Genesis

The purpose of this question is to ensure that students know the events leading to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The Lord appears to Abraham in the form of a man, along with two angels who also appear in the form of men. Lot recognizes the significance of the men as the narrative indicates and later understood that he was speaking to God. Abraham invites them to refresh themselves with food and water. During this visit God lets Abraham know that Sarah will have a son in a year's time. Sarah was listening and laughs at the thought since she is now beyond the normal childbearing years. God then decides to tell Abraham of His plans to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.

What were the stated reasons for God's visit with Abraham?

To let Abraham know that his son would be born in a year. To let him know of the upcoming destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

What was Sarah's reaction when she heard about delivering a child and how does this relate to her previous attempt to provide an heir for Abraham through her servant, Hagar?

Her reaction was to scoff at the idea since she was now well beyond normal child delivery years. This indicates that she still had a weak faith in God's promises and abilities.

What were the reasons Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed?

They had become a wicked city rejecting God. Recall that Abraham had saved them from the northern Kings. Melchizedek and Lot lived righteously in their midst, yet even their example was not enough to change their sinful ways.

It shows the merciful character of God. In II Peter 3:9 we read, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." God gives warnings all throughout scripture to those who have violated His will to turn back to Him.

His patience, however, has a limit and to exercise justice to the disobedient, He eventually punishes. In this specific incident God revealed that the time for destruction was imminent but was willing to wait in order to honor Abraham's request to save Lot and his family.

We learn from this that we must not test the Lord's patience but be ready for His promised return and judgement (Matthew 25). Our objective is to be found faithful when He comes.

Lot was active in the life of the city, thus well known. Having been identified as a righteous man it is possible that he took advantage of this recognition to teach and be an example of righteousness. Lot is approached there by the two angels (men) and invites them to his home for the night.

Lot made the conscious choice to live in Sodom. Whether it was a wicked city at the time of his choosing, or became one later, Lot still had the choice to leave, but decided to remain there. We, at times, find ourselves surrounded by evil no matter where we live. We must, therefore, choose to remain faithful and if necessary move away to a safer situation in order to avoid temptation and guard our souls.

The mob in its depravity sought to rape the men. Lot refuses to turn them over, offering instead his daughters. The mob rejects this and attempts to take the men by force. The angels blind the mob and save Lot and his daughters from them.

Lot, his wife and daughters were saved from the destruction. All others were destroyed. Later, Lot's wife would perish when she looked back at the city's destruction. This indicates she did not have the faith to believe that God would act.

The significance of this is that Lot's sons-in-law rejected the protection offered by the Lord. Had they also gone, God would have spared the city (10 righteous). We must believe God at His word that He will return and destroy the wicked. We must not be among that number but be ready for His return. We must also do our best to influence others, especially our families in order to be found faithful.

The daughters do not have sufficient faith to understand that God saved them from destruction and would provide what they needed. They acted beyond God's will, just as Sarah had with her servant, Hagar. As a result, their offspring would be a problem for Israel through the Moabites and Ammonites. It is significant that Ruth, also a Moabite, would be in the lineage of Jesus. God has a way of turning lives around to His purpose, no matter who we are or our situation.

There are many moving parts in these chapters. They all seem to revolve around faithfulness. We show our faithfulness to God as we live pure lives according to His will, and as we help others prepare for the eventual coming of our Lord.

It also shows that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37; Matthew 19:26). This is true whether it is seen in destruction or salvation. God created us, loves us and desires above all else to save us. However, we are given the choice to accept or reject that love. We must pray that we always choose wisely.

God meets out mercy and justice. The mercy is in the form of the graceful offer of salvation. The justice is in the punishment of those who reject Him and the protection of those who accept Him.

Once we make the decision to follow our Lord then we must press forward and not look back. Hebrews 10:26-31 is a sober reminder of not returning to our former sinful lives. Just as Lot's wife was destroyed, so shall we be if we turn back to our sinful ways.