Origins: The Promise (Genesis 12–25)Sample

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, ‘Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city.’” Genesis 19:15 (NKJV)

Before unleashing His wrath, God determined that Abraham’s nephew, Lot, as well as his household should be saved from the destruction. Although his two sons-in-law had been warned to flee, they scoffed at the notion, leaving just Lot, his wife, and his two daughters out of the entire city as the remnant to be spared. As the morning sun began to rise, the angels sent to warn them urged them to make haste.

Now, having heard this, you’d think Lot would be well on his way out of there. He’d seen enough supernatural evidence to convince him of all that’s been said here. And yet, he does something really mind-blowing, he lingers. “And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city" (Genesis 19:16 NKJV).

Lot had a strong attachment to the city of Sodom. It was like a magnet, pulling at the mettle of his soul. He was drawn to it and settled in it, despite the evil environment he saw springing up all around him and his family. 

In fact, 1 Peter 2:7 tells us that Lot was internally distressed by all that he saw in Sodom. And yet, his heart lingered there because his heart wasn’t satisfied with the things of God, as was Abraham’s. Even now, as the clock is ticking down, Lot can’t quite pull himself or his family away from Sodom.

So, what does God do? Notice, it says the angels acting on God’s behalf took them all by the hand and mercifully led them outside the city. This is the first time mercy is mentioned in the Bible, and what a perfect picture we’re given of it. God’s mercy looks like Him actually taking someone by the hand and leading them to the place of safety and salvation when they’re so weakened by their own sinful appetite. 

There are times when we can be a lot like Lot! We allow something inside our lives, a desire, that can infect our soul and weaken our spiritual immune system. We know what we need to do, but we linger instead and settle in our sin rather than run.

Thank the Lord, who is merciful to us, who will take us by the hand and lovingly lead us away from destruction and to safety by the guidance and strength of His Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16). Let us call on the mercy of the Lord at all times, but especially in our weakest hours.        

DIG: How was God’s mercy demonstrated towards Lot and his family?

DISCOVER: How can you relate to Lot?

DO: Take a moment today and ask God to give you a greater understanding and trust in His mercy in your life.