Scripture
Genesis 19:15-16
As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.” But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.
Observation
The story of Lot is a story of continually delayed obedience. God had instructed Lot to flee to the hills, but Lot lingered in the city. The angels compelled him to leave the city, and Lot begged to be allowed to go to a different town instead of to the hills. Finally he arrived at that other town, but was afraid to remain there and ended up going to the hills as God had already instructed him. His obedience was delayed, partial, and reluctant–rather than swift, complete, and eager. In light of Lot’s reluctant attitude toward God, it’s no wonder that his wife looked back reluctantly at the place that they had left…and it’s no wonder that Lot’s daughters ultimately made some terrible and ungodly decisions as well. Lot ultimately obeyed…but his life had set the wrong example for the rest of his family to follow.
Application
There’s a little saying that I often say to my sons: “Delayed obedience…is disobedience!” Obedience that is delayed as long as possible, or fulfilled as sparingly as possible…is not really obedience at all. This is the mindset that Lot seems to have! Not eagerly and gladly following God’s command, but reluctantly and with a terrible attitude. God was trying to save his life, for heaven’s sake!
But how often have I been guilty of the same? I know what God commanded me…but I’ll delay and drag my feet. I don’t want to have that kind of attitude in my walk with God! I want to gladly and eagerly respond when he gives me an instruction, because I know that his heart is to bless me and show me mercy. Why would I not eagerly respond to a heart like that?!
This week, I choose to obey God on his timeframe…not merely when I feel like it. I choose to truly make him the Lord of my life, not just in name only.
Prayer
God, thank you for you love and your mercy! Thank you for your patience with me, when I drag my feet and delay in obeying you. I know you love me, and so I choose to follow and obey you with a glad heart. You are the Lord, the Master, and the authority to whom I choose to bow.
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