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. (Genesis 19:14)
I think this story is one of the most tragic ones of the Old Testament. God attempted to show mercy to Lot’s future sons-in-law before raining fire and sulfur down on Sodom and Gomorrah, but they didn’t believe that the threat was serious.
The real problem for the men was that they didn’t think that the sin was so extreme and pervasive that God would actually take action against the city. I’ve heard people suggest that hurricanes and earthquakes really are God’s judgment on the sins of people in various areas around the world. I don’t personally believe that this is the case most of the time, but this story is a reminder to us that sin is serious and that we need to do everything we can to remove it from our lives.
The more you allow sin to become acceptable in your life, the further you get from being sensitive to what is holy and what is not.
The poor men in the story suffered certain destruction because they didn’t take sin seriously. Let’s not be guilty of the same problem.
Father, please help me to realize the seriousness of sin. In the midst of your grace, keep me from believing that my sin isn’t that big of a deal. Instead, help me to strive for holiness, and empower me by Your Spirit to remain sensitive to what is right and what is wrong.
Funny that the future-son-in laws thought that Lot was joking. I haven’t thought of Lot as a man with much of a sense of humor. I’m feeling that they simply blew him off as an old fool.
That’s hilarious! You’re probably right in that they simply blew him off as being a crazy old man. It’s a good reminder that those who are older in years often have some wisdom to share.