Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

One day as Lot is sitting in the gateway to the city of Sodom, he sees two strangers arrive. Of course, he knows nothing of his Uncle Abram’s intercessory prayer for the people of Sodom and the family of Lot (Gen. 18:22-33). 

He sits in the gate to be involved in the social life of the city, perhaps as a member of some civil authority which oversees the business of the town. Whatever the reason, he recognizes the two visitors as being special or unique, quite different from the ordinary person arriving in town. None of the other leaders seem to realize the significance of their appearance, but somehow Lot does.

Lot failed to stay with Abram and share his blessings. He chose to live in a wicked city, allow his children to mature in this environment, almost had to endure life-long slavery as a prisoner of war, but somehow retained enough of God in his heart to recognize heavenly beings at their advent. He insisted the strangers come into his house to spend the night. What does it say about Lot that the angels preferred to remain in the street all night in this sinful place rather than go home with Lot? However, Lot prevailed upon them to enter his house and stay the night. It was during this time the men of Sodom attempted to seize the heavenly beings and abuse them sexually. Lot offers his two virgin daughters to the mob in order to appease them and protect his esteemed visitors. This reflects the awesome responsibility of hospitality that ruled this area, but it also reflects the weakness of Lot’s character as he tramples upon the responsibility of parenthood.

The angels then informed Lot of the real purpose of their visit. They were there to rescue Lot and his family from the judgment of Almighty God upon Sodom, Gomorrah and other cities in the area. We are not certain how large a family Lot had, but I notice the angels spoke of sons, son-in-law and daughters in Genesis 19:12. He tried to warn his family but was unable to convince them of the truth of the message. No one wanted to leave, perhaps not even Lot. Their hesitation prompted the angels to grasp the hands of those in the house and place them outside the city. 

One last warning was given to them – DON’T LOOK BACK!