In the Book of Genesis we read of a man by the name of Lot, who was Abraham’s nephew. Lot journeyed with Abraham and Sarah when God called for Abraham to leave his homeland in Haran. In Genesis 13:1-18 we read that disputes arose between the herdsmen of Abraham and the herdsmen of Lot due to the lack of sufficient grazing area for their combined herds of cattle. Abraham offered Lot the choice to either relocate to the plain of Jordan or remain in the land of Canaan.
Genesis 13:11-13 states,
“Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.”
Approximately 20 years passed. In Genesis 18 we read that God informed Abraham that He was going to judge [destroy] Sodom and Gomorrah.
Genesis 18:20-21 states,
“And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.”
In Genesis 19 we read that two angels of the Lord came to the “gate of Sodom” where they met Lot. (Note: Lot is now serving as a magistrate; judging issues of the people at the “gate of Sodom”.) Lot invited these “men” [angels unaware – Cf. Hebrews 13:2] to stay in his home overnight, for two reasons: 1) hospitality, 2) protection. Deplorably, in Genesis 19:4-5 we read that the men of Sodom, both young and old, devised evil plans against these men. They demanded that Lot, “bring them out unto us, that we may [know] them.”
Lot, instead, presupposed a lesser evil would suffice and silence the crowd – in that he offered his two virgin daughters unto them – whereas these men could do as they [pleased]. Genesis 19:7-8 records Lot’s words, “I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly. 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.” However, we read in Genesis 19:9 that the men rebuffed Lot by stating, “This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them.” The significance to their statement concerning Lot was that of all the years that he lived in Sodom, it was apparent that he had been silent as to speaking against their wicked ways – although he had risen to a position of “magistrate”.
Later in Genesis 19:19 we find that even Lot’s son-in-laws mocked him when he warned them of God’s impending judgment. (Oh for a “righteous” man to have lived so long in a place; yet having no “witness” for God!) Yes, Lot escaped with his wife and two daughters, though Lot’s wife refused to relinquish her heart to the luxuries of Sodom and looking back toward the city turned in to a “pillar of salt” [Cf. Genesis 19:26].
Each one of us should now consider the following personal questions: 1) Am I like Lot; living a [hidden] silent “righteous” life before my friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers? 2) Though I may be rising in stature in the public arena, am I willing to speak against wickedness, though it may cost me my position / standing? 3) Would I choose a lesser evil to overcome a greater evil at the expense of my family members? 4) Would onlookers mock me when I finally do say something against wickedness; because I had no former witness? 5) Is my “heart” so attached to worldly things that it would be easier to turn back toward Sodom rather than turn my “heart” toward repentance and restored fellowship with the Lord – so that I can be the seen salt and light to a lost and dying world? What price am I willing to pay to remain a silent witness?
