Genesis 14:1-12
“And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations; that these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah,... Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled....” Chedorlaomer and those kings with him came again to subdue their tributaries, four kings against five, and the battle raged in the vale of Sid-dim, near the Dead Sea. “And the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there.... And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah,... and went their way. And they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.”
War was not an uncommon thing, but there was something very unusual in the results of this battle. God ordered things so as to draw unmistakably the attention of all to Himself. God caused the strife to be brought close to the spot where His witness Abraham walked. There was a lesson shown then to the world, as surely there was a lesson now taught to Lot, and one which has been preserved for our instruction now.
After choosing the land that looked so promising, Lot had “pitched his tent toward Sodom.” It seems that at first he only wanted to go part way into the world—just enough to enjoy some of its pleasures and comforts without getting too deeply involved. But now it is recorded, “he dwelt in Sodom.” Dwelling nearby he soon was drawn closer to the wicked city until eventually he was involved in its affairs. Then when the enemy came, he and his family and all his possessions were carried away. Solemn warning to every child of God! The world’s affairs are not our proper occupation and the believer who exposes himself to its influence will surely be overcome by Satan. Lot did not improve Sodom; but Sodom ruined Lot. One day, like Sodom, this world with all its proud achievements will be utterly destroyed. Should we not forsake these things, dear Christian reader, and “seek those things which are above?” Colossians 3:1.
Lot’s connections had taken him out of communion with the Lord and from His people, and his worldly companions being unable to help him, he was entirely at the mercy of the enemy. What a contrast he is to king David who could say in a time of trouble and danger: “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.... I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Psalms 18:2,3.
Our chapter tells of a twelve-year period of servitude and the revolt of the oppressed. Does not this remind us that the world has long been in servitude to Satan? “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey?” Romans 6:16. In seeking his pleasures and satisfaction in this world, man has become a servant of Satan. His conscience at times may make him wish to be free from sin and Satan, but while Satan holds the victory, no one can in his own strength escape from him. It is only after one has realized his utter helplessness and, turning to Christ for deliverance owns Him as Saviour and Lord, that he can say: God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.” Colossians 1:13.
ML 04/18/1965