Again Abraham protects his nephew. Actually, we saw that in yesterday’s reading when Lot questioned God about destroying Sodom if there were righteous people there. Abraham knew his nephew would be killed if the city weren’t spared. God knew why Abraham was so interested in Sodom. God was merciful that day. Lot’s wife, on the other hand, did not obey what they were told, and she didn’t make it to safety.
But Lot and his two daughters did arrive in the small town Lot had asked for. They were safe. But can you imagine what they were going through? They had just been uprooted from their home, their wife and mother had died, and presumably, the fiances of Lot’s daughter also perished. To know that everything that was familiar had been destroyed. What would that feel like?
For people who have lived through the remnants of a flood, earthquake, tornado or hurricane, you do know how devastating that can be for your everything you know to be gone. I’m not sure we’ve ever had family members turn into pillars of salt. However, because the three didn’t look back, they escaped. They may not truly know what happened to their mother/wife. She just didn’t make it to safety.
When does the thankfulness set in? God rescued those three from death that day. Will they question why? Will they wonder what great life lesson they are supposed to learn or what purpose their lives are supposed to have?
I wonder what it was about the mountains that had Lot so freaked out. That could just be one of those verses that may have a purpose to foreshadow. Or, it will remain a mystery. We’re living in the mountains here, but we have cars and roads and it’s delightful.
They had to get out of town. The sinfulness had overtaken the region. God was taking a stand. It speaks to us about removing ourselves from a sinful situation. We may need to get uncomfortable, but we need to move if God says move. Here God was insistant. Lot listened. I hope that I am as good at listening to God when I find myself caught in a sin I may not even be aware of. We need not be afraid, we just need to get out. Get away from toxic people who drag us down. Get out of relationships that are hurting us. Listen for God’s warnings and follow where he leads.
Finally, there is Abraham looking out over the smoldering town. He had to see for himself what God had done. There were no cell phones or email messages to tell him that Lot was okay. He had to trust that God had shown mercy as he said he would. But, Abraham was probably still very hopeful for Lot’s safety. Don’t we always tend to think the worst when we let our imaginations get away from us?
So, do you ever let worry creep into your life? I grew up watching a very worrisome mother. I may be blowing it way out of proportion, but she seemed to worry about everything. What did her worrying get her? Nothing. Especially when what she was worrying about was out of her control. She isn’t alone – we all worry. It’s when we let worry take control of us, stifle us, keep us from doing what we are designed by God to do.
Let’s pray. Father, forgive me for those times when I worry and don’t trust. I know that you promise to never leave me, and you are there to walk with me through anything and everything. When things are out of my control, help me to let go of them and trust you. I thank you for your mercy and your grace. May I be obedient to you and listen to your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
