DId God Really Say…

January 19, 2024

Read Genesis 19, Psalm 19, John 19

Genesis 19 is the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. As soon as Lot finds the two angels entering the city in the evening, he pleads with them to stay with him and not in the middle of the city. He likely knows how wicked “all the men from every part of the city” v. 4 were. Lot still an outsider to the people of Sodom tries to offer hospitality, and ultimately protection for the two guests. How do we as Christians look out for people today? How can we offer protection or safety to others in a time of need?

The reason for the destruction of the city has been well known for thousands of years. We even have Jewish commentary that speaks about the nature of the homosexuality in this chapter. Some Revisionists and LGBTQ affirming people will try to say that “knowing” the two angels was not about having sex with them, but this doesn’t fit the context. Especially when Lot offers his daughters to the men who “who have not known any other man.” The same Hebrew word is used. It clearly could not be to know the men in a non-sexual way because Lot’s daughters were “pledged to marry.”

But what are we to make of Lot’s proposal? “Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof” v. 8. Here are some opinions or interpretations. One, he simply did not care about his own daughter’s safety and lives. Two, he was scared and quickly offered a solution in desperation. Three, he was faced with a moral dilemma and choose the lesser of two evils. Four, Lot’s comments should be taken as sarcastic in a way to shock their conscience and stop their actions. We must remember that Lot does not have the integrity that Abraham has, and His actions are compared to Abraham’s in a number of ways. God did not command Lot to offer his daughters, nor would he. The Bible describes his free will choice and is not a prescription for us to follow in the future.

Psalm 19 is a psalm that highlights the glory of God seen in nature and how it points to a creator. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. ² Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge” vv. 1-2. In apologetics this is referred to as general revelation. God reveals himself through creation to every single person on the planet. David then goes on to praise God for his Word, He uses the different words like “the Law of the Lord,” “statues,” “precepts,” and “commands.” David sees the benefits of God’s special revelation to us through his Word. David ends the psalm with a prayer, and he asks God to keep him from sinning. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” v. 14.

John 19 is the narrative of Jesus crucifixion. I would encourage you to take your time and read through the chapter slowly. Sometimes we think we know things and, in our haste, we may miss the important details. I have heard many Christians debate whether or not they believe Jesus was crucified with no clothes on or very little. Most likely, he had none. This was all a part of the cruelty of the cross.  Not only was it a painful way to suffer and die, (The word excruciating comes from the practice of crucifixion), but it was also the public humiliation that Jesus faced from those who passed by.  Verses 23-24 describe that the soldiers divided his clothes between them and gambled for the final under garments that were left. This leads me to believe Jesus was put on display in total humiliation. As you read through the story, keep in mind that Jesus endured all that for you and to die for your sins on the cross.

Earlier we discussed the hospitality of Lot in the city of Sodom. Now in John 19 we see Jesus in the lowest point of his earthly life on the cross, but He does something amazing. Something only the Godman could do. He has the desire to hand his mother over to the disciple most believe as John to take care of her and look after her. “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing near by, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” ²⁷ and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home” vv. 26-27. Most people turn inward when they face pain or difficult circumstances, but Jesus still cared for others. Despite the ups and downs of life, who can you and I look out for and show compassion or hospitality toward?  

What else do you see in these chapters? What words or phrases, or themes stick out to you?
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