GLEANINGS - GenesisSample

The wrong choices of Lot

1. Lot's choice revealed his worldliness.

The people of the Jordan Valley were exceedingly wicked. Lot knew the character of the towns in this garden spot—and yet he overlooked this in his desire for the wealth that he could gather there. Not only did he choose the rich valley—but he soon pushed his way into the depths of the wickedness, for he took his family into the city of Sodom and became identified with the place, doing business in it, and became one of the ruling men in the city.

2. Lot’s decisions were selfish

The Bible says that Lot, “chose for himself all the Jordan Valley.”

Lot was not concerned about the welfare of his family. Lot decided to relocate his family to Sodom though he clearly knew the ungodliness of the place

While Abraham longed to please the Lord, Lot’s desire was to please himself. Although his family was wealthy, it was not enough for him (Genesis 13:2). He wanted the popularity and the prestige that came with being known in a large city; the lonely fields with Abraham were not enough.

3. Lot made his choice based on appearance. Genesis 13:10-12

Making judgments and decisions based on outward appearances can be dangerous. Lot decided on the well-watered plains of the Jordan Valley. Lot chose on the basis of his ambition and covetousness. Perhaps Lot chose to look toward the city of Sodom because he remembered the grand city of Ur.

The result of Lot’s wrong choice

1. War - Gen 14:11

2. Kidnapping - Gen 14:12

3. Oppression and torment by the citizens of Sodom - 2Pe 2:7-8; cf. Gen 19:1-11

4. Loss of all his material wealth - Gen 19:15-16,24-25

5. The death of his wife - Gen 19:17,26

6. The shame of incest with his daughters - Gen 19:30-36

Lot's wrong choice teaches us that making the proper decision is very important. "Remember Lot" the next time you are faced with an important decision. Seek to make that decision based upon the will of the Lord and not your own. Your eternal destiny (and that of those you love) might rest upon your choice!

The choices you make today will determine where you will find yourself tomorrow.

APPLICATION QUESTION:

Have you pitched your tents toward Sodom like Lot? Check if your decisions about where to live and work are based upon how much money can be made in that location. Check if your decisions about entertainment are based upon what everyone else does and enjoys and decisions about fashion are based upon what is socially acceptable.

QUOTE:

Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part that chooses, into something a little different than what it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, you are slowly turning this central thing either into a heavenly creature or into a hellish creature," C.S. Lewis.

PRAYER:

Lord, help me not to make the wrong choices like Lot but make the right choice like Abraham and believe You and live for You alone. Amen