Genesis 19:1-29 The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is one of the better known events in the Old Testament. Most people understand that Sodom and Gomorrah were places in which wickedness had become particularly extensive.

The Lord sends two angels, who have the appearance of men, to destroy the city. Lot meets them at the city gate and asks them to stay in his house. When they suggest they will sleep in the city instead, Lot urged them to stay with him.

That night men from all parts of the city form a mob outside the home and yell for Lot to release the two men so that they can have sexual relations with the visitors.

When Lot opens the door to speak with the unruly crowd, the mob almost drags Lot out of the house. However, the angels grab him and pull him back into the house. Then they cause blindness to fall on the crowd, and none of the unruly men were able to find the door to Lot’s house.

The angels announce to Lot that the Lord has brought them to the city to destroy it “The outcry against this place is so great and their sin so great before the Lord that he has sent us to destroy it.

Lot gathers his family and leaves town with the angels. Not wanting to go to the mountains, Lot persuades the angels to allow him to go to Zoar instead. He reaches Zoar just about sunrise. Then the Lord rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot’s wife who looked back longingly was turned into a pillar of salt.

Do you notice the parallels between this account and the passage concerning Noah and the ark? Noah and Lot were both considered righteous men living in a wicked society. In each case the Lord destroyed the wicked people but spared these men and their families.

Do you sometimes feel beleaguered by the wickedness of our day? Do you sometimes get discouraged in your walk with the Lord. Do you long for righteousness?

Remember these two accounts from Genesis. These men both walked with God in the midst of wicked societies. They were countercultural.

You too can be countercultural and live according to the Scripture rather than according to the immoral customs of our day. You can glorify God in the setting in which He has placed you.

Second, God allows wickedness exist in our society. However, He does not tolerate it forever. In Noah’s day He brought the flood. He also destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah by raining hailstones.

A day of judgment is also coming for our world, and the wicked will not escape. Although they mock God today and doubt His coming, He will most assuredly bring judgment.

If you have put your trust in Jesus as your Savior, you will not face this judgment. He has promised that you will have eternal life in the presence of the Lord. The deliverance of Noah and Lot foreshadow the future deliverance God will provide for you and fellow believers throughout the world.

Third, always know that God is with you. Not only will He deliver us from the wrath to come, He protects us day-by-day. He comforts us when we are hurting. He loves us always, even when we stumble.

From time to time we all get discouraged. When we do, let’s remember Noah building the ark in the midst of wicked scoffers. Let’s recall Lot who lived in a community known throughout the ages as the paragon of wickedness. If these men can walk with God in those environments, we too can walk with Him today. They weren’t perfect, but they walked with God. Though we may fall, we can get up continue to walk with God.

Finally, notice verse 19:27-29. When Abraham looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, He noticed the destruction that had taken place. Verse 29 reminds us that God answered Abraham’s request by delivering Lot.

God hears our requests and answers according to His good pleasure. What a joy to know that we can call on Him for help.

Be encouraged in the Lord today. He is near to those who call on Him.