*Lot’s story is told in Genesis 11-14, 19
Who is Lot?
- Relation to Abraham: Lot was the son of Haran, who was Abraham’s (initially named Abram) brother. This made Lot Abraham’s nephew.
- Early Life: Lot grew up in Ur of the Chaldeans, a city in ancient Mesopotamia.
- Journey with Abraham: Lot followed his uncle Abraham when he set out in obedience to God’s calling, traveling to Haran and then to Canaan.
Strengths and Accomplishments
- Faith in God: Initially, Lot followed Abraham, who was a man of great faith. This suggests that Lot, too, had a certain level of faith to leave his homeland and journey to unknown territories.
- Wealth: Lot was successful in accumulating wealth, similar to his uncle Abraham. They both had large herds, so much so that the land couldn’t support both of them together.
- Hospitality: When two angels came to Sodom in the guise of men, Lot showed great hospitality by inviting them into his home, even insisting when they seemed reluctant.
Weaknesses and Mistakes
- Poor Choice of Land: Lot chose to live near, and eventually in, the city of Sodom, known for its wickedness. His choice was solely based on the fertility and beauty of the land.
- Moral Compromise: Living in Sodom seemed to erode his moral compass. When an angry mob demanded to sexually abuse his guests (the angels), Lot horrifyingly offered his two virgin daughters instead.
- Lack of Influence: Lot lived in Sodom for years, yet he had little to no positive influence on its people.
- Failure to Lead His Family: Lot’s wife looked back at Sodom while fleeing, against divine instruction, and turned into a pillar of salt. His daughters, too, displayed morally questionable behavior by getting their father drunk to sleep with him and continue their lineage.
Lessons from His Life
- The Importance of Choices: One’s environment and company can influence moral and spiritual health. Lot’s poor choice of Sodom led to a decline in his moral values.
- Consequences of Moral Compromise: Lot’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of moral compromise and failing to stand for what is right.
- Family Leadership: Lot’s inability to spiritually guide his family resulted in tragic outcomes, stressing the importance of strong moral leadership within the family.
Key Verses (NIV)
- Genesis 13:10-11: “Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt. (…) So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company.”
- Genesis 19:26: “But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.”
- 2 Peter 2:7-8: “And if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard).”