January 7, 2009

Today's reading: Genesis 19, 20, 21; Psalm 7, 37, 67, 97, 127; Proverbs 7

Genesis 19:8, Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof."

In our verse today we see Lot now living in Sodom after parting company with Abraham. Remember Lot took the best choice of land. We see Lot in this choice sacrificed his family relationship with Abraham. He put himself first because he wanted the better land. This land was more fertile and better for raising animals. The sad part is that out of respect for Abraham, Lot should have given Abraham the better land.

You know what I am talking about. It is like having a snack with your grandma and she gives you the bigger half of the peanut butter sandwich. It is like your wife giving you the last piece of pizza when it should have been her's. My wife on the other hand usually puts mushrooms on her half of the pizza and I don't go within a half mile of it. Smart girl. Ha,ha. The Bible calls this preferring one another above ourselves (Philippians 2:3).

We also see Lot sacrifice right choices (Bible principles). Lot seemed to make wrong choices one right after the other. Boy, I can sure associate with that. I seem to make wrong choices so much of the time. I have the whole Bible to guide me in decision making but Lot did not have the completed Word of God. Still he made wrong choices. These ungodly men of the city wanted to have physical relations with the men that had come into Lot's house. Lot tries to persuade them not to do such a thing. He knows that God is not pleased when men lie with men as with women or women lying with women as with men. Because of the sins of the inhabitants of Sodom, God was going to destroy them. He showed mercy on Lot and his family by allowing them to escape the city. God is merciful!

We also see Lot sacrificed his own relations (children). I read this passage and I am nearly sick to my stomach at the choice of Lot. How can a parent offer his own daughter to men who are going to have just a flippant extramarital affair with them? Then on the other hand I think of many a "parent" who sacrifice their children in abortion each year. I think of parents who sacrifice their children to their career. The list could go on and on of the things we parents sacrifice our children for so that we could obtain _____. I am just as guilty as the next parent which is why this is such a convicting thought to me.

Have you dedicated your children to the Lord Jesus Christ or are they on the altar of sacrifice at your hands? Think about it.