. . . 6and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter; 7and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men 8(for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds), 9then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment . . .
Another example from biblical history that should encourage us amid difficult times is the story of God’s judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah and the rescue of Lot. He seems a strange individual, though, to portray as a godly or righteous man. Initially, Lot and his uncle Abraham had each become quite wealthy, with enormous flocks and possessions. Tension over land conflicts for their herds led Abraham to suggest a peaceful separation. Abraham humbly gave Lot first choice of land for his possession.
Not deferring to his uncle’s seniority, as would have been customary at that time, Lot selfishly chose what seemed to be the best land: “Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere … like the garden of the Lord” (Gen. 13:10). However, this choice determined his residence among godless people and away from his faithful uncle, proving to be catastrophic for him and his family. “Lot settled in the cities of the valley, and moved his tents as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the Lord” (Gen. 13:12–13).
Many sermons have been preached about Lot’s attraction to the city life of Sodom, his carelessness in exposing his family to sinful lifestyles, his wife’s unyielding desire for what she had to leave behind, etc. But Peter focuses on God’s judgment and His rescue of Lot. Regardless of what we say about Lot and his choices, the apostle Peter twice refers to him as righteous. His lifestyle was clearly at odds with that of the Sodomites and Gomorrahites. He was oppressed and tormented by the sexual abuse all around him. He was a godly man who lived among ungodly people who persecuted him for his righteousness.
How does this encourage us today? When we find ourselves being vexed in the spirit by the unbelievers around us, and in our spirits we feel tormented, then we should remember this lesson from Lot. God will deliver us from the temptation to turn away from righteous living in order to avoid persecution. Do not fear, God will judge them in the end, but save us who trust in Christ.
Lord, I trust that You will bring judgment on the unrighteous but will save me. This hope encourages me to endure the injustices of my suffering.
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