Read Genesis 19
Highlights:
The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and their inhabitants destroyed by fire; Lot and his daughters escape; Abraham's lie to Abimelech; birth of Isaac; Hagar and Ishmael sent away; the agreement between Abraham and Abimelech.
Lot was wealthy and obviously had a prominent position in Sodom since he sat in the gate of Sodom where business and legal matters were conducted (Gen. 19:1). Lot associated with the people of Sodom because he could market his livestock, milk, cheese, etc., even though he was vexed with (troubled by) the filthy conversation (shameless conduct) of the wicked (II Pet. 2:7).
Our Creator has said: Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind, it is abomination. . . . Defile not yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you. . . . I am the Lord your God (Lev. 22,24,30). The Scriptures denounce homosexuality for which Sodom was known. Since homosexuality is so detestable in the eyes of God, we should pray that those involved will repent and forsake this sin (I Cor. 6:9-11).
Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him (Gen. 21:2). Isaac, the miracle child God had promised, entered the family life of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar the bondwoman. Hagar's son Ishmael soon revealed his true character through his contempt for Isaac. In the New Testament we read that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. . . . these are the two covenants (agreements); the one from the Mount Sinai, which gendereth (leads) to bondage, which is Agar. . . . Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now (Gal. 4:22,24,28-29).
These two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, illustrate the dual nature of our lives. We are first born of the flesh (through human parents) (John 3:6), symbolized by Ishmael. But the moment a sinner believes in his heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross for his sins, repents of them, and confesses Christ as Savior and Lord of his life, to them gave He power to become the sons of God (1:12). This is symbolized by Isaac, the child of faith.
On the Day of Pentecost, Peter answered the people by saying: Repent, and be baptized . . . and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) (Acts 2:38; also Rom. 10:9-10; I John 3:1-2; 4:15). We do not become sinless but we are freed from the power of sin (Rom. 6:7). They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections (passions) and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:24-25).
Thought for Today:
If we want our faith to grow, the Scripture is clear: Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17).
Christ Portrayed:
By Isaac, the promised son of the Covenant of God (Gen. 21:12). As a true son of faith, he submitted to Abraham, without hesitation, to being sacrificed, as did Christ to His Father. Christ the Only-begotten Son set us free from the Law by imparting to us, through the "born again" experience, a true desire to keep the Word of God through Christ who dwells within the true believer (Matt. 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; I Cor. 11:25; also Heb. 8:6; 12:24).
Word Studies:
19:1 at even in the evening; 19:2 tarry stay; 19:3 pressed upon urged; unleavened bread bread without yeast; 19:4 compassed surrounded; 19:5 know have homosexual relations with; 19:8 as is good in your eyes as you wish; shadow protection; 19:9 sojourn live temporarily; will needs be a judge keeps acting as our ruler; 19:11 smote defeated; 19:13 is waxen has grown; 19:14 mocked; 19:15 consumed destroyed; 19:16 without outside; 19:21 accepted thee shown favor to you; 19:22 be come thither arrive there; 19:25 overthrew devastated; 20:6 suffered permitted; 20:8 sore exceedingly; 20:16 he is to thee a covering of the eyes it is compensation for what I did; 21:3 Isaac he laughs; 21:9 mocking ridiculing; 21:11 grievous distressing; 21:12 hearken unto her voice agree to all that she asks; 21:15 spent; 21:16 over against in front of; 21:25 reproved complained/rebuked; 21:26 wot know; 21:27 covenant agreement.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Loretta Sanchez (CA) and Sen. John Thune (SD) • Country: Panama (3 million) in southern Central America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Limited religious freedom • 78% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant; 5% Muslim; .1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Can you say you are ready for the Lord's coming (Mal. 3:2)?
Optional Reading: Matthew 7
Memory Verse for the Week: Genesis 1:1
