Sunday, 25 October 2015

Righteous Lot and the day of judgement Week 43, 2015



Was Lot a righteous man? Lot who chose before his uncle and mentor Abram? Lot who chose Sodom and first pitched his tents towards Sodom but eventually lived in Sodom? Lot who started out living in tents like Abram but in Sodom had settled to live in a house? The Lord makes it clear he was:  and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man who was greatly distressed by the immoral conduct of lawless people— then the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials and to hold unrighteous people for punishment on the day of judgment2Pt 2:7, 9(ISV)
In speaking of the day Jesus compared it to Lot’s day. It will be as it was in the time of Lot Lk 17:28(GNB). Lot believed the message from angels, prepared his household and fled. Faith is counted for righteousness. In Sodom there were exceeding great sinners. Immorality was an institutional thing. All parts of Sodom participated. But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter Gen 19:4(KJV)  Today the media is celebrating communities and countries adopting gay and lesbian rights. Despite the despicable and seemingly overwhelming evil there he raised virgin daughters in Sodom! Look, I have two daughters who are still virgins Gen 19:8(GNB). Undefiled by fornication, lesbianism or homosexuality.
In such dangerous times as Lot lived and among such people he was kind and hospitable to strangers. What a challenge and rebuke to us who cite security concerns as a reason not to help those who need assistance. Remember to welcome strangers in your homes. There were some who did that and welcomed angels without knowing it Heb 13:2 (GNB). Lot was one of such that obeyed this. By the way, when men came to ask Lot about his guests so as to defile them Lot did not say “Oh they have left” or some other convenient lie. He sidestepped the issue and dissuaded the would-be rapists thereby putting him and family at risk. But God delivered only him and his household of all in Sodom! But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 2Tim 3:13, 14(KJV)   
Proclamation and warning concerning judgement was also made by righteous Lot to the people of the city. Then Lot went to the men that his daughters were going to marry, and said, "Hurry up and get out of here; the LORD is going to destroy this place." Gen 19:14(GNB).  So are we keeping ourselves pure from immorality, are we busy proclaiming the gospel, are we hospitable and loving even to strangers?  
Even if like Lot you had made mistakes in choices; repent today, believe God and hold fast to righteous living. Since God could keep and cite him as an example He can keep you also firm to the very end without spot or blemish or wrinkle. Hold on in faith.

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