While He Lingered

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Genesis 18,19 and Romans 7.

We will take a closer look at Romans 7 and 8 together for tomorrow.

Genesis 18,19 records the account of the prophecy of the birth of Isaac by Sarah and the  destruction of the sin cities - Sodom and Gomorrah.

Here were 2 cities whose people were so corrupt that the Lord presumably couldn't even find 10 who were righteous. In fact, as we follow the argument at the end of Gen 18, we realise that had there even been ONE righteous soul, God would have relented.

Yet the more amazing thing was the reluctance of Lot to move out. In spite of having experienced first hand the depravity of the people. In fact, v.19:14 even tells us that Lot was mocked by his sons-in-law when they were asked to pack their bags. Lot himself almost couldn't make it, had not the angels grabbed his family. The bible wrote of him lingering and it was through the mercy of God that he was finally saved. (Gen 19:16)
Even after being miraculously thrust out of the city, Lot's wife, failed to obey God's commands by looking back and was changed into a pillar of salt (Gen 19:17, 26) So infamous was this incident that Jesus even alluded to it! (Luk 17:32)

But even as we shake our heads and wag our tongues, herein lies an important message for us and we see that at times, ourselves and the modern man are no better.

Especially as Christians, when we are supposed to be "dead to sin" (Rom 6:2) and raised to newness of life (Rom 6:4), yet oftentimes we find ourselves "lingering" in sin.
As Jesus pointed out, if we look back, we are not fit for the kingdom! (Luk 9:62) We may not be physically turned to a pillar of salt, but certainly a persistently hesitant and backward looking attitude will ultimately harden us so to the point of no return.

Let us not linger in this world, still getting ourselves entangled in its snares and lures (c.f. Mat 13:22), knowing very well that "the friendship of the world is enmity with God" (Jam 4:4), but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom 12:2) and set our affection on things above (Col 3:2) and our sights on the heavenly goal (2Ti 4:18).

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. ~ Acts 22:16