The Complex Character of Lot
Text: GENESIS 11:31, GENESIS12, GENESIS 13:1-11, GENESIS 14:1-6, GENESIS 19:1-38
Lot, a prominent figure in the Bible, is portrayed as a complex character. Lot the son of Haran and a nephew to Abraham was a man of morals and principles. In Gen 12:1-4, we see his association with Abraham, he had a close relationship with his uncle Abraham, when Abraham received the call from God to leave his homeland, Lot and his family accompanied him on the journey of faith. Their bond exemplifies the importance of companionship in navigating life challenges.
Things were going on fine, Abraham was rich in cattles, gold and silver and Lot by association with Abraham was also rich in cattle, gold and silver (Gen 13:2-5). However, disunity among Lot’s herdsmen and that of Abraham led to the division of territory in which Lot took the land that was pleasant and bigger in his eyes (Gen 13:10) and went to Sodom and Gomorrah.
Residing in Sodom and Gomorrah till the time of its annihilation, he was exposed to a host of moral depravities, including but not limited to incest and rape (Genesis 19). The encounter with the angels led to the eventual erasure of Sodom and Gomorrah and Lot’s escape from the town.
Lessons To Be Learnt
1. Having The Spirit Of Discernment:
As Christians having the spirit of discernment is crucial in our lives as it can save us from making wrong decisions in life. According to Gen 13:10 “And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar”. it was pleasing to his eyes and settled there and the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. He lacked the spirit of discernment.
2. Having The right Association:
Having the right association can sometimes bring favour and blessings to us. Prov 13:20 “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: But a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Lot associated himself with Abraham and was blessed. In Gen 13:2-5 talks about Abraham being rich in cattles, gold and silver and Lot was also rich in cattles, gold and silver. so keep the right company.
3. Obeying God’s Instructions Swiftly:
The extent of God’s will cannot be fully understood by the human mind. Thus we should strive to listen to His instructions and obey them swiftly. The consequences of delay in obedience and disobedience are portrayed in Gen 19:26, “But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt”.
There are a lot of lessons to learn from the story of Lot but these are some of them. Lot’s story shows the importance of working in the path of righteousness and also the power of God’s mercies towards his children.
