Sodom & Gomorrah — and the little City - by Keith Petersen

Sodom, Gomorrah & the little City

In the Scriptural narrative of Lot we learn a sobering lesson in respect of his history in Sodom and Gomorrah.  The Holy Spirit never casually records even the smallest of details in the Bible – “Every scripture [is] divinely inspired, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). 

It is of interest that this quote in 2nd Timothy highlights the fact that, as Christians on a sojourn here through a morally contrary landscape—we need not only to be properly taught; but, also, we need ongoing correction and instruction.  We tend to quickly be influenced by the natural, fallen world around us and to be moved away—even in degree—from “the truth as in Jesus” (Ephesians 4:21).  Paul wrote in Galatians 1:6, “I wonder that ye thus quickly change …”, and the number alone of the corrective epistles in the New Testament is adequate testimony to this—

We see in Genesis 13 that the land could not support both Abraham and Lot due to their considerable property, and Lot chose to move to the well-watered plain of the Jordan—wherein were Sodom and Gomorrah.  The Holy Spirit records that, “And the people of Sodom were wicked, and great sinners before Jehovah.”  And, as an aside, the fact that they had to separate from each other due to something as spiritually mundane as too many worldly possessions was a problem in itself—God desires unity for His people; not, separation (“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! ….. for there hath Jehovah commanded the blessing, life for evermore”—Psalm 133).  However, that is a separate issue, and we can see that Lot is not shown in Scripture as displaying the moral acuity that we see in Abraham.  It is not that Abraham never failed—as we all do, he did; however, he was a brother of great spiritual stature and of a towering faith.

We find in 2 Peter 2 that, in Sodom and Gomorrah, “righteous Lot, [was] distressed with the abandoned conversation of the godless, (for the righteous man through seeing and hearing, dwelling among them, tormented [his] righteous soul day after day with [their] lawless works).”  However, it is of note that he did not leave.  Not only that—but, when the men of the city surrounded Lot’s house in their desire to molest the angels when the angels came to deliver Lot and his family from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot went out to them and said, “I pray you, my brethren, do not wickedly!”

Brethren??!!  How sobering an evident declension in his moral sensibilities that this brother could use this term in respect of those evil men.  He was obviously trying to placate them; but, such language is clearly not applicable when faced with blatant evil.  Whatever the brother’s inherent righteousness as noted above, the evident, moral detractions from dwelling in Sodom and Gomorrah must have had a dulling effect on his spiritual sensibilities.  It well proves the apostle Paul’s cautionary verse in 1 Corinthians 15—" Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” In 2 Corinthians 6 we have lateral teaching:  “Be not diversely yoked with unbelievers; for what participation [is there] between righteousness and lawlessness? or what fellowship of light with darkness? and what consent of Christ with Beliar, or what part for a believer along with an unbeliever?”  These are fundamental Scriptures set out plainly by God to remind us that there is a great moral divide between Christians and unbelievers; and, that, if we ignore or minimize these moral disparities—we will accordingly suffer a reduction in our moral state.

Lot is clearly depicted as a righteous brother; however, he evidently lacked the spiritual sensitivities of Abraham.  We are apprised as to Abraham’s standing with God early on in Genesis 18:17 where we learn something of the nature of the relationship between Abraham and the Lord when it is said—" Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing?”  God was a Friend to Abraham, and, conversely, we see further in James 2:23 that “he was called Friend of God”.  This latter statement is especially endearing because in capitalizing the word “Friend” the Holy Spirit shows the esteem with which Abraham was regarded by God.  These are endearing considerations.

