Before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter; and they called to Lot and said to him, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them." But Lot went out to them at the doorway, and shut the door behind him, and said, "Please, my brothers, do not act wickedly. "Now behold, I have two daughters who have not had relations with man; please let me bring them out to you, and do to them whatever you like; only do nothing to these men, inasmuch as they have come under the shelter of my roof." But they said, "Stand aside." Furthermore, they said, "This one came in as an alien, and already he is acting like a judge; now we will treat you worse than them." So they pressed hard against Lot and came near to break the door. But the men reached out their hands and brought Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. They struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the doorway. (Genesis 19:4-11 NASB)
I don't know where to start. I was expecting to be shocked, to find a wickedness, but the depths of this shocked me. I was hoping to somehow rescue the character of Lot from his surroundings, but I'm failing. I'm trying to find some cultural or ethnic tradition or something that explains what I read, but I'm not finding it. So, I will simply unpack it and let be what it is.
The men of Sodom, from all over the city and from all age groups, form a mob. It's not said this is usual or not, a festival or not, but they circle themselves around the house. Their intent is the men who came to Lot's house; they want to "know" them, and, in this case, it would be "biblically". So a mob, forming for no other clear reason than to take the men who just came to the city, encircle Lot's house and call for him to send them out. Remember that Lot strongly urged the angels, who intended to stay in the plaza, to stay with him. I infer from this that the mob was neither an isolated occurrence, nor surprising to Lot. He seemed to know what was coming.
Some sort of "carnival" (in the ancient sense of that word) would go a long way to explain their behavior, but none is mentioned. Perhaps every night was "carnival night" in Sodom. The moral conditions of the place are not explained, but merely described. It's creepy. The attitude that spawns such behavior is in every part of the city, and in every generation of them. They don't "grow out of it" at some point. It is pervasive, insidious, and completely irrational.
Before you jump all over the "irrational" judgement, ask yourself, how do these people conduct trade with other cities or regions if this is how they treat visitors? How can they survive without commerce? The very fact that they are known by other cities and regions was demonstrated in chapter 14, so how can they adopt this mode of behavior and still remain a viable presence? It is truly irrational to behave as they are.
And yet, Abraham considers them a moral blight on the land even as he rescues their goods (and Lot) from conquering kings. So, they are known for their evil even before this. And yet, they are tolerated by their neighbors. They aren't a military power (they lost a battle where 318 + 4 won), so what is it that they have which is so "tolerable" to their neighbors? And it's not just their neighbors.
When Lot goes out to speak with them, he calls them "brothers"! Really? Seriously? The whole passage quickly takes on the surreal psychotic feel very quickly. How can such a place exist? Even during the 30-years war, the Catholics and Protestants agreed on one thing, the destruction of Muenster was necessary. They joined forces and burnt it to the ground. It was recognized by both sides as an evil place. Why that hasn't happened here, long ago, baffles me.
"And everyone's okay with this?" Lot's answer to their plea is to send out his virgin daughters. I'm shocked! I have no explanation for such a suggestion. It could be part of hospitality in that culture, but I don't find other examples of it. First he calls them "brothers" and then offers them his daughters if they will just leave the visitors alone. They refuse. Of course they do. Why would a mob of men want a couple of women when there are two men as options? The place is upside down, and the condition is pervasive, and for whatever reason, "acceptable" to their neighbors.
So, at what point does such insidious evil become acceptable to me? What has to happen to me and what do I need to experience to find such things acceptable? Probably way too much. But what if the people and attitude of Sodom wasn't "acceptable" to their neighbors (they didn't necessarily do the same things), but the neighbors were apathetic? Now I'm closer to fitting the description. How often to I turn a blind eye or deaf ear to the wickedness of my own country? It's become such a cacophony that it blends into a constant noise I have learned to ignore. There's just too much of it to deal with, it seems hopeless to stand against it.
But that is me living in Sodom, calling the people "my brothers", and seeking to mollify them by sacrificing what is precious to me. I haven't reached that point yet, but really, how far away is it? When I don't speak out against the vocal evil, isn't that tacit acceptance? When I refuse to point out that my Master is against behavior am I not loosing my moral ground? At least Lot tried to be a judge to bring some semblance of righteousness to the place. It did no good but have I even tried that?
