Prior to our text, Abraham and Lot had decided to separate, as their families and flocks were too large for the land to accommodate both families. The Bible said their possessions had become so great. Growth is a blessing, but over time, growth can cause problems. The pressure had caused the families to fight with one another. They realized that fighting among themselves created a risk because of the enemies outside. Growth is not the problem. The problem arose when they had to choose who would go where. Abraham chose the valley, and Lot settled in the plains near the city. Where Lot chose to pitch his tent in a lush territory with good land. The place was not the problem for Lot; it was what he was facing. He chose to face the worldly draw of Sodom. The Bible says he faced his tent in that direction but continued moving closer. The men of Sodom were wicked. It was not long until Lot went from facing to being near to living in Sodom. The direction you look is essential. If you are looking somewhere other than where you want to be, you will not get to where you want to go.
Lot made this choice not only for himself but also for all the people he was responsible for. It is never just about us. Our actions have consequences for our families and those for whom we are responsible.
Lot started by having his tent near Sodom. By the time of our text, he is living in Sodom, and the city's men are trying to break down his door to get at the angels who came to visit. The place where we live will eventually infiltrate our home.
The angels told him to leave because they were there to destroy the city, yet Lot did not want to go even then. We talk about Lot's wife looking back but do not discuss Lot lingering even in the face of impending destruction. God was waiting on Lot. He could have destroyed Sodom, but He waited on Lot. God is waiting for us today.