Genesis 18 shows us both that God was prepared to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of the unspeakable evil; and, also, that Abraham was on the mount with God and thus became privy to this impending judgment.  Lot, on the other hand, was in the plains and evidently oblivious to what was about to transpire.  In this respect, we are informed in 1 Corinthians 2:15 that “the spiritual discerns all things, and he is discerned of no one.”  There is a practical difference between the spiritual and the less spiritual Christian.  “God gives not the Spirit by measure” (John 3:34)—it is not a question of gift—it is an issue of affection for and interest in the things of the Lord that keeps us in the company of the Lord and, thus, more spiritually attuned to the Divine mind.  We can recognize the natural attraction of the well-watered plains; but, we can especially see the character of Abraham in this section of Scripture as sitting in the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day (Genesis 18:1-)—i.e., he was spiritually watchful and eschewing the acceptable practice of a nap during this segment of the day. 

The Cross brings us into salvation; but, speaking intelligently, we want to move past it and enter into the full results of redemption—which involves, in a preeminent way, our relationship with Divine Persons (and, by reflex, other Christians—and, ultimately, mankind).  The apostle Paul writes “but one thing—forgetting the things behind, and stretching out to the things before, I pursue, [looking] towards [the] goal” (Philippians 3:13-14), and in Ephesians 4:13 he stresses that “we all arrive at the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, at [the] full-grown man, at [the] measure of the stature of the fulness of the Christ.”  This can only be accomplished under the hand of the Holy Spirit, of course; but, it is only realized by a constant, full association with Christ.  We have to desire that.  Reflexively, that association will then enable us to be delivered from the entanglements of this world.  As has been well said, many Christians act as if Christ were yet here rather than in Heaven; but, Colossians 3:1-3 tells us “If therefore ye have been raised with the Christ, seek the things [which are] above, where the Christ is, sitting at [the] right hand of God:  have your mind on the things [that are] above, not on the things [that are] on the earth; for ye have died, and your life is hid with the Christ in God.”

Sodom and Gomorrah typically represent, as a broad statement, the underlying reality that it is a “present evil world” in which we live (Galatians 1:4).  God is going to in the future, as we see in 2 Peter 3, subject our present world to fire and destruction in a similar; but, full and more final way than is seen in Sodom and Gomorrah.  Peter says, in respect to this, “All these things then being to be dissolved, what ought ye to be in holy conversation and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, by reason of which [the] heavens, being on fire, shall be dissolved, and [the] elements, burning with heat, shall melt?  But, according to his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.  Wherefore, beloved, as ye wait for these things, be diligent to be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless” (2 Peter 3:11-14).

Here, then, is a question:  if God is going to burn up this world with its works—how far does He expect us to settle down again in it?  We have been delivered “out of the present evil world” (Galatians 1:4).  Are we to be as a Lot—immediately, then, focused on what is desirable naturally?  We are in the world, of course; but, the Lord’s words in John 15:19 are explicit—" ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world”.  Romans 12:2 says, “And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [your] mind, that ye may prove what [is] the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”  We must see the world system as God sees it.  In this respect, it is vital that we recognize what is so clearly set out in 1 John 2—" all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world is passing, and its lust, but he that does the will of God abides for eternity.” 

Many Christians undoubtedly consider this language to be referring to issues of gross sin; but, while certainly including gross or blatant sin, it applies to a fallen world system in its entirety that, in its natural pursuits, pleasures and inclinations, is morally distant from God.  Some, if not many, might take exception to the following statement; but, the world system includes and embraces the realm of sports, the arts—including music, the theater, fine arts, the world of film—and a long list beyond.  Indeed, anything here can and has become an idol for man—people tout the leaders in the world of fashion, the latest and greatest chefs, the savants of the business world, the newest cars, the best boats—the list is virtually endless.  Can any honestly deny that the above categories are marked by great idolatry?  The standout names in the above categories are typically held in a certain reverential idolatry.  There is nothing evil, per se, in a car, or, a good meal, of course—we typically need cars, clothes, food, etc.  It is what man takes and makes to promote himself independently from God that results—especially in the aggregate, in a departed, fallen world system.  It involves the natural, independent aspirations of mankind—"And they said, Come on, let us build ourselves a city and a tower, the top of which [may reach] to the heavens; and let us make ourselves a name” (Genesis 11:4).  The Bible is clear that Christians are yet in the world; but, not of the world.  My Dad used to well state that, “We must touch things here lightly.”

