Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

The examination of the life of Lot, nephew of the Patriarch Abraham in the Old Testament of the Bible, continues with this perspective - Lot had sufficient warning to change his ways. So often God gives us admonitions to think about our actions and decisions. Remember the words from Hebrews 12:6, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” Did the Lord ever grant a warning of any sort to Lot that he was not where he needed to be? Yes, He certainly did.

Everything was not perfect in Lot’s chosen well-watered plain, for Chapter 14 of Genesis describes the political upheaval that occurred in the area.

Ultimately there was a battle between “four kings with five” (14:9). The battle ensued and the king of Sodom was defeated. As a result, Lot was taken prisoner as well as all the goods and victuals from Sodom. Here is a warning from the Lord that something needed to change.

When Abram hears about his nephew, he immediately takes the servants of his own house and chases the conquerors. Through the help of God Abram is able to find them, defeat them, rescue Lot and all the captives in addition to restoring the lost goods to the people. What a great and marvelous victory! Did it change Lot? No. He went straight back into Sodom.

So often we make wrong decisions. Then, in God’s mercy, He delivers us from the mess we have made and grants another chance. Lot failed to grow and learn from his few days of miserable captivity. He was delivered by his uncle, a great man of faith, but learned nothing. Lot chooses to continue his life in Sodom, among a place so wicked that soon God will elect to destroy the entire area. Have you learned from your mistakes?

Have you been given a warning from God? If so, what are you doing about it? Lot before and after this event seemed unaware and unconcerned. What about you? I tell this story to bring you hope, to tell you God really does love you even if you have messed up badly. At this point in time God used Abram to deliver Lot.

Later God uses angels to save his life. But, there is a point where God’s delivering power will not save you. Please don’t wait too late.