Day 19: Genesis 19-21

Today’s reading begins with the two angels visiting Sodom in the evening. Lot was at the gate of Sodom, he greeted the men and insisted that they stay with him instead of in the square, as they wanted. This could be an indication of Lot’s spiritual state. He inched closer and closer to the city to the point he was comfortable sitting in the city gate. He was familiar with the city and apparently knew that leaving the men to sleep in the square wasn’t safe. He had become desensitized.

This sounds extreme in Lot’s case, but it can happen easily. If you watch shows and movies with violence, nudity, or profanity, you will become desensitized to these things. This means that the more you see and hear these things, the less likely it will bother you. Each time you see or hear it, it won’t be as bad until eventually you begin to believe it's harmless and it's no big deal.

What things have you become desensitized to? What have your children become desensitized to? It’s important that we evaluate these things from time to time and make the necessary adjustments in order to guard our hearts.

Before the end of the night, the men of the city found out that the angels were in Lot’s house, and they came pounding on the door. These human men came to sleep with the angel men. This is a reversal of what we saw in Genesis 6, where fallen angels were sleeping with human women. It’s all corruption. Lot wanted to protect the angels and offered his 2 virign daughter,s which is horrific, but also an indicator of his lack of trust that God would protect them. I mean, after all, angels of the Lord were with him in his house. Maybe he didn’t think about that.

The angels told Lot what was about to happen to the city. He went to warn his future son-in-laws and they laughed because they thought he was joking. They stayed behind. Even Lot himself lingered after the angels urged him to get moving. We see that Lot and his family had become comfortable in the midst of sin, in a society that rejected God and His laws. Even though we live in a society that rejects God and His Word, let’s commit to not growing lukewarm or comfortable in the midst of the darkness and sin around us.

It seems like Lot’s daughters believe that there were no men on earth to reproduce with. Maybe they believed something similar to the flood happened. They plotted to get pregnant by their father without him knowing at the time. Maybe they thought he wouldn’t agree, so they got him drunk to do it. Yet again, we see the repercussions of taking matters into our own hands. The Moabites and Ammonites were born from this- both are enemies of God.

In chapter 20, Abraham repeats one of his mistakes. He tells Ablimelech that Sarah is his sister. He seems to be making decisions out of fear again. But this time, God intervenes and reveals to King Ablimelech that Sarah is Abraham’s wife. King Ablimelech fears God and demonstrates a righteous life. He did not sleep with Sarah, as it seems Pharaoh did in Egypt. 

This makes me think about Sarah’s submission to her husband, even in her husband Abraham’s foolishness. God protected her and looked out for her. Let this be a marriage tip. When you honor God by submitting to your husband, He will take care of you and protect you. God’s purpose will prevail.

For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. 1 Peter 3:5-6

In chapter 21, we see that God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah has finally manifested 25 years after they received it. Isaac is born when Abraham is 100 years old. Sarah has Hagar and Ishmael kicked out, but God takes care of them once again.

Nothing takes God by surprise. He always has a plan. That’s why we can trust Him- He is God Almighty afterall!

This is a grace-filled space—come as you are. If you’d like, comment below to share what stood out to you; your words may bless another sister. You can also connect with us in our GroupMe Bible Study chat (link in your email).

Resources Used:

ESV Single Column Journaling Bible (Original, Black): Holy Bible, English Standard Version

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda

The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible

Bible Hub: https://biblehub.com/

Crayola Silly Scents Twistables Colored Pencils, 12 count

BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count

Mr. Pen- Sticky Index Tabs, 480 Pcs, Colorful Sticky Tabs for Notebooks

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Note: I'm sharing my personal study notes, which means they may contain doctrinal or technical errors. Extend grace as we learn together, and be sure to study the Word for yourself.

By: LaRissa J

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