We have to recognize that the ruler of this world (system) is Satan (John 16:11)—in whom we see the display both of his boldness and disdain for God and also, reflexively, see lifted, in Luke 4:5-6, the curtain on the nature of this world as shown in the following:  “leading him up into a high mountain, shewed him all the kingdoms of the habitable world in a moment of time …. the devil said to him, I will give thee all this power, and their glory; for it is given up to me, and to whomsoever I will I give it”.  Sobering language indeed.

The above involves simple and evident realities; yet, like Lot, we tend to settle down here and to seek to assimilate to ourselves the leeks and onions of Egypt in spite of God’s desire to deliver us from Egypt’s ruination (see Exodus 10:7 and Numbers 11:4-6).  We can quickly tend to cling to unworthy features of life here to the detriment of our spirituality.  Being spiritual simply means to be constantly amenable to the lead and guidance of “the Spirit of truth, [who] shall guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13).  This characteristic of spirituality is not only fully available to each; but, our outlook and present reality should embrace a desire to be found as spiritual.  We need to be believing Christians—especially since there is no restraint on God’s side—as already quoted, “God gives not the Spirit by measure”.

Lot was tormented; but, nevertheless, as mentioned earlier, he evidently made no move to depart from Sodom and Gomorrah.  I think we can all admit to allowing elements and features of this world here to influence us to the result that our liberty and happiness—even if only at intervals—with the Lord is affected and marred.  After all, the Bible puts responsibility upon us in our relationship with Divine Persons—" Jehovah is with you while ye are with him” (2 Chronicles 15:2).  The activity of the blessed Holy Spirit is to deliver us from that which in this world hinders us—and, in this respect, Ephesians 4:30 is distinct in saying, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which ye have been sealed for [the] day of redemption”.  1 Thessalonians 5:19 is more sobering in stating, “quench not the Spirit.”

We tend to linger over putting to death the features of the old man (see Colossians 3:5)—and, it is this exact reality that we see in Lot and as to which which this little paper is written.

It was a matter of the gravest nature that Lot had continued to dwell in an environment which was of such evil that God was purposed to destroy it.  God is immeasurably gracious, and long-suffering to the extent that “[The] Lord does not delay his promise, as some account of delay, but is longsuffering towards you, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).  However, the Scripture shows us that, in an immediate way, it was the intercession of Abraham that was instrumental in saving Lot and his family.  Where were Lot’s spiritual sensibilities that he continued to dwell in such unacceptable and uneven circumstances?  The only conclusion to be drawn is that he was naturally overly attracted to features of this environment—not, the gross evil of course; but, other features that continued to exert enough of an influence on him that he remained in Sodom.  This is born out in the account of the Holy Spirit as to both his language as to where to subsequently go, and, also, in the fact that, finally, the angels of the Lord, “being merciful”, had to take hold of his hand to lead him out due to his lingering.

This is what the Scripture shows in Genesis 19 as to this:  “And the men said to Lot, Whom hast thou here besides? a son-in-law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and all whom thou hast in the city—bring [them] out of the place.  For we are going to destroy this place, because the cry of them is great before Jehovah, and Jehovah has sent us to destroy it …. And as the dawn arose, the angels urged Lot, saying, Up, take thy wife and thy two daughters who are present, lest thou perish in the iniquity of the city.  And as he lingered, the men laid hold on his hand, and on the hand of his wife, and on the hand of his two daughters, Jehovah being merciful to him; and they led him out, and set him without the city.  And it came to pass when they had brought them outside, that he said, Escape for thy life: look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou perish.  And Lot said to them, Not [so], I pray thee, Lord; behold now, thy servant has found favour in thine eyes, and thou hast magnified thy goodness, which thou hast shewn to me in preserving my soul alive; but I cannot escape to the mountain, lest calamity lay hold on me, that I die.  Behold now, this city is near to flee to, and it is small: I pray thee, let me escape thither—is it not small?—and my soul shall live.”