I think I am supposed to judge from my Master's perspective. I am to be vocal about what my Master says is important. I am supposed to be "judgmental" because my Master has given me, and all His followers, the responsibility to be a vocal proponent and an object lesson of what He says. But am I? Do I address the evil around me as the evil it is? Do I point out wickedness? No, I don't. And more often than not it is because I am aware of the wickedness in my own life and do not see myself as qualified to point it out. I fear being a hypocrite who is as bad as those he criticizes. But my Master calls me to be His broken and cracked jar of His glory. He has called me and my fellow believers to own the failures of our lives and cry out against the evil around us. It takes both confession and proclamation. It's not comfortable; less comfortable than apathy against the evil.
So, to change I have to man-up, put on my "big boy pants", and stand in integrity against the evil of my community. Integrity means owning my failures, but not letting them disqualify me from vocally and actively standing for my Master's views. Bold words. Now I need to give them hands and feet, and therefore steel. Deep breath. Okay, let's do it.
Showing posts with label Sodom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sodom. Show all posts
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
The Fractured Reality of Sodom 1: The Unexpected Judge
Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening as Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. And he said, "Now behold, my lords, please turn aside into your servant's house, and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way." They said however, "No, but we shall spend the night in the square." Yet he urged them strongly, so they turned aside to him and entered his house; and he prepared a feast for them, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. (Genesis 19:1-3 NASB)
In this chapter I am going to wander into the spooky world that is Sodom before it's destroyed. Right off the bat, in the first few verses, I find what I would never expect. In the ancient days of cities, the gates were important places. It constituted the "courts" of their day. The elders of a city would sit and deliberate various civil cases that people brought before them. The elders were said to be "sitting in the gate" for this purpose. This phrase appears right in verse 1, and it's Lot! What this verse essentially says is that at this time Lot is an elder in Sodom, the most sinful place on the planet at the time.
What does it mean to be an elder in Sodom? Lot clearly has enough of his sensibilities to recognize the two angels for what they were. His greeting is much like Abraham's in the previous chapter. It doesn't say specifically he was the only elder, but no one else is mentioned. I infer from the way it's worded here that he is the only one. Could it be that "elder" and judge over civil disputes is a job that, instead of being highly regarded, was held in contempt? What if Lot took the job because no one else was willing, and he saw it as important? With all the sin in the city, why wasn't he so busy he may not have even noticed the angels? It's like he's a judge and an elder, but without respect or recognized authority.
What if Lot's ability to recognize the angels infers some degree of "righteousness" still exists with him? In that case, the city would have had a "righteous judge" whom they completely ignored. He should have had influence for God in that place as an elder and judge, but didn't. There should have been constant inquiries of what Lot thought on a matter, and there wasn't. Consider what sort of city has a righteous judge whom they completely disregard and hold in contempt. Laws are only effective when the society enforces them. It is understood (but rarely contemplated) that people have to agree to live by laws for those laws to have their desired effect. It takes more than force for laws to begin to work. The force of a few rarely works for long against the unwillingness of a mob to comply. The right to assemble is a frightening thing for those in power.
What's my point? It's common for us to point at another city and say, "Sin City!" But in my own town, in my own neighborhood, do I have any effect on the moral health of those around me? What about the sin in my city, in my neighborhood? Does my Master have influence through me in these places? It's easy to point at other places, other people, and other mobs, but what about my place, my people, and the mob of people around me? What sort of influence am I here? If I were to "sit in the gate" here would I be ignored? If I put myself forward as an elder, would I be respected? Would people in my neighborhood wonder what I thought of matters of concern to them?
It's not about how great I might be, it's about how much influence my Master has through me. I'm not really wise, I try to be sensitive to my Master's Spirit leading me. I'm not "powerful", I rely on the power of my Master. I'm not respected around here, instead I try to let my Master's words gain respect for Him. So, what sort of influence do I have? How effective am I in my efforts to point others to my Master? I'm somewhat ashamed to say that I don't know. I feel I should, at least know more than I do. I believe, wrongly or rightly, that there should be some tangible evidence of my influence for my Master right here where I live. But I don't know of it. I'm not complaining, I'm just pointing out an area of my life where I believe I'm lacking. I also believe the answer is fearless devotion to my Master. So, it's time for me to take a deep breath and take a step out my door and into the lives of those I live around. Scary, but necessary.
In this chapter I am going to wander into the spooky world that is Sodom before it's destroyed. Right off the bat, in the first few verses, I find what I would never expect. In the ancient days of cities, the gates were important places. It constituted the "courts" of their day. The elders of a city would sit and deliberate various civil cases that people brought before them. The elders were said to be "sitting in the gate" for this purpose. This phrase appears right in verse 1, and it's Lot! What this verse essentially says is that at this time Lot is an elder in Sodom, the most sinful place on the planet at the time.
