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[expand title=”Devotion Text”]Genesis 19:4-8
Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom– both young and old– surrounded the house. They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.” Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, “No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.”
The events of this passage are disconcerting, aren’t they? Persistent on their perversion, the men of Sodom (young and old – perversion is not age-dependent) demand that Lot share his friends. In an unimaginable response, Lot offers his daughters instead! Many commentators suggest Lot’s proposal was due to the high regard for hospitality in his day. Note Lot’s comment regarding his guests, “ . . . for they have come under the protection of my roof.” But even with this explanation, the offer is still despicable! The problem was not Lot in the midst of Sodom’s culture, but rather Sodom’s culture in the midst of Lot.
Years earlier, Lot had traveled with Abraham, his uncle. When their flocks grew large they decided to split up. Abraham graciously gave Lot the first choice of the land on which to settle. Lot chose the well-watered fertile ground where his livestock would thrive. He “pitched his tents near Sodom.” There was, however, one major problem. The men of Sodom “were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord” (Genesis 13:12-13). Lot was willing to place himself and his family in an ungodly and unhealthy environment in order to prosper.
How about you? Where are your tents pitched? What are you willing to concede for your “flocks to thrive”? Many are willing to compromise their reputation, marriage, and family for the sake of power and possessions. Sad, isn’t it, how the culture can get into a person and harden his heart? Sad, isn’t it, how the hardened heart can rationalize ungodliness? Sad, isn’t it, the price of compromise?
Father, a life of compromise blinds me from the imminent dangers. Please open my eyes and let me see exactly where I have pitched my tent. Give me the courage to pull up stakes, if need be, and move to a place that is close to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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