8 Jan 2020 PBJ

Today’s Reading is:
Genesis 18:16-19:38, Matthew 6:25-7:14, Psalm 8:1-9, Prov 2:6-15

The story of Lot gives me great solace (because of the grace he received for faith in God) but it is wrapped up inside some critical warnings. The warnings reach from Lot as an individual to national levels. This passage in Genesis reveals the transformation of Sodom and Gomorrah into a place ruled by unbridled lusts but its more than that. It was a place that had power and wealth until moral decline made it week. Even when the Kings of Shinar came to impose tribute on those cities, Sodom and Gomorrah had more than enough wealth for a first class Army. Yet, morale weakness led to cowardice and the Kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, and their coalition ran for the hills. In Gen 18 and 19, it is several years after Abram rescued Lot and the people of Sodom and Gomorrah from the conquests of the Kings of Shinar. Lot has two guests in his house. The passage in 19:4 says all the men gathered and demanded to know the guests carnally.

A couple of thoughts

Gen 19 describes the end destination of demands for tolerance. Those demanding it become among the most intolerant. They even threaten and drive back a decent man trying to stop a tragedy. A man who sat in the city gate but now, the people are tired of Lot’s power, wealth, and moralizing, declaring that Lot is no longer their Judge. Hmmm. My guess is that this is Sodom and Gomorrah’s version of Impeachment.

Here’s the Key in these passages. Unbridled Lust with no moral boundaries – seemingly without consequences – washes over into the seven pillars of the nation. Those pillars are; Business, Education, Church, Military, Entertainment, Government, and Family. The end result, described in Gen 19, is that the city square is not safe and “All the people from every quarter surrounded the house… to know them carnally.”

Jay