Dealing with Sodom

“And they took Lot, Abram's son, who dwelt in Sodom...” - Genesis 14v12
“And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hand unto the Lord, the most High God, the possessor of heaven and earth ... I will not take anything that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, 'I have made Abram rich.” - Genesis 14v22-24

Isn't it sad to see how quickly sin has an impact? In chapter 13 of Genesis Lot “pitched his tent towards Sodom.” Now he lives in Sodom. He knew this was wrong, he knew what kid of city it was, but he chose to live amongst the wickedness.

Next thing you know Lot finds himself the captive of an alliance of kings. We must note that sin has its consequences. If Lot had stayed out of Sodom he would never have been made a prisoner. Sadly though, sin affects more than just the sinner. In order to rescue Lot Abram was forced to put himself and 318 warriors at risk in order to rescue him. Abram and his men were successful in their effort. They rescued Lot, along with all of the war booty, along with the women who were captured and bring them all back to Abram's camp.

Later, after an encounter with the mysterious Melchizedek, Abram encountered the new king of Sodom who offered to allow Abram to keep all of the goods of the city if he would only return to people of the city.

We now see the proper response to wickedness. Abram boldly proclaimed - “I serve the Most High God. He possesses heaven and earth. I won't take anything from you for I don't want you to ever be able to say that you made me rich. God is the only One who could do that!”

We notice to the two attitudes toward the world. Lot was quick to accept all the world had to offer. Abram would not even take that which he could fairly have laid claim to. Lot was still focused on the temporal, Abram the eternal. “Look not on the things that are seen, but the things that are not seen. For the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4v18).

May the Lord remind us and strengthen us to reject the fleshly eyes of Lot and have the spiritual eyes of Abram.