The Vision (10.25.24): The LORD being merciful to him

 

Image Gustave Moreau, Angels of Sodom, c. 1890, Musée National Gustave Moreau, Paris, France

Note: Devotion taken from last Sunday's sermon on Genesis 19:1-22.

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 him without the city (Genesis 19:16).

Genesis 19 is one of the best-known accounts in Scripture of the just judgment of the LORD, as God sends “brimstone and fire… out of heaven” upon the wicked twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (see 19:24).

It begins with Lot extending hospitality to two angelic messengers. The wicked men of Sodom compassed the house and called unto Lot, “bring them out unto us, that we may know them” (v. 5).

The angels revealed to Lot that the LORD had sent them to destroy this vile city (v. 13). Still, the LORD graciously provided for a remnant, Lot and his household, to escape, “let thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city” (v. 15).

The key verse of Genesis 19 is v. 16. First, there is a mention here of Lot lingering: “And while he lingered….” But the angels, as God’s servants, take Lot and his wife and his daughters by the hand, the inspired author stressing, “the LORD being merciful unto him.” The angels then “brought him forth, and set him without the city.” This is the LORD overcoming whatever hesitation Lot registered by his lingering. The LORD literally took matters into his own hands and removed Lot from that city.

The heading over Genesis 19 for most of us would ordinarily be, “The Just Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.” The fitting title for this chapter, however, might well better be, “The Mercy of the LORD to Lot, a sinful man, and his household.”

There is something of a figure here of salvation, for this is what happens to every sinner who, like Lot, not only pitches his tent toward Sodom (Genesis 13:12), but who dwells in that city (14:12), and even sits in its gate (19:1), but who is chosen by divine grace for salvation.

The LORD send his messengers to call that man to come out and be separate, to leave the City of Destruction and make his way to the Celestial City (to use Bunyan’s terms).

It is “the LORD being merciful to him.” And even when he hesitates or lingers, the LORD takes his hand and brings him forth. We call this irresistible grace. This man find grace in the LORD’s sight and the LORD does magnify his mercy to that undeserving man by saving him.

The ultimate means of his mercy is the Man of Mercy, the LORD Jesus Christ. He picks us up in his nail pierced hands, brings us forth, and sets us outside the city of destruction which we deserve and, instead, directs us to the safety and well-being we don’t deserve.

All praise, glory, and honor be to Him alone, world without end. Amen.

Grace and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle