to give up his daughters. I recently listened to this sermon which touches on biblical slavery and what it looked like compared to the slavery we think of in the modern day. Give it a listen if you’re curious:) https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/timothy-keller-podcast/id352660924?mt=2#episodeGuid=0A9379FF-F53E-4E62-808A-59127FEA15E7-34463-00027550C9822D48-FFA
Yes.. I’m fond of keller’s teaching. And in reflection.. Slavery then really isn’t comparable to the slavery we are familiar with in our history books. Thanks for sharing.. Will give it a listen!
maybe with the daughters he had other plans, but they didn’t have faith to wait and see what /how God would continue the line. I know I have been guilty of not waiting on God’s best for me and came up with my own plans
That’s exactly what I thought while reading this verse.
Kind of like Sarai and Hagar. Sarah (then Sarai) didn’t wait for God to allow her to become pregnant. She took it all into her own hands.
I believe the daughter were so worried of their future and did not trust God to provide so they tried to take matters into their own hands
Yes, I thought this as well! He wanted to protect those who came to protect him, and was willing to give up his virgin daughters to protect Angels of God. Virginity in marriage then was a huge part of the bride’s father’s payment from the groom’s family for his daughters hand in marriage. So, in my eyes (probably a long shot here) Lot was willing to not have that payment, or possibly even son-in-laws and future heirs to his possessions, to protect the Angels from the men.
Gen 18:14 “Is anything impossible for The Lord? ” What a great reminder. Sometimes I find myself doubting because in my mind I can’t figure out how something can be done. But God is always able to do what we think is impossible.
I had the exam same thoughts too Amanda! Such a great reminder that human limitations are of no concern to our God who makes the impossible, possible. :)
I have never understood why exactly Lots wife is turned into a pillar of salt when she looks back. Thoughts?
I guess I have always looked at it from the point that she was told to leave and not look back, yet she did. God tells us to flee from our sin and pursue righteousness (1 Tim 6:11) and Lot’s wife was unable to do that. She was too attached to her life of sin. Anyone else?
I agree with what Melissa said. That was how I’ve always viewed it as well :)
Thank you for that! I was wondering the same thing and wasn’t sure if that would be the reason. God had mercy on her and Lot and only asked a simple thing of them, however she couldnt let her past go. Is that not so representative of us? We want God to save us but are not always willing to let go of the things we are asking to be removed from!!!
thank you for your thoughts. this reading was a bit confusing for me as I read and re read the text. I was wondering the same about lots wife and it is so true of us today. we want God to forgive us but can’t always do the simple things we know are right. thanks everyone
17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
He commanded them not to look back. When Lot’s wife looked back, it represented that she was attached to a life of sin. So instead of having faith in God, she doubted it and looked back.
I totally missed that verse. That makes so much sense. Thank you!!
My Bible has little commentaries for most verses and says… “A pillar of salt was likely chosen since salt was a major trade of the area. Judgment engulfed her because her affections were with Sodom, not with Yahweh.”
My Bible commentary says that the pillar of salt could have been a result of being engulfed in the fiery matter raining in molten lumps from the sky. “The Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur a a fire from The Lord out of heaven. I thought that was interesting.
I think we are using the same bible :) new spirit filled life … I liked that comment it resonates with me
Because she was disobedient and looked back…some scholars say her heart was still with Sodom and Gomorrah instead of looking forward. God’s thoughts, ways and plans are so much higher than ours (Is 55)
It is because they were told not to turn back in vs 17. So she deliberately disobeyed the Lord.
I think you’re saying why salt, not why she was punished, right? I don’t know either. Maybe it has something to do with sulfur?
She disobeyed the angels’s instructions to not look back.
I have to say, the passage where Lot offers his daughters to the men of Sodom has always disgusted me. Much of the treatment of women in the Old Testament is questionable, yet women like Sarah are blessed. It’s such a juxtaposition compared to how Jesus treated women, I admit I still struggle with this.
I absolutely agree.
It reminds me of when God told Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. It showed that God was more important to them than anything or anyone on this earth. God stepped in both times and saved what could have been tragic situations.
Agreed!
However … God never condoned what Lot did. Just because the Bible records it does not mean that God is okay with it. Sin is portrayed … and punished. But God offers mercy and forgiveness to the sinner who comes to Him in repentance and faith.
Yes!
Truth
I have wondered why he offered his daughters? did he recognize the men as angles or know that the men would refuse. I can’t imagine listening as my daughters are offered to a mob of men
Yes! I agree. It never says Lot was worthy of being spared. We learn that Abraham stood in the gap for him. I believe he was doing the best his mind could think of to spare his heavenly guests! Whose to say that Lot on some level after living so long in an area so perverse didn’t have his own perception slightly skewed….
It is so harsh and awful and I struggle with this story! I guess a lot of the OT shows the depravity and ickiness of mankind and THE desperate need for the Messiah to bring hope and new life into our mess!
what gets me is that the daughter’s deceive their father to sleep with him, it’s a choice they made not him.
Yes! This was totally shocking to me.
I wonder if some of this came from Lot’s decision to leave the mountains of Zoar as he requested and instead settle in the caves because he was afraid. He allowed fear to cut him off from the rest of the population so his daughters took it into their own hands to continue their bloodline. Lot took matters into his agenda. Remember Ruth and others came from the Moabites; we never know what God’s plans are and how he’ll use us.
He also uses our sin to further His Kingdom
This always makes me wonder if our parental instincts are really instincts or if they are a learned behavior.
And to think our hearts are just as disgusting and deprived apart from Christ! We are capable of the worst of sin when we are left to our flesh. Reading this bothers me as well… But after I read your comment it was like a light turned on… I am no better than Lot in this situation… I am just as much fallen in my sinful nature as he is and handle things poorly like him… BUT GOD is rich in mercy and pour grace out on my soul!
Amen
I agree! I started shaking my head and I’ve read that passage several times. Lot was a godly man, but it shows how desperate the times had become. Reading that is always a “Wow” moment for me!
It reminds me of when God told Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. It showed that God was more important to them than anything or anyone on this earth. God stepped in both times and saved what could have been tragic situations.
It also makes me wonder just how evil Sodom and Gomorrah must have been if that was what he had to do to prevent these men from raping his guests.
As for his daughters, remember their mother looked back, and she may have been from that evil city. Her daughters were raised in an evil place; what more would they have known? It just shows how deep of an influence sin has on humanity already.
Today is not any better or worse than the past, and sin is no longer what surprises me about this, but rather rightousness.