What does it mean to be an elder in Sodom? Lot clearly has enough of his sensibilities to recognize the two angels for what they were. His greeting is much like Abraham's in the previous chapter. It doesn't say specifically he was the only elder, but no one else is mentioned. I infer from the way it's worded here that he is the only one. Could it be that "elder" and judge over civil disputes is a job that, instead of being highly regarded, was held in contempt? What if Lot took the job because no one else was willing, and he saw it as important? With all the sin in the city, why wasn't he so busy he may not have even noticed the angels? It's like he's a judge and an elder, but without respect or recognized authority.
What if Lot's ability to recognize the angels infers some degree of "righteousness" still exists with him? In that case, the city would have had a "righteous judge" whom they completely ignored. He should have had influence for God in that place as an elder and judge, but didn't. There should have been constant inquiries of what Lot thought on a matter, and there wasn't. Consider what sort of city has a righteous judge whom they completely disregard and hold in contempt. Laws are only effective when the society enforces them. It is understood (but rarely contemplated) that people have to agree to live by laws for those laws to have their desired effect. It takes more than force for laws to begin to work. The force of a few rarely works for long against the unwillingness of a mob to comply. The right to assemble is a frightening thing for those in power.
What's my point? It's common for us to point at another city and say, "Sin City!" But in my own town, in my own neighborhood, do I have any effect on the moral health of those around me? What about the sin in my city, in my neighborhood? Does my Master have influence through me in these places? It's easy to point at other places, other people, and other mobs, but what about my place, my people, and the mob of people around me? What sort of influence am I here? If I were to "sit in the gate" here would I be ignored? If I put myself forward as an elder, would I be respected? Would people in my neighborhood wonder what I thought of matters of concern to them?
It's not about how great I might be, it's about how much influence my Master has through me. I'm not really wise, I try to be sensitive to my Master's Spirit leading me. I'm not "powerful", I rely on the power of my Master. I'm not respected around here, instead I try to let my Master's words gain respect for Him. So, what sort of influence do I have? How effective am I in my efforts to point others to my Master? I'm somewhat ashamed to say that I don't know. I feel I should, at least know more than I do. I believe, wrongly or rightly, that there should be some tangible evidence of my influence for my Master right here where I live. But I don't know of it. I'm not complaining, I'm just pointing out an area of my life where I believe I'm lacking. I also believe the answer is fearless devotion to my Master. So, it's time for me to take a deep breath and take a step out my door and into the lives of those I live around. Scary, but necessary.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Choosing Between Two Kings
He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the people. Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said, "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand." He gave him a tenth of all. The king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself." Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, 'I have made Abram rich.' I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their share." (Genesis 14:16-24 NASB)
With 318 men of his own and 3 buddies, Abram defeats the wildly successful kings of the east; chases them around 30 miles after routing them. It was a wildly successful night of battle. He brings back all that was carried off, including his nephew, Lot. Now, as the saying goes, it's time to party. And, of course, to any party comes the king of Sodom, the royal party-animal!
But also coming out is the mysterious king of Salem (Jerusalem), Melchizedek. He is "priest of God Most High", or El-Elyon, a Canaanite reference to the chief god of their pantheon (Baal's dad or chief or whatever). Salem wasn't even involved in this encounter, nor was it all that close to the "Oaks of Mamre" where Abram came from. Why does he show up? And who is this guy?
If character is demonstrated by action, then Melchizedek demonstrates character which connects him to God. He brings bread and wine (a good move when coming to any party), and blesses Abram and El-Elyon. His prayer connects Abram to El-Elyon and credits El-Elyon with the victory over the kings. Abram responds by giving Melchizedek a tithe, a sign of submission. Again, who is this guy?
Melchizedek's name is made up of the Hebrew word for king (Melchi) and righteous (zedek). Later on, David takes the city of Jerusalem and suddenly there is this priest, Zadok working for him who eventually takes over the high-priesthood (a Canaanite priest?). So, David is "melchi" and Zadok is the priest. By the time that David takes the city of Jerusalem, the role of king and priest seems to be broken up between separate people. Yet the worship of El-Elyon is still acknowledged, and the priest kept. Interesting, isn't it?
So Abram responds positively to the priest-king of Salem. His response to the king of Sodom is less so. In fact, his response is rather insulting, even as it returns all the plunder to him. The king of Sodom wants the people, but gives all the rest to Abram and his buddies. Abram says a very interesting thing. He says that he has sworn to Yahweh, El-Elyon, that he would take nothing from the king of Sodom. That way it couldn't be said that the king of Sodom made Abram rich. Wow, in your face Sodomite king! If he doesn't like him, why come back with all the plunder, why not just his nephew and his stuff?
