VAYERA

“So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, ‘Hurry and get out of this place, because the LORD is about to destroy the city!’ But his sons-in-law thought he was joking.”
Gen 19:14

Let’s take a minute to look at Sodom and Gomorrah. The meaning of the word Sodom is believed to be based in the Semitic language and is related to the word sadama, meaning fasten, fortify, or strengthen. In turn, the word Gomorrah is looked to be based on the root gh-m-r, meaning to be deep with water. To put these two cities together would give us an understanding of a fortified city near a deep body of water. However, further research of the word Sodom (H5467) from the Strong’s shows this word related to a scorched or burnt land, and Gomorrah (H6017) linked to a ruined heap. Was it possible that the outcome of the city was known from the beginning? It is thought also that the word sodomy is related to the word Sodom, based on their illicit sexual sins. It is for these actions also that Jude writes of Sodom and Gomorrah that they indulged in immorality and went after strange flesh (Jude 7). All this makes me wonder how long before of grace runs out. Are we destined to see the same fate as Sodom and Gomorrah?
When the angels arrive at the township, Lot is found sitting at the gate. Immediately he flops down and lays prostrate before them, pleading they come to his house for supper. They came, and a meal is shared, but the Bible records that before they could even go to bed, the men of the city had already surrounded the house, wanting the angelic men to come out and play (Gen 19:4-5). In response, Lot goes out to speak with the men while refusing to give them their desire. Instead, Lot does what any good dad would do, right? Wrong! He offers his daughters to the men of the city. Not a good enough offer, the town begins to turn on Lot until the angels reach out their hands and pull Lot back in. Then, to those at the door, blindness overtakes them as sent on them by the angels.
The family is urged to leave, and asked if there are any others who will go with them. With this questioning, Lot goes to his sons-in-law. “So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, ‘Hurry and get out of this place, because the LORD is about to destroy the city!’ But his sons-in-law thought he was joking” (Gen 19:14). I’m not sure if perhaps Lot had a comedy show on TV back then, or made repeated performances at the local comedy club, but this was a bad time to be thinking he may be joking. This joke would end up costing the sons-in-law their lives. Not too funny.
But have you ever stopped to think why they would think this? Compromise is normally looked at as a good thing. In marriage, when both parties cannot agree on the same thing, compromise can be the tool used to ensure that a mutual agreement is made. Webster defines this concept of compromise as a settlement of differences by arbitration or consent. But there is a second definition for the word compromise as well. Webster defines this word also as a concession to something derogatory or prejudicial. This is a definition I have found myself fall into more often than desired. It is in those times when our character or stance is no longer valid and our compromise seems to be the root cause.
In Genesis 19:1 we found Lot sitting at the gateway of the city. In only a few chapters Lot had moved from near Sodom to at Sodom. Gradually over time, Lot began to compromise or give concession. When the men of God came to take Lot away at Abraham’s request, they found him living within the city. And what is more, the evil lifestyle of the people had encompassed around him. Seeing these men, and the offers being given them by the sexual townsfolk, Lot offered his daughters to the city. What kind of person offers his children to be raped and mistreated purposely? The kind who has compromised.
As I consider this and look into it myself, I see the reason he was laughed at. The man Lot had once been was gone. He failed to take his stand against the enemy and now instead was living among the enemy. Perhaps he was laughed at because the sons-in-law had never seen Lot take a true stand for God. Now here was Lot, warning against judgment and they responded as if it was a joke. Lot’s compromise cost him his sons-in-law.
Seeing this revelation, my eyes are opened. What are my children, and others, seeing from me? Am I being looked at as sold out for God, or a guy who has compromised and nothing I say has value? Am I a hypocrite? Lot lost his place as the man of the family when he compromised; I do not want to fall into the same trap. And maybe Lot was worshipping God, but then I question if it was all in secret. One thing I want my children to see in me is that God is not a secret. I want them to see me reading my Bible, praying, worshipping God, and taking a stand for Him. I don’t want it to be a show; I want them to see the real thing.