It Begins with a Look

Lot is a symbol of the Christian who is too far in love with the things of this world. In the end, it cost him everything.

Genesis 19:15–17 (ESV) As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.” 16 But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. 17 And as they brought them out, one said, “Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.”

It helps to see what Peter says about Lot:

2 Peter 2:7–8 (ESV) if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked 8 (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard);

Lot was a man of faith, but he never prospered in his life. He is the antithesis of Abraham in every way. While Abraham wins wars, Lot is taken captive in one. While Abraham has sons, Lot loses the respect of his sons-in-law and daughters. While Abraham is increasing, Lot is decreasing. It cannot be clearer that scripture is setting up a picture of the people of God. Many believe God, follow Him and are blessed. Others will believe but never break free from their lusts and consequently suffer multiple harms. We're all called and saved by grace. But from there, our actions can hurt or help us in massive ways. Lot is like the poeple Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 3 at the judgment seat of Christ, "If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire" 1 Corinthians 3:15.

It's helpful to remember that for Lot, it began with a look. It always begins with a look. When his and Abram's herdsmen were quarreling in Genesis 14, Abram gave Lot first pick of the land. He looked, he longed and he left...

Genesis 13:10 (ESV) And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)

Then he lodged...

Genesis 13:12 (ESV) Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom.

The fact that he was in the gates of Sodom remind us that he became an elder in the city. He led them, but not toward God!

Eventually, he was locked in as his daughters were to marry men of the city... Then even while God is rescuing Lot, Genesis 19:16 says he lingered. He wanted to stay!

But God in his mercy, would not let Him. Now, if you believe that you are saved by some merit of your own, this passage does not make sense, because Lot certainly does not deserve this moment. he even argues for the angels to "drop him off" at a city of his choice which they agree to. God should have abandoned him. But if you believe that you are saved by grace and preserved by grace, then this passage is a clear warning to those who belong to God but insist on longing for the things of this world. There is NOTHING in it for you to gain, there is EVERYTHING in it for you to lose. It will not satisfy your soul. You were made for more.

So if that's you, remember these things and look away! Learn how empty they are. Surrender fully and let God sanctify you and bless you. There's no other way to go!