GLEANINGS - GenesisSample

Why did God destroy Sodom and its implications for today

The men of Sodom were previously described as “wicked, great sinners against the LORD” (Genesis 13:13). The latter term “wicked” (raʿ) is also used to describe the people at the time of the flood (Genesis 6:5, 8:21) and indicates that the people of Sodom’s sins deserved the same catastrophic response from God.

The main issue that Genesis 19 focuses on is the fact that all the men of Sodom want to “know” (yādaʿ) the angelical visitors: in other words, to have sexual relations with them (Genesis 19:4–5; cf. Genesis 4:1). Nevertheless, it is important to realize that Sodom was guilty of many sins other than homosexuality. In later biblical history, the prophets compared the social injustices committed by God’s chosen people Israel/Judah to the people of Sodom: gluttony, prosperous ease, not aiding the poor, haughtiness, injustice (Isaiah 1:17, 3:9), adultery, lying, and an unwillingness to repent (Jeremiah 23:14).

The attraction of Sodom from a distance was obvious—it lay in a rich and fertile area, where Lot’s herds could thrive. Sodom’s culture no doubt attracted many to move to be close to the activities and attractions which fed the affluent lifestyle of the city

This modern age, like Sodom, is designed to lure us into a well-watered valley of ease, convenience, and pleasure. It tempts us to turn from God and all the right influences that can keep us on the narrow path of righteousness.

We are living in a time that looks more and more like Sodom each day. The cultural perversity against the natural order that is sodomy and homosexuality has recently expanded to include the gender identity war encapsulated in the LGBTQ label. Surveys now indicate many younger adults consider the LGBTQ+ culture acceptable.

We are on very dangerous grounds if we do not recognize that our culture is toxic and dangerous to our faith.

The story is told by Vance Havner of how he walked into a restaurant that was dimly lit, ordered from a menu that he could barely see, and ate his meal by faith and not by sight! You may have had that kind of experience when you entered a room or building, and it took a while for your eyes to become adjusted to the darkness but eventually you did, and you were able to make your way around.

This is a perfect description of what Lot did, he got used to the darkness of Sodom, gradually, progressively, and comfortably making his way in the darkness of sin and depravity. What about YOU?

APPLICATION QUESTION:

Are you being an influence on the city you live in, or is the city being an influence on you? Is your lifestyle impacting them, or is their lifestyle impacting you? And the most haunting question of all … will anyone be in Heaven because they “read” the Bible you became? … will anyone be in Hell?

QUOTE:

Sodom had no Bible. We have millions. Sodom perished … The only reason we are not smoking in the fire-wrath of a holy God is mercy, m-e-r-c-y, prolonged mercy! Leonard Ravenhill

PRAYER:

Lord, I pray that even though I am in the world, I would not conform to the world. Help me to be the salt and light – preventing decay and adding flavour in this world. Help me impact one life for You today. Amen