Genesis 19:1-3 NLT, ‘That evening the two angels came to the entrance of the city of Sodom. Lot was sitting there, and when he saw them, he stood up to meet them. Then he welcomed them and bowed with his face to the ground. “My lords,” he said, “come to my home to wash your feet, and be my guests for the night. You may then get up early in the morning and be on your way again.” “Oh no,” they replied. “We’ll just spend the night out here in the city square.” But Lot insisted, so at last they went home with him. Lot prepared a feast for them, complete with fresh bread made without yeast, and they ate.’
Hello Readers!
Today we begin our new series 'Men & Angels'. It is a study of Genesis 19. We get a glimpse of how angels interact with men. We hope you enjoy this series.
Lot was the gatekeeper. As gatekeeper, he protected the community. But, he was also an intercessor who prayed for the protection of the city and its citizens. He allowed two men entrance into Sodom that he identified as safe.
Bowing, he recognized their superiority in status and obviously had the revelation they were not ordinary men. First, they were traveling by foot in the hot desert and showed up at the city gates. Second, he called them ‘my lords’ a title that was used in place of Yahweh (1).
Abraham had taught Lot well. The first order of business was to invite them to his home so they can wash their feet, a practice of respect and hospitality.
Then, Lot offered his home as lodging for his guests to stay overnight. He was insistent so he could protect them from any harm and provide them with all the accommodations they would need. When morning arrived, they would be rested and refreshed to continue their journey.
At first, they refused because this was not a social visit, but a business trip. Unknown to Lot, they were there to collect information on the spiritual and moral condition of the people and the ideal spot to observe them would be the town square.
I don’t know about where you come from, but where I grew up ‘the square’ changed personalities depending on the time of day. Before malls became popular, you did all of your shopping downtown and smack in the middle of it was the town square. In the daytime, it was very safe for everyone to catch the bus, shop, watch a movie, eat at a deli, attend all kinds of festivals or just take a stroll. However, at night, the bars were open, the hookers would solicit, and the drug dealers sold their dope. It would not be unusual to read a headline about a robbery, a mugging, or an occasional murder that happened during the wee hours of the morning because of a botched drug deal, etc...
Lot’s sincere concern for the angel's safety caused them to realize they needed to accept his offer not for themselves, but for Lot and his family. As angels, they were very capable of self defense. But, if they would be harmed at the city square, judgment would take place immediately. Lot would have been deprived of the opportunity to warn family members outside his home of the city’s impending doom. Their business was not only to record the level of depravity practiced by the citizens, but also to preserve Lot and his family.
So, the angels were warmly welcomed into Lot’s home and were fed a feast much like the one Abraham prepared in Genesis 18 (Stay A While). To show their appreciation and respect, the angels ate the food set before them. Also noted is the fact that unleavened bread was part of the meal. Symbolism is always important. Unleavened bread was baked when one packed for a journey that is made in a hurry. Also, leaven was a symbol for sin and Lot and his family were found righteous and did not practice the lifestyle of the Sodomites.
What is the lesson here?
God responded to Lot’s prayers for his city by sending angels to check if his information concerning Sodom was accurate.
God responded to Abraham’s prayers to preserve the righteous (Lot) by sending His angels to protect him and his family.
Angels are heavenly soldiers in the army of God, they are dispatched on specific assignments, and carry out His will. The Bible records four thousand years of human history and angels are documented performing distinct missions throughout this entire time span. In order for us to accept the help God sends us, we must realize that His angels exist, and they are sent by God to do His bidding on our behalf.
Pray It:
Father, I realize that You know what must be done in every situation that I present to You. I thank You for heavenly help. I thank You for sending Your angels on my behalf and for the ones I present to You in prayer. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Say It:
God sends His angels when I pray to Him.
God’s angels are dispatched on my behalf.
God sends His angels to preserve those I present to Him in prayer.
Do It:
Memorize Psalm 91.
Today we begin our new series 'Men & Angels'. It is a study of Genesis 19. We get a glimpse of how angels interact with men. We hope you enjoy this series.
Lot was the gatekeeper. As gatekeeper, he protected the community. But, he was also an intercessor who prayed for the protection of the city and its citizens. He allowed two men entrance into Sodom that he identified as safe.
Bowing, he recognized their superiority in status and obviously had the revelation they were not ordinary men. First, they were traveling by foot in the hot desert and showed up at the city gates. Second, he called them ‘my lords’ a title that was used in place of Yahweh (1).
Abraham had taught Lot well. The first order of business was to invite them to his home so they can wash their feet, a practice of respect and hospitality.
Then, Lot offered his home as lodging for his guests to stay overnight. He was insistent so he could protect them from any harm and provide them with all the accommodations they would need. When morning arrived, they would be rested and refreshed to continue their journey.
At first, they refused because this was not a social visit, but a business trip. Unknown to Lot, they were there to collect information on the spiritual and moral condition of the people and the ideal spot to observe them would be the town square.
I don’t know about where you come from, but where I grew up ‘the square’ changed personalities depending on the time of day. Before malls became popular, you did all of your shopping downtown and smack in the middle of it was the town square. In the daytime, it was very safe for everyone to catch the bus, shop, watch a movie, eat at a deli, attend all kinds of festivals or just take a stroll. However, at night, the bars were open, the hookers would solicit, and the drug dealers sold their dope. It would not be unusual to read a headline about a robbery, a mugging, or an occasional murder that happened during the wee hours of the morning because of a botched drug deal, etc...
Lot’s sincere concern for the angel's safety caused them to realize they needed to accept his offer not for themselves, but for Lot and his family. As angels, they were very capable of self defense. But, if they would be harmed at the city square, judgment would take place immediately. Lot would have been deprived of the opportunity to warn family members outside his home of the city’s impending doom. