Reading: Genesis chapter 19 verses 1-29

 

We live in a busy and noisy world in which there seems to be little time and space for peace and reflection; therefore, we often forget the importance of SHUTTING THE DOOR and meditating upon what God has to say to us.

Indeed, there were those in the Bible who failed in this respect and exposed themselves and others to the dangers of the world: e.g. LOT, Abraham’s nephew.  He was associated with the wicked and immoral city of Sodom. He ought never to have been there but his love for worldly things led him into this ‘danger zone’. Graciously, God sent two angelic visitors to deliver him and his family. Lot knew what the men of Sodom would do therefore, he ushered the family into his house and SHUT THE DOOR on them, while he went out into the street to remonstrate with them.

The problem for Lot was that he was now on the wrong side of the door for safety and there was no way back into the house (the doors could not be opened from the outside in those days). Once again, it was only the grace of God, that delivered him and eventually placed him on the right side of the closed door.

The world is just as immoral and dangerous today as it was in Lot’s days. We must learn to ‘SHUT THE DOOR’ on it and ensure we are on the right side of it. Quiet times alone with God and meditating on His with Word will save us from much spiritual heartache! The hymn writer expresses it like this:

Take time to be holy, speak oft with the Lord;

Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.

Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,

Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek. 

To be continued