In the celebration of his victory, Abram differentiates between the guests in ways that were insulting in his culture and would be in ours as well. Am I too "nice" or rather fearful of what others would think to be so insulting? Would I stand up for my faith, and risk "ruining the mood"? Would I refuse a gift that really I had worked and risked for just because it represented a person and lifestyle I believe is in rebellion against my Master? Abram didn't just say no, he said no because. He clearly distinguishes between the two kings. Do I have the courage to do that; to do that when it would make such a publicly poignant and unpopular point?
I'm not in this position at the moment, and I can't remember when I have been. It's not that I haven't been given success, it's the whole choosing between two kings thing that I haven't been given, at least not like this. Every day I have to choose which king I will follow, the king of my appetites or the King of Righteousness. I wish I could say I always choose the Righteous King, but I can't. In the public setting, in the midst of the party, I want to make the public differentiation; to choose to give my tithe to one king, and refuse the gifts of the other. I want the wisdom to see the difference, and the courage to admit it publicly. I don't know when, or even if, it will ever happen. But I want to honor my Master when/if it does.
With 318 men of his own and 3 buddies, Abram defeats the wildly successful kings of the east; chases them around 30 miles after routing them. It was a wildly successful night of battle. He brings back all that was carried off, including his nephew, Lot. Now, as the saying goes, it's time to party. And, of course, to any party comes the king of Sodom, the royal party-animal!
But also coming out is the mysterious king of Salem (Jerusalem), Melchizedek. He is "priest of God Most High", or El-Elyon, a Canaanite reference to the chief god of their pantheon (Baal's dad or chief or whatever). Salem wasn't even involved in this encounter, nor was it all that close to the "Oaks of Mamre" where Abram came from. Why does he show up? And who is this guy?
If character is demonstrated by action, then Melchizedek demonstrates character which connects him to God. He brings bread and wine (a good move when coming to any party), and blesses Abram and El-Elyon. His prayer connects Abram to El-Elyon and credits El-Elyon with the victory over the kings. Abram responds by giving Melchizedek a tithe, a sign of submission. Again, who is this guy?
Melchizedek's name is made up of the Hebrew word for king (Melchi) and righteous (zedek). Later on, David takes the city of Jerusalem and suddenly there is this priest, Zadok working for him who eventually takes over the high-priesthood (a Canaanite priest?). So, David is "melchi" and Zadok is the priest. By the time that David takes the city of Jerusalem, the role of king and priest seems to be broken up between separate people. Yet the worship of El-Elyon is still acknowledged, and the priest kept. Interesting, isn't it?
So Abram responds positively to the priest-king of Salem. His response to the king of Sodom is less so. In fact, his response is rather insulting, even as it returns all the plunder to him. The king of Sodom wants the people, but gives all the rest to Abram and his buddies. Abram says a very interesting thing. He says that he has sworn to Yahweh, El-Elyon, that he would take nothing from the king of Sodom. That way it couldn't be said that the king of Sodom made Abram rich. Wow, in your face Sodomite king! If he doesn't like him, why come back with all the plunder, why not just his nephew and his stuff?
In the celebration of his victory, Abram differentiates between the guests in ways that were insulting in his culture and would be in ours as well. Am I too "nice" or rather fearful of what others would think to be so insulting? Would I stand up for my faith, and risk "ruining the mood"? Would I refuse a gift that really I had worked and risked for just because it represented a person and lifestyle I believe is in rebellion against my Master? Abram didn't just say no, he said no because. He clearly distinguishes between the two kings. Do I have the courage to do that; to do that when it would make such a publicly poignant and unpopular point?
I'm not in this position at the moment, and I can't remember when I have been. It's not that I haven't been given success, it's the whole choosing between two kings thing that I haven't been given, at least not like this. Every day I have to choose which king I will follow, the king of my appetites or the King of Righteousness. I wish I could say I always choose the Righteous King, but I can't. In the public setting, in the midst of the party, I want to make the public differentiation; to choose to give my tithe to one king, and refuse the gifts of the other. I want the wisdom to see the difference, and the courage to admit it publicly. I don't know when, or even if, it will ever happen. But I want to honor my Master when/if it does.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
How Close to Sodom Do I Get?
They also took Lot, Abram's nephew, and his possessions and departed, for he was living in Sodom. (Genesis 14:12 NASB)
Lot had moved from his tents and flocks on the valley floor near Sodom to actually living in Sodom. This move made he and his stuff "plunder" and he was carried off by the kings of the east. He saw the "good green land" and in spite of its proximity to Sodom, chose that. He pitched his tents near Sodom, out of all the region of the valley. And one chapter later he's in the city itself.
