Today’s devotional passage is a testament to the self destructive element of sin in the lives of human beings. Lot had chosen to locate his family and possessions close to the cities of the plain that included Sodom and Gomorrah. Eventually he was found to have moved right in to Sodom. Was it because of the lure of the conveniences of the city, the availability of goods? Referencing Genesis 14, it is likely that Lot lost much of his wealth when King Chedorlaomer waged war against the kings of the cities of the plain and even kidnapped Lot and his family. Abram followed and defeated Chedorlaomer and saved Lot. The King of Sodom tried to pay Abram for his valiant service but he refused to receive anything from the king. On the other hand, Lot chose to live in Sodom…a spiritual compromise.

Upon the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot and his daughters were able to escape, having lost Lot’s wife when she looked back at the destruction and turned to a pillar of salt. Lot’s daughters schemed to commit incest with their father and later bore children as a result. One of them was named Moab and the other Benammi, the progenitors of the nations of Moab and Ammon respectively.

So many people are prisoners of their past, as they simply cannot overcome circumstances of which they are ashamed but cannot help. As they enjoy a moment of success their haunting past seems to spoil their joy. Remember Romans 8:28… “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” How does this promise apply in this case? Ruth was a descendant of Moab but she became an ancestor of Jesus Christ. This is an instance where God caused something sinful to work out for good. So the next time you look over your shoulder at past negative assets or circumstances, remember God’s promise to turn it into good for those who have a relationship with him.

SD CrossPoints

1.        What past sinful or negative circumstances haunt your [resent and future?

2.       Have you considered God’s promise to “make things work together for good?”

3.       Remember that the condition for the promise is that you must have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

4.       What can you do to disempower the past and live victoriously for the future?

Simple Discipleship Blessings!

Dr. Tom Cocklereece