Genesis 19:16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold on his hand, and on the hand of his wife, and on the hand of his two daughters… I. WHAT LOT WAS HIMSELF. 1. Lot was a true believer — a converted person — a real child of God — a justified soul — a righteous man. Is any one of my readers a traveller in the narrow way which leads unto life? So also was Lot. (1) One evidence is, that he lived in a wicked place, "seeing and hearing" evil all around him (2 Peter 2:8), and yet was not wicked himself. Now to be a Daniel in Babylon — an Obadiah in Ahab's house — an Abijah in Jeroboam's family — a saint in Nero's court, and a " righteous man" in Sodom, a man must have the grace of God. Without grace it would be impossible. (2) Another evidence is, that he "vexed his soul with the unlawful deeds" he beheld around him (2 Peter 2:8). He was wounded, grieved, pained, and hurt at the sight of sin. 2. Before we pass on, let us remember that a true Christian may have many a blemish, many a defect, many an infirmity, and yet be a true Christian nevertheless. We do not despise gold because it is mixed with much dross. We must not undervalue grace because it is accompanied by much corruption. II. WHAT THE TEXT TELLS US ABOUT LOT'S BEHAVIOUR. "He lingered." Now, there are many Christian men and Christian women in this day very like Lot. There are many real children of God who appear to know far more than they live up to, and see far more than they practise, and yet continue in this state for many years. Wonderful that they go as far as they do, and yet go no further I They hold the Head, even Christ, and love the truth. They like sound preaching, and assent to every article of Gospel doctrine, when they hear it. But still there is an indescribable something which is not satisfactory about them. They believe in heaven, and yet seem faintly to long for it; and in hell, and yet seem little to fear it. They love the Lord Jesus; but the work they do for Him is small. They hate the devil; but they often appear to tempt him to come to them. They know the time is short; but they live as if it were long. They know they have a battle to fight; yet a man might think they were at peace. They know they have a race to run; yet they often look like people sitting still. They know the Judge is at the door, and there is wrath to come; and yet they appear half asleep. Astonishing they should be what they are, and yet be nothing more! And what shall we say of these people? They often puzzle godly friends and relations. They often cause great anxiety. They often give rise to great doubts and searchings of heart. But they may be classed under one sweeping description — they are all brethren and sisters of Lot. They linger. III. THE REASONS THAT MAY ACCOUNT FOR LOT'S LINGERING. 1. He made a wrong choice in early life. 2. He mixed with sinners when there was no occasion for his doing so. IV. WHAT KIND OF FRUIT LOT'S LINGERING SPIRIT BORE AT LAST. 1. He did no good among the inhabitants of Sodom. 2. He helped none of his family, relatives, or connections towards heaven. 3. He left no evidences behind him when he died. (Bishop Ryle.) Parallel Verses KJV: And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. |
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