Genesis 19: 15-22
As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.” But he lingered, So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. And as they brought them out, one said, “Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.” And Lot said to them, “Oh, no, my lords. Behold, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness in saving my life. But I cannot escape to the hills, lest the disaster overtake me and I die. Behold, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one? – and my life will be saved!” He said to him, “Behold, I will grant you this favor also, that I will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken. Escape there quickly, for I can do nothing till you arrive there.”
In Genesis 19 we find Lot and his family being confronted by Angels sent from God to destroy Sodom. They are attempting to save his life on behalf of Abraham’s prayer from the previous chapter. The Old Testament can tell some pretty intense high drama stories, and this one has it all! But at its core, we see the heart of God and the heart of man. God showing his mercy to a sinful generation and man longing for things that often lead to disaster and death. God saves us, yet we keep looking back affectionately – ungrateful for the salvation of the Lord.
In Psalm 51 King David writes “Restore to me the joy of YOUR salvation, and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” vs 12
I won’t lie. Joy has been difficult for me lately. Partly because of our circumstances. The other problem, however, has been Me looking for MY joy.
Lot and David were both sinful men. But where Lot’s joy was placed in his situation, David’s was placed in his salvation.
This is a hard thing but God is good at the hard things.
Good Father,
I worship you for being so incredibly merciful. You give us more than we could ever deserve in your salvation and steadfast love. Forgive me for a heart of entitlement. I deserve death, and you give life. You desire good for me and for your people. Please restore to me the joy of your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Amen
Live well friends,
Christy
Wonderful!