Hosanna Restoration Church

I have always been troubled when I read this scripture by the fact that Lot was offering his own daughters to the mob in order to protect these strangers. I am not sure if Lot knew that they were sent by God at the time or not, but he sure was willing to go a long way to make sure that they were taken care of. Of course as it turns out, he was really under their protection and instead of him delivering them, they delivered him and his family.

Lot and his family were under God’s protection, because Abraham asked God to spare them. As we know from reading the whole story, Abraham was not even that specific in his request. He could have just as well asked God to rescue his nephew, but instead he was trying to rescue the cities. As I think about that, I am reminded that our prayers are what keep a multitude from destruction. God told him that he would spare the city if they could even find 10 righteous people there. As it was, they found Lot and took his daughters and wife along, but the wife looked back. Those were pretty big cities, but God was willing to spare them for just a few. Be encouraged, you are a powerful force for good in your community whether it is large or small.

Okay, back to God’s protection. First, let me ask to what extent are you willing to go to protect your relationship with God. His word tells us that we cannot put anything before Him. Now I surely would not care to offer my daughters to a mob of sodomites. God has given me the responsibility of protecting them not putting them in harms way. But am I willing to have them be angry at me for keeping them from what is not good for them. Am I willing in other parts of my life to do the right thing even if it is not popular or looks foolish to those around me? What will we do to protect the presence of God in our lives?

What does this have to do with being under God’s protection? Well we know that God always wants to be with us and to protect us, but we also know that He will not force Himself on us. So it stands to reason that His protection of us is influenced by our invitation for Him to do so. Abraham worshipped God and even though he did not specifically ask God to rescue Lot, God honored his desire for the righteous to be protected. Lot took strangers in and went beyond what most anyone would to take care of His guests. This was something that and honorable and righteous man would do. As a result, God rescued Lot and his family, but then his wife wanted what was behind more that what God offered and she was lost.

So again we ask ourselves, how important is God’s presence in our lives. Will we lay down those things that hinder us from getting closer? Will we give up our own preferences and just run to God with reckless abandon. I believe we will be pleasantly rewarded when we do. Today is a good day to start. God reveal hard places in our hearts.