Genesis13_10-13

Genesis 13:10–13

And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

Do not choose by fleshly feelings. It might lead us to sinful and evil places. Lot made his choice after his conversation with Abram. He chose all the plain of Jordan, which was well watered everywhere. The place was abundant and easy for living, even as the garden of God, like the land of Egypt. It was not only the physical appeal of the fertile land, but human nature that causes fallen man to sin. A wealthy place leads to an easy life, and an easy life activates inner desire.

From that point of separation, they lived thoroughly different lives. Lot journeyed east and dwelled in the cities of the plain, while Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan. There is a basic rule that fertile and abundant places are inhabited by strong and clever people early. They always occupy the best resources in every aspect of life. Meanwhile, they usually lead the trends of the world.

Nevertheless, those people led a sinful trend. The men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before God exceedingly. They drew the attention of God. Their sin was so terrible that God had to execute His judgment. In the entire Bible, there are only a few events that cause God to deal with a place in such a manner. Sodom is one of them.

Although Lot was a righteous man, he pitched his tent toward Sodom. It does not suddenly happen that a righteous man commits sin. It happens gradually in daily life when one lives near a place like Sodom.

We should keep our minds sober and away from sinful places.