It's easy for me to point to Lot, and cluck my tongue, and shake my head, and think, "What an idiot", but am I that critical of myself? If I look at my life, in the past and even now, have I chosen the "good green land" where it looks easy to make a living? Have I ignored the influence of evil the sight of my Master so I could provide for my lifestyle easier? Did I decide to pitch my tents, out of all the area I chose to live in, right next to the evil influence; away from the joy of my Master?
Fernley used to be the fasted growing city in the nation. It's now one of the most (if not the most) economically depressed cities/communities in Nevada, one of the most economically depressed states. From Hero to Zero in less than three years. It easy for me to look at the obvious mistakes of the area, the over building, the excessive amount of "investment property" and the over-growth of certain types of businesses (7 pizza joints, and no donut shop - that just confuses me). Yet, what about my life, and my choices?
I chose to bail on ministry back in Y2K, (remember that?), and I probably should not have. I chose to leave school instead of pursuing a PhD, and I probably should have stayed and gone into teaching. I moved to California to get back into ministry only to have it unravel before it even began. I probably should not have done that either. Yet, I left ministry to protect my family; I left school because I was champing at the bit to get at what I had trained 10 years for; and I left Arizona to try and fix my past mistakes, and get back into the ministry I had left. Nothing I tried worked very well.
When I was in ministry, the people tore me and my wife up emotionally. When I was out of ministry and taking care of our home, I was in deep depression and nearly useless. When I failed to get back into ministry I wound up in whatever job I could find, which turned out to be a huge mortgage company (which is now no longer in existence).
I can focus on my mistakes, ones I've mentioned and the ones I haven't. I can, but I don't have to. If I continue to take Lot as my example, there will be a time when he has another chance to choose. He could live with nothing or return to his uncle. He chose to live with nothing in a cave with his two daughters. He hit bottom and still refused to repent. I need to learn from his example rather than following it.
Sure I can see my mistakes, but I also have a Master willing to receive me back. It's my responsibility to return. That means admitting I have been wrong, submitting to my Master, and again taking up the role of walking before Him. He has called me to wait on His word, worship Him as Master, and walk before Him as His servant. Now, whatever job I am in becomes a ministry, whatever church group I am in becomes an opportunity for worship, and whenever I am confronted with confusion I have an opportunity for instruction. Where shall I go today, my Master?
Lot had moved from his tents and flocks on the valley floor near Sodom to actually living in Sodom. This move made he and his stuff "plunder" and he was carried off by the kings of the east. He saw the "good green land" and in spite of its proximity to Sodom, chose that. He pitched his tents near Sodom, out of all the region of the valley. And one chapter later he's in the city itself.
It's easy for me to point to Lot, and cluck my tongue, and shake my head, and think, "What an idiot", but am I that critical of myself? If I look at my life, in the past and even now, have I chosen the "good green land" where it looks easy to make a living? Have I ignored the influence of evil the sight of my Master so I could provide for my lifestyle easier? Did I decide to pitch my tents, out of all the area I chose to live in, right next to the evil influence; away from the joy of my Master?
Fernley used to be the fasted growing city in the nation. It's now one of the most (if not the most) economically depressed cities/communities in Nevada, one of the most economically depressed states. From Hero to Zero in less than three years. It easy for me to look at the obvious mistakes of the area, the over building, the excessive amount of "investment property" and the over-growth of certain types of businesses (7 pizza joints, and no donut shop - that just confuses me). Yet, what about my life, and my choices?
I chose to bail on ministry back in Y2K, (remember that?), and I probably should not have. I chose to leave school instead of pursuing a PhD, and I probably should have stayed and gone into teaching. I moved to California to get back into ministry only to have it unravel before it even began. I probably should not have done that either. Yet, I left ministry to protect my family; I left school because I was champing at the bit to get at what I had trained 10 years for; and I left Arizona to try and fix my past mistakes, and get back into the ministry I had left. Nothing I tried worked very well.
When I was in ministry, the people tore me and my wife up emotionally. When I was out of ministry and taking care of our home, I was in deep depression and nearly useless. When I failed to get back into ministry I wound up in whatever job I could find, which turned out to be a huge mortgage company (which is now no longer in existence).
