Genesis 19
Theme: Special Examples
Key Text: Verse 24

            On several occasions in the Old Testament, the Lord used the example of the destruction of  Sodom and Gomorrah to warn others of the severity of His judgment (see Isa. 3:9; Jer. 49:18). Twice in the New Testament, we find references with this same emphasis. Simon Peter declared that God made them “an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly” (2 Pet. 2:6), and Brother Jude also emphasized that these cities “are set forth for an example” (Jude 7). Of course, the eternal words of Jesus, “Remember Lot's wife” (Luke 17:32), further instruct us to learn from all the illustrious events of this account.

1. A Special Example Of Wickedness
            The inhabitants of Sodom had become so shamelessly engrossed in wickedness, “the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another” (Rom. 1:27). As Lot “entertained angels unawares” (Heb. 13:2), “the people from every quarter” (19:4) came with the purpose of satisfying their abominable lusts with these heavenly guests. The men of the city not only rejected the opportunity to have Lot’s virgin daughters (see 19:8), but were also determined “to break the door” of Lot’s house to get to the visitors  (19:9).
 

2. A Special Example Of Wrath
            Pulling Lot “into the house” (19:10), away from the vicious crowd, the angels “smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness” (19:11). This physical dilemma could well portray their spiritual and moral blindness. For sure, it was the beginning of the end for this hell-bent society. The angelic messengers warned Lot and his family of the coming destruction (see 19:13) and helped them escape the terrible catastrophe (see 19:15-23). Then, suddenly, and without remedy, the memorable event took place. “The Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven” (19:24).

3. A Special Example Of Waywardness
            With Abraham, Lot had moved from Ur of the Chaldees to Haran, and then into the land of Canaan (see 11:31; 12:4, 5). But, he began to see what he thought were greater opportunities (see 13:10). Soon, he had “pitched his tent toward Sodom” (13:12). He eventually moved there and, as a respected leader, “sat in the gate” (19:1).  However, when his story concludes, his honor is wasted, his testimony is gone, his wife has become “a pillar of salt” (19:26), his home is a dark, damp cave, and his daughters are disrespectful and degenerate worldlings (see 19:31-38). It all reminds us that when one sows to the wind, he or she will “reap a whirlwind” (Hos. 8:7).

Illustration
            “I want to show you something!” the dad said to his teenage son as he pointed him to a wrecked sports car behind the local garage. “This is what happens when you drive too fast! You wreck your car and possibly lose your life!” Pointing us to the sinful cities of Sodom, the terrible judgment executed there, and the final predicament of Lot, our heavenly Father says, “I want to show you something! See what happens when you leave Me out of your life! You lose everything that's valuable!” Oh, may we take heed to these special examples!