Scripture:
Genesis 19:16, "But he 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."
Observation:
God sent angelic messengers to tell Lot that Sodom was about to be destroyed. The people there were extremely sinful, yet Sodom was a place where Lot was deeply invested. He had a house, friends, a job and wealth and a life there. When the angle told him it was time to go and leave it all behind, Lot hesitated. I wonder why? It was clear what God said and what God was going to do, so why didn't he just obey? The hold of the things on Lot's life in Sodom must have been strong. When Lot hesitated, the angels took over and literally dragged Lot out of town just as it was being destroyed. The Bible says they did this because God' compassion covered Lot. It was the overruling action of God that saved Lot and his family.
Application:
As I think about how this applies to me, it seems like there are times when I hesitate in giving God obedience too. Just like Lot, the things of this world too often hold me and captivate my attention or appeal to me enough so that I have a hard time obeying too. Sometimes it's the lust of the eyes, other times the lust of the flesh, and even the boastful pride of life all are daily temptations. God promises in 1 John 2:15-17 that all those things will soon be destroyed just like Sodom, but their allure is still powerful. I need to recognize the danger of loving the things of this world more than loving God and let go of anything that keeps me from immediate obedience to Him. In my moments of weakness or foolishness, I need the grace of God to cover me.
Prayer:
Lord I know that your word tells me that the things of this world won't last. You call me to hold on loosely to all of it and to forsake it for the cause of following you. Lord give me the strength, the wisdom and the desire to follow you when you tell me to act. Don't let me hesitate, but instead grant me the faithfulness of first-time obedience. As soon as you speak, I want to act. Keep me from hesitation. Free me from the temptations that you have promised will pass away. Break their hold on me. I desire to give total obedience to you. Father when I am weak, would you please overrule my life. Please let your compassion cover me and by your sovereign hand keep me from ruining myself. Like the angels who grabbed Lot and pulled him to safety, would you intervene in my life and take me to the place of safety in you? I thank you for your grace that watches over me. Today would you rule over my life and if necessary overrule me.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor
