When we are told to escape a life of iniquity and false beliefs, God expects us to do so fast. Our time on earth is unknown, and therefore our urgency to get right with the Lord, our God, should be today. Not tomorrow, for it is not promised. Now, listen to the urgency the two angels put in Lot’s, his wife, and his two daughter’s hearts when they were told to leave the wicked city immediately. It reads, “and when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. 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.” (Genesis 19:15-17) As we continue reading, the angels heard the request of Lot to go Zoar, as they leave the wicked city behind. So we are to leave every sinful way behind immediately, lest we die in our sleep and go to hell.
The angels did tell Lot to go to a different city, but to do so with haste. Not to stop and take a break or walk there, but run with all their might. And so we do the same when we are in trouble with God. We don’t linger in our sins but plead for His forgiveness and mercy for our lives. Then, can He help change and conform us into a person for his kingdom. Only the Lord can help us unlearn the lies in false religions and also leave a wicked lifestyle behind. Now, as for those leaving Sodom, it reads, “haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do anything till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar. The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar. Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:22-25) This story does have a sad ending with Lot’s wife choosing to look back, instead of go forward in faith. We can learn from this, and also not go backward in our sins and false beliefs, but put our focus on Jesus. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, thank You for coming into my life. I may not always be faithful to You, but You are still so merciful towards me when I repent. My strivings are to be right in Your sight, but the flesh is weak and causes me to fall. It is my desire to stay in Your presence that I may not fall victim to sin. This is truly my desire, God. And in all things, I ask that You do forgive me when I do fall into sin, that I may not be a servant to sin but to serve You alone. Be merciful unto me God, for I am a sinner. Cleanse me through the blood that shed for us on the cross. As Lot was told to run with haste from the wicked city of Sodom, I also run with all my might from the things that have caused me to stumble and fall in this life. Lead me from temptation, God. I love You more than anything else this life can offer me. Your giftings for my life may not always look so appealing when I am being tempted, but the moment I pray and read the Bible, Your treasures are so much more important than any lustful or covetous thing I can gain. I choose You, Lord, and not the sins of this world to rule my life. I choose your knowledge that You can share with me, not the knowledge of the world to make me wise. I choose to follow You completely. You are my God and I worship You. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
