ON THE VANGUARD

MOVING TOWARD SODOM
“Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD.”
Genesis 13:12-13

The families of both Abram and his nephew, Lot, had grown to numerous for the land to support them both. Because of this, the two parted ways. Abram gave Lot the choice of which direction he wanted to go, and then Abram would travel in the opposite direction. As Lot looked out over the area to the west and to the east, he then chose the east, toward Sodom. Soon after, Lot pitched his tents near Sodom. But note that he didn’t stay near Sodom too long before eventually residing in Sodom. As we see in Genesis 14:12, “They [the four attacking kings] also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom.” In just the next chapter over Lot had moved from near Sodom to in Sodom.
But isn’t this the way of sin? We look out and see that famed greener grass on the other side. We see that movie of the gigolo who has multiple partners and it lures us. Or we see that behavior of a friend and it beckons to us. We may even see the money that others have and begin to covet it. In all these ways, and multiple others, we see this land toward the east, toward Sodom, and we choose it. As we move that direction we pitch our tent near the city of sin. Notice, there was nothing wrong with Lot and Abram splitting, but the wrong came when he moved close to Sodom. Our wrong comes when we chase sinful dreams and park close to sin itself. In the end, Lot became a resident of the sinful city, just as we too will become a resident of sin.
But God has an answer; His own drawing near and residing in of a city. James 4:8 tells us to, “Come near to God and He will come near to you…” This is how Lot started. He drew near, just near the wrong thing. To this, though, we also read Acts 17:28, which serves to remind us that in Him we live, and move, and have our being. We live, the Greek word ZAO, meaning we breathe, we enjoy life, we are active within. When we physically live in a city are we not in some way active in it? Was Lot not active within Sodom? Yes he was, for Genesis 19:1 tells us he was stationed at the gateway of the city.
So then, where have you been drawn near, and where are you now living? Have you been drawn to Sodom and now live in it, or have you been draw to God and live in Him? Confessing Him is the same as having a P.O. Box. Anyone can have a P.O. Box for any city without having to reside there, just as anyone can confess they are a believer. But a true resident takes ownership within the land. A true resident breathes the air, enjoys the life, and is active in the community. Are you living in, moving in, and having your true being in God? In the end, Sodom was destroyed because of its wickedness. If you are drawing near or already living in Sodom now, I would make the strong suggestion that you move away now. The value of that town is going under. Instead, draw near and reside in the prosperous city of God and have true life.