Destruction and Deliverance

Our passage this week is morally challenging at many levels. Genesis 19 is the story about Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities may be the most recognized cities in the Bible, for sin and judgment. For this week, our focus shifts from Abraham to Abraham's nephew, Lot. If you remember, Lot had chosen to move toward Sodom because the land was well watered and good for his flocks whereas Abraham entrusted himself to God and remained in his temporary dwellings in the hills, near the oaks of Mamre. Lot initially pitched his tent near Sodom but eventually moved into the city. As we shall see, Lot not only moved in but also moved up as he is sitting in the gate of Sodom, a place of respect, reputation, and leadership in the city. Our story will speak to God's judgment on the sin of these people and God's mercy in delivering the righteous from the city.