“Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom…”
Genesis 19:1
Similar to what we would call “City Hall”, the gate of a city was where the ruling authorities would gather to handle the happenings of the city.
How did Lot get to such an esteemed position of leadership in a city like Sodom?
Well, it seems that the gradual road was started upon a while ago.
In Chapter 13 we saw Lot begin this path to perdition when he fixed his eyes on Sodom, then pitched his tent there even though it was a place well known for being “exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord” (Genesis 13:10-13). Then one chapter later witness him move into Sodom fully immersing him into the city and society. Sodom being a picture of sin and depravity, we see a very real picture of how we too can fall away and stray down this road to ruin. The enticing pleasures of sin invite us to come closer and we move in and embrace it. We have this false sense of honor and pleasure but really we’re only crowned with ruin, all that Lot received in Sodom eventually burned, and the same is true for what we receive from Sin.
Jesus would later speak of this when He likened our lives and actions as to builders who construct with gold or wood, hay, and stubble. When the fiery judgment of Christ comes upon our life the things which were built out of gold (or abiding with God’s desires) will be refined by the fire, leaving them better for it. On the other hand the fleshy areas of my life will burst into flames like wood, hay, and stubble; leaving us burned, broken, and bummed out.
So is there hope for us if we’ve walked away from God, straying eastbound beyond Ai (ruin) and entering into Sodom?
Sure!
As we’ll come to find out God never gives up on us, He sent in a search party to Sodom and rescued those who were willing to leave, and the same is true for us. God is searching for those who desire to abide with Him, and He’s seeking to save those who got lost in the land of sin.
Perhaps you’re dwelling in the wrong place today; take the opportunity to follow Him out of where you are. He’ll bring you out of the flames and into salvation.