I can focus on my mistakes, ones I've mentioned and the ones I haven't. I can, but I don't have to. If I continue to take Lot as my example, there will be a time when he has another chance to choose. He could live with nothing or return to his uncle. He chose to live with nothing in a cave with his two daughters. He hit bottom and still refused to repent. I need to learn from his example rather than following it.
Sure I can see my mistakes, but I also have a Master willing to receive me back. It's my responsibility to return. That means admitting I have been wrong, submitting to my Master, and again taking up the role of walking before Him. He has called me to wait on His word, worship Him as Master, and walk before Him as His servant. Now, whatever job I am in becomes a ministry, whatever church group I am in becomes an opportunity for worship, and whenever I am confronted with confusion I have an opportunity for instruction. Where shall I go today, my Master?
Sunday, May 6, 2012
If God Has My Back - Genesis 14
I'm not going to paste the entire chapter here, for thing I think it violates copyright laws. But I encourage anyone reading this to first read that whole chapter before reading the rest of this. A lot of this won't make sense without first being freshly familiar with this chapter. I thought I was familiar with it enough, and yet still, working through it again brought new stuff. Go read that first and then come back to this.
Welcome back...if you're honest anyway. If not, go read the chapter.
The essence of this chapter is that kings (possibly including the famous king, Hammarabi) from the region of Mesopotamia (Iraq, possibly Syria), attacked the area on the East side of the Jordan River. They got to nearly everyone in that region, including the cities along the valley floor (except for Jericho...which is really weird). After defeating all those kingdoms, they meet the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah (Edom), Zeboim (Gazelles), and Bela (Zoar) by the Dead Sea.
It's a rout, and every survivor of the Dead Sea region flees to the hills. The victorious kings plunder the area, including Sodom, and take Lot and his stuff captive. Not a lot of the battle is described, just the first part and the running away part. The reason for the campaign in this region seems to be the rebellion of the Dead Sea Kings against the King of Elam with whom they had a covenant (one not in their favor). When they didn't pay their tribute, they got away with it for a year, then the armies came from the east.
One of the survivors fleeing to the hills comes to Abram in Hebron. Hearing what happened to Lot, he doesn't hesitate, but takes off with three of his friends and all the "tried" men of his household (318) and takes off after the four victorious kings. All it says is that he catches up with them at Dan, divides his forces, attacks at night, and pursues them to North of Damascus. Abram wins. All the other kings and cities fail, but he, the nomad-sheep-and-cattle-herder, succeeds; and chases them half-way home.
This may seem rather incredible, it does to me. He doesn't even hesitate, though. It does not seem he had any doubt about what to do. It was insurmountable, very foolish, and clearly hopeless, but he does it anyway. It was as if, since family was involved, he willingly went to his doom out of family honor. I sort of wonder if Sarai was thinking about how she might get back down to Egypt to see Pharaoh when Abram didn't return.
I somehow doubt there was any doubt though. I don't think there was any concern that they might not succeed, in spite of the success record of their enemies. Abram was confident enough to bring his four new friends, brothers with whom he had an alliance. And they were confident enough to go with him. Where did this confidence come from? Where do I get a dose of that?
Back in chapter 12, God promises Abram protection. Abram has seen it at work in Egypt, and along the way as he traveled. He may have known these kings from the region he was raised in and left not long ago. And he knew his God. In comparison, he saw there was really no comparison. So, he had his relationship with his King and experience in that relationship.
I have that experience. I have seen my Master care for me in ways I couldn't imagine. I have seen Him make ends meet that I didn't even know existed; connect dots I couldn't see to draw between. Recently I have seen that my Master is Master over all the things I care about, and over all things I don't. I am learning slowly to relinquish my desire to make happen what I believe needs to happen. Instead, I simply need to do what I see He wants done. He loves me, He has my back, and I am at His service. I am free to serve, and to be used by Him to accomplish His purposes, or at least I should be.
But being that available requires me to constantly give up my causes, priorities, and my purposes. That's hard for me. It's hard in my family, in my job, and in my church. I want to right wrongs, and fix peoples misconceptions, and build faith! Not my job, that's my Master's job. I may see a need or a lack, and my Master may be leading me to address it, but not to "fix" it. He wants to use me to fix it. I'm not the faith-mechanic, I'm the faith-wrench. I don't get to choose one day to be a "wrench" and another an "impact wrench" or "hammer-drill". Again, my Master chooses how to use me, and what for. I still try to be some sort of dramatic hero, but that's not my role. I'm scenery, set dressing, and props. He is the Star, the Hero.