Here we have the crux of the matter.  Lot was being delivered from a terrible destruction and told to remove to the mountain.  But, his tendency was apparently to cling to certain features of the city.  This adjacent city most evidently contained appeal to him as did the city of Sodom, and, as such, is representative of the natural—and, naturally appealing—constructs of man; whereas, the mountain in scripture invariably represents an elevated idea connected with God (see Psalm 68:15-16).

We must notice two elements in particular in the language provided in this section by the Holy Spirit:  (1)  “he lingered” and (2) he alludes to the adjacent city as “small:  I pray thee, let me escape thither—is it not small?”  We might shake our heads in wonderment and say, “Lot—this environment is totally, unequivocably, morally unsuitable and so objectionable in its evil that God is going to judge it with a terrible destruction—do as the angel of the Lord guides you and get out!”  But, no—he is lingering, and he advocates for another city on the basis that it is acceptable because it is “small”.

Do we not do this?  We can become influenced by many and varied elements of this life here that we either know to be or can be shown to be damaging—and, yet, we can both linger over properly judging them, and, perhaps, even excuse them as being an acceptable, “small” influence.  This can, ultimately, as shown in Lot’s subsequent history, involve a deadly lack of assessment. 

It should be of intense interest, thus—in respect to all that we are discussing—that Lot’s history closes up, as it were, in shipwreck.  He lands up in a cave with his two daughters, and, subsequently, the two daughters produce their own, naturally-minded—but, clearly, abhorrent—plan, “Our father is old, and there is not a man in the land to come in to us after the manner of all the earth:  come, let us give our father wine to drink, and let us lie with him, that we may preserve seed alive of our father.”  The result of these sorrowful circumstances is the birth of two children—Moab and Ben-ammi—from whence came the tribes of the Ammonites and the Moabites—inveterate haters of Israel.  We can readily say, “Oh—that would never happen to me”; but, as my Dad used to well say, `We might never know where, without the Lord’s intervening mercy, a divergent path can lead.’

What is the point, then, of this paper?  In essence, it is this:  we must view everything from God’s viewpoint.  We must allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide “into all the truth”.  We must allow Scripture to form our minds—don’t ever take natural reasonings and thoughts to Scripture and try to validate a path through this life with Biblical precepts marred by natural reasoning.  We musts “Love the Lord thy God with all thy strength and understanding”—there is an enormous, delivering power in this which is why it is the first and great commandment.  We must let “Egypt is ruined” (Exodus 10:7) be a morally compelling assessment of “this present evil world” which then can aid, in that realization, to form the spiritual perspective that our home and treasure is in another realm entirely—a heavenly sphere where God has prepared a settled, eternal place as to which it is said, “Things which eye has not seen, and ear not heard, and which have not come into man's heart, which God has prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

In short, we must eschew anything and everything that reduces our relationship with Christ and Divine Persons.  Even with the many things here that are right enough in themselves—we must evaluate and weigh everything in view of the fact that Christ and His interests should be first and preeminent.  What is the catalyst for this?  Love.  Love and affection for Christ, for the truth (which is ultimately one and the same as Christ is “the way, the truth and the love”), for God, for true Christians everywhere—and, a proper attitude of love towards mankind.  Notice, as an aside, that the words used here are “love towards” mankind.  Many think that God unreservedly loves all men; but, we can see immediately that the Bible does not say that—the Word of God says, “According as it is written, I have loved Jacob, and I have hated Esau” (Romans 9:13).  That is sobering language, indeed!  We see from John 3:16 that God’s attitude towards mankind is one of love; but, it is a mistake to say that God loves everyone.  We must adhere to Scripture or our outlook on any particular facet of the truth becomes skewed.  I just read a book in which a Christian brother—having extricated himself from a cult/sect of unbearable rules and edicts—has reached the conclusion that God unconditionally loves everyone.  This is a major misapprehension of Biblical teaching—and, if it were true, would remove any need for the Cross of Christ as anyone whether repentant or not would be unconditionally loved by God.

