L is for Lot

Lot

Lot was Abraham's nephew who was also born in Ur. His grandfather Terah took care of him when his father died. He went with his grandfather and his Uncle Abram to Haran. After his grandfather died he joined Abram in the journey to Canaan and eventually to Egypt then back to Canaan.

When they returned from Canaan they had to find separate areas to live, there were no longer room for their flocks and herds because they had increased as such a large quantity. Abram gave Lot his choice of areas and Lot chose the fertile plain of Jordan.  Lot became involved and influenced by the corruption of the cities and took up his residence at Sodom.

Four Mesopotaminan kings ended up carrying off Lot and his family and possessions. When Abram heard this He launched into action and recovered all the prisoners and their belongings north of Damascus.

Lot was called on by two angelic visitors in Sodom to slow down his departure from the doomed city.  The homosexual attack on them illustrated the depravity of the city, and Lot's willingness to sacrifice his daughters shows how the corruptness was rubbing off on him.  Lot was unwilling to leave Sodom, his son-in-laws would not accompany him and his wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt.

His own daughters got him drunk and had relations with him resulting in the birth of two sons.

Lots weaknesses and mistakes include:

-when faced with decisions, he tended to put off deciding, then chose the easiest course of action.

- when given a choice, his first reaction is to think of himself.

From his life we can learn:

-God wants us to do more than drift through life; he wants us to be an influence for him.

Lot's story is told in Genesis 11-14; 19. He is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:9; Luke 17:28-32; 2 Peter 2:7,8.

'And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set without the city.'   Genesis 19:16

until next time...nel