I was reminded this weekend that I'm not the one making happen what I see needs to happen. I may see what needs to happen, but my role is not the doer, but one of the ones used to do it. But I can't be used in that role if I keep trying to take control and be the one doing. To be used, I have to let go of control. I'm trying. I'm struggling with it, but I'm trying. Oh Master, please help me, and once again, be patient while I wrestle with my selfish ambition. I will bring it to you captive, I will. And I will try to hurry; there's work to be done, and You have a use for me I'm missing.
Welcome back...if you're honest anyway. If not, go read the chapter.
The essence of this chapter is that kings (possibly including the famous king, Hammarabi) from the region of Mesopotamia (Iraq, possibly Syria), attacked the area on the East side of the Jordan River. They got to nearly everyone in that region, including the cities along the valley floor (except for Jericho...which is really weird). After defeating all those kingdoms, they meet the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah (Edom), Zeboim (Gazelles), and Bela (Zoar) by the Dead Sea.
It's a rout, and every survivor of the Dead Sea region flees to the hills. The victorious kings plunder the area, including Sodom, and take Lot and his stuff captive. Not a lot of the battle is described, just the first part and the running away part. The reason for the campaign in this region seems to be the rebellion of the Dead Sea Kings against the King of Elam with whom they had a covenant (one not in their favor). When they didn't pay their tribute, they got away with it for a year, then the armies came from the east.
One of the survivors fleeing to the hills comes to Abram in Hebron. Hearing what happened to Lot, he doesn't hesitate, but takes off with three of his friends and all the "tried" men of his household (318) and takes off after the four victorious kings. All it says is that he catches up with them at Dan, divides his forces, attacks at night, and pursues them to North of Damascus. Abram wins. All the other kings and cities fail, but he, the nomad-sheep-and-cattle-herder, succeeds; and chases them half-way home.
This may seem rather incredible, it does to me. He doesn't even hesitate, though. It does not seem he had any doubt about what to do. It was insurmountable, very foolish, and clearly hopeless, but he does it anyway. It was as if, since family was involved, he willingly went to his doom out of family honor. I sort of wonder if Sarai was thinking about how she might get back down to Egypt to see Pharaoh when Abram didn't return.
I somehow doubt there was any doubt though. I don't think there was any concern that they might not succeed, in spite of the success record of their enemies. Abram was confident enough to bring his four new friends, brothers with whom he had an alliance. And they were confident enough to go with him. Where did this confidence come from? Where do I get a dose of that?
Back in chapter 12, God promises Abram protection. Abram has seen it at work in Egypt, and along the way as he traveled. He may have known these kings from the region he was raised in and left not long ago. And he knew his God. In comparison, he saw there was really no comparison. So, he had his relationship with his King and experience in that relationship.
I have that experience. I have seen my Master care for me in ways I couldn't imagine. I have seen Him make ends meet that I didn't even know existed; connect dots I couldn't see to draw between. Recently I have seen that my Master is Master over all the things I care about, and over all things I don't. I am learning slowly to relinquish my desire to make happen what I believe needs to happen. Instead, I simply need to do what I see He wants done. He loves me, He has my back, and I am at His service. I am free to serve, and to be used by Him to accomplish His purposes, or at least I should be.
But being that available requires me to constantly give up my causes, priorities, and my purposes. That's hard for me. It's hard in my family, in my job, and in my church. I want to right wrongs, and fix peoples misconceptions, and build faith! Not my job, that's my Master's job. I may see a need or a lack, and my Master may be leading me to address it, but not to "fix" it. He wants to use me to fix it. I'm not the faith-mechanic, I'm the faith-wrench. I don't get to choose one day to be a "wrench" and another an "impact wrench" or "hammer-drill". Again, my Master chooses how to use me, and what for. I still try to be some sort of dramatic hero, but that's not my role. I'm scenery, set dressing, and props. He is the Star, the Hero.
I was reminded this weekend that I'm not the one making happen what I see needs to happen. I may see what needs to happen, but my role is not the doer, but one of the ones used to do it. But I can't be used in that role if I keep trying to take control and be the one doing. To be used, I have to let go of control. I'm trying. I'm struggling with it, but I'm trying. Oh Master, please help me, and once again, be patient while I wrestle with my selfish ambition. I will bring it to you captive, I will. And I will try to hurry; there's work to be done, and You have a use for me I'm missing.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
What About the Village People?