We become very good at shading things here so that we can continue in them.  We say, like Lot, is it not small?—i.e., acceptable.  A brother has well said, ‘We like to sail close to the wind’.  Another has said, `I might say, I should like to go out today; but, the question is, Does the Lord want me to go out today?’  I used to bristle at this thought when younger; but, I now understand what the brother meant—which is to say, `Am I constantly sensitive as to the Lord’s mind for me as I go along in my path?’  Of course, God is immeasurably gracious; but, Psalm 32 agrees in saying, “I will instruct thee and teach thee the way in which thou shalt go; I will counsel [thee] with mine eye upon thee.  Be ye not as a horse, as a mule, which have no understanding: whose trappings must be bit and bridle, for restraint, or they will not come unto thee.”

The end result of full and proper association with Christ, of course, involves not only wonderful liberty and peace with God; but, the singular richness of being in intimacy with Christ.  We see this in the Song of Solomon—a book rich with the language of love and culminating in “Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, Leaning upon her beloved?” (Song of Solomon 8:5).

Christ is looking for full response from His people—from His Bride.  May we not be occupied with the “small cities” of this fallen world; but, fully with Himself.  His language is, “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away!” (Song of Solomon 2:13).  Amen—may we give to Him what His love so richly deserves.

In  closing, we essentially hear nothing further of Lot’s history, per se, in the Bible; but, we hear much as to Abraham and his history and worth to God.  We might say, “Abraham was a brother of almost unbelievable faith—ready to sacrifice his own, beloved son Isaac in the clear belief that God was well capable of raising from among the dead this very Isaac as to whom a wonderful promise had been made—"in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth bless themselves” (Genesis 22:18).  Yet, as we consider Abraham’s faith we must be reminded that the Lord shows this to us:  “And the apostles said to the Lord, Give more faith to us.  But the Lord said, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard [seed], ye had said to this sycamine tree, Be thou rooted up, and be thou planted in the sea, and it would have obeyed you” (Luke 17:5-6).

Christian brothers and sisters—in our time in which this is written (2020) faith is needed to face all the difficulties in the world about us.  The ongoing evil and the efforts of Satan to detract from what is of God are, in their essential character, no different than they have been since the advent of sin into this world in the time of Adam.  Yet, the enemy has peculiar advantages today.  As an example, instant, world-wide communications can be used to immediately make available to men everywhere the common notions, hopes, aspirations, lusts, fears and hatreds of various ones.  Morals are being assailed—indeed, the very principle of maintaining morals is being assailed by many.  Any and all permutations as to what God has evidently and simply established in His creation as being right and necessary are being attacked and devalued.  Even the foundational aspects of what is necessary to human existence and continuation (I speak of the relationship of a man and a woman) are being, in language and intent with many, so badly perverted that it is even difficult to keep abreast of the continuing stream of terms used to define unsupportable gender presumptions.

What is the answer to our deliverance from a fallen and morally skewed world?  Be with Christ on the mountain.  Evaluate the nature of Sodom and Gomorrah and all its permutations as God evaluates them.  Recognize that Satan will entice with the well-watered plains of life here.  Find out the reality that being with Christ is greater reward and joy than all that Satan proffers.  Certainly, it is right to “take round a sister as wife”, to recognize that, in God’s creation as He has provided it, we are able to enjoy a lovely day, a meal, a right friendship with another, a joy in our families.  We see both sides in 1 Timothy 6:17—"Enjoin on those rich in the present age not to be high-minded, nor to trust on the uncertainty of riches; but in the God who affords us all things richly for [our] enjoyment.”  May we center our lives in Christ, and follow His interests.  The Bible, speaking with utmost reverence, is our Primer; Christ is our Head and the Author and Completer of our salvation; and, the blessed Holy Spirit is indwelling us in utmost grace to make all into which God has brought us to be living, fragrant and attractive.  May we each seek it with earnest heart and mind.