The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord.
Lot leaving Sodom, Woodcut from the Nuremberg Chronicle (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
There are many times in our lives where we need to turn. The word “turn” used in today’s verse means “to face.” When you face something, you look at it. Genesis 18:22 is part of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, a historical account of a wicked city struck down by the hand of God. In this account, there are two types of turning. There were those who turned towards life, and another who turned towards death.
In the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, the turning point is a time when the Lord was putting a judgement plan in place. Men sent from God (angels) came to tell Abraham that the Lord was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. They gave Abraham advance notice because his nephew Lot and his family lived there. The men turned (faced) the city, and started on their way.
The news alarmed Abraham, who bargained with the men. He asked if God would spare the city if first 50, then eventually ten righteous men were found there. The Lord agreed.
The ending to this story resounds throughout the ages: The Lord spared only Lot and his family. Lot’s wife ignored the Lord’s instruction to not look back. Disregarding instructions, she turned and looked back. In doing so, she faced death, and turned into a pillar of salt.
Friend, where is your face turned? Are you looking at Jesus, or are you studying the “cities on the plain?” What is your Sodom and Gomorrah that the Lord is telling you to flee? Has the Lord pointed out something in your life that needs to be blasted away? Are you running towards life, away from certain destruction, or are you looking back in regret at the things the Lord has told you to let go of? Like Abraham, choose to “stand before the Lord.” Turn away from destruction, and live.
Remember Lot’s wife.
Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).
– Verneda
(Twitter handle: @vlights)
© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
Updated April 10, 2015