Now Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. And the land could not sustain them while dwelling together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to remain together. And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. Now the Canaanite and the Perizzite were dwelling then in the land. So Abram said to Lot, "Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers. "Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me; if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left." Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere -- this was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah -- like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar. So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed eastward. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while 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. The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, "Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; for all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever. I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth, so that if anyone can number the dust of the earth, then your descendants can also be numbered. Arise, walk about the land through its length and breadth; for I will give it to you." Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD. (Genesis 13:5-18 NASB)
After returning from Egypt, the extensive amount of grazing required for both Abram and Lot was too much for the around them to support. To solve the strife between the two sets of shepherds, Abram let Lot choose where he would go. Looking about, Lot saw that the areas around the Jordan were more lush than the mountain and hills of Canaan. He chose the Jordan region.
It says that Lot settled among the cities of the "valley", and specifically beside Sodom. It also comments that even then, the men of Sodom were evil and tremendous failures to God. As the chapters progress, it becomes clear that Lot's choice was a very bad one.
Another note is that the Canaanites and the "Perizzites", or villagers, were then in the land too. So, this problem was affecting more than just the herdsmen, flocks, and herds of Abram and Lot. The people who actually lived and worked the land were also affected, even if not involved in the dispute. The villagers of Canaan watched as Lot took his things and headed for the Jordan Valley. They witnessed what would probably not have been the solution reached by the "city-states" around them.
After Lot leaves, God speaks to Abram. Standing on the hills around Beth-El and the "Ruins" God asks him to look around, north, south, east and west. Not only will all this land be his but his offspring will be as numerous as the dust of the land. This is the promise to a man with a barren wife. God then tells him to walk around his future gift to his descendants. He goes from Beth-El to Hebron; or from the middle of Canaan to a hill country mid way between Beth-El and the southern edge of Canaan. There he parks himself in the trees of Mamre. This, along with the Oak of Moreh, become favorite hang outs of Abram. There he builds another altar to God.
Do I consider the people outside my "church" when dealing with things inside it? What I mean by that is do I consider the "others", or just the person I'm dealing with, or just my point of view, or just what this means to my place of worship? Even if I'm not being "selfish", am I being "kingdom minded"? There are great promises of my Master, things He has in His mind to accomplish in my community. He doesn't need me to do them, but if I want to be a part of what He does, I need to accept and submit to His perspective at the cost of my own.
What if I wind up with the lesser options? What if I get less than everyone else? What happens to my family? What happens to my favorite songs, favorite "chair" in the worship center, and my position of respect? What if I loose respect because I took the lower seat at the table, and was left there? Well, as long as I don't loose my relationship with my Master. I'm good with all the rest (or at least I should be).
After returning from Egypt, the extensive amount of grazing required for both Abram and Lot was too much for the around them to support. To solve the strife between the two sets of shepherds, Abram let Lot choose where he would go. Looking about, Lot saw that the areas around the Jordan were more lush than the mountain and hills of Canaan. He chose the Jordan region.
It says that Lot settled among the cities of the "valley", and specifically beside Sodom. It also comments that even then, the men of Sodom were evil and tremendous failures to God. As the chapters progress, it becomes clear that Lot's choice was a very bad one.
Another note is that the Canaanites and the "Perizzites", or villagers, were then in the land too. So, this problem was affecting more than just the herdsmen, flocks, and herds of Abram and Lot. The people who actually lived and worked the land were also affected, even if not involved in the dispute. The villagers of Canaan watched as Lot took his things and headed for the Jordan Valley. They witnessed what would probably not have been the solution reached by the "city-states" around them.
After Lot leaves, God speaks to Abram. Standing on the hills around Beth-El and the "Ruins" God asks him to look around, north, south, east and west. Not only will all this land be his but his offspring will be as numerous as the dust of the land. This is the promise to a man with a barren wife. God then tells him to walk around his future gift to his descendants. He goes from Beth-El to Hebron; or from the middle of Canaan to a hill country mid way between Beth-El and the southern edge of Canaan. There he parks himself in the trees of Mamre. This, along with the Oak of Moreh, become favorite hang outs of Abram. There he builds another altar to God.
Do I consider the people outside my "church" when dealing with things inside it? What I mean by that is do I consider the "others", or just the person I'm dealing with, or just my point of view, or just what this means to my place of worship? Even if I'm not being "selfish", am I being "kingdom minded"? There are great promises of my Master, things He has in His mind to accomplish in my community. He doesn't need me to do them, but if I want to be a part of what He does, I need to accept and submit to His perspective at the cost of my own.
What if I wind up with the lesser options? What if I get less than everyone else? What happens to my family? What happens to my favorite songs, favorite "chair" in the worship center, and my position of respect? What if I loose respect because I took the lower seat at the table, and was left there? Well, as long as I don't loose my relationship with my Master. I'm good with all the rest (or at least I should be).
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