Abraham and Lot

Here is a wonderful article on Abraham and Lot written by my sister-in-law Jessica Vasa. The Lord our God is full of mercy and His compassion is inexplicable. Read on!

The story of Abraham and Lot is a very familiar one to most of us. A story where Abraham pleads God for Lot’s life and God rescues Lot. God and Abraham shared a very special relationship with each other, a relationship which is based on faith and trust and a simple relationship but with a powerful impact. Genesis 18:17 says, “And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do”. It is indeed wonderful to see that Abraham enjoyed a transparent relationship with the Almighty God. When God revealed to Abraham through His angels that He intends to wipe out Sodom and Gomorrah, we see that Abraham responded wonderfully to God’s plan. Firstly, Abraham did not panic. Secondly, he did not plead or accompany the angels to Sodom and Gomorrah to save Lot or to advice Lot; instead he stayed back and pleaded with God, a God whom he trusted.

In Genesis 18:24-32, we see Abraham pleading God and asking Him if there were at least 50, 45, 40, 30, 20, or 10 righteous people would He still wipe out Sodom and Gomorrah. God repeatedly assured Abraham that He will not wipe out. Abraham loved Lot so he pleaded God for Lot’s life. Genesis 19:29 says, “And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.” We see that Lot and his daughters were saved because God honored Abraham’s prayer. Lot was saved from the catastrophe because of Abraham’s prayer and his faith in God. This statement instead of consoling us poses a lot of questions. What would have happened to Lot if Abraham had not pleaded God for his life? Does God need a reminder before His wrath? Would someone perish because God was not reminded? These questions seem so heavy.

A very closer look brings the realization of the character of God. In Genesis 19 the passage reveals that when the angels came to Lot and asked him to leave with his family, Lot went to his sons-in-law and told them what the angels had revealed him. They thought he was joking. When people around him did not believe Lot loses faith. His faith depended on people around him. Genesis 19:16 says, “Lot lingered”. Surprisingly, after all the prayers by Abraham to save him, after God’s assurance to Abraham, after seeing the angels at his door and striking the people outside blind; Lot hesitated and loitered. As humans we tend to give up on Lot. In spite of all these God saved him.

Saving Lot that night under those circumstances would have been the greatest miracle for Lot in his life. But for us the manner in which He was saved means a lot and brings out the character of God very beautifully and answers the question “Was Abraham’s prayer a reminder to God about Lot, because of which Lot was saved?” A single verse, Genesis 19:16 answers the question and it says, “And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.” While Lot lingered, the Lord however had pity on him; so the men took him, his wife, and his two daughters by the hand and led them out of the city. God had mercy on Lot and led them by hand to safety. Not only did He lead them out but waited till they reached a safe distance before destroying the city. He took care of every single detail of their exit from Sodom and Gomorrah. God honored Abraham’s prayer but it was not Abraham’s reminder to God. God saved Lot despite his weakness because He is God of mercy and compassion.

Even today we come across similar situations in our life. We hesitate to take steps forward, in spite of a clear calling, because of the people around us. But it is a great assurance that God has mercy on us and holds our hands and leads us through.

God chose Abraham, he honored Abraham’s prayer and Lot was rescued. He kept Abraham in mind while rescuing Lot. Today we are His chosen children and He honors our prayers too. Abraham prayed for Lot to be saved from fire. Today through Jesus Christ we can pray for eternal life for those around us. He keeps us in mind when we pray for others’ deliverance because He chose us and He honors our prayer in His time and according to His plan, the plan in which we are included and have a role to play. Amen!

Next: Greeting the Members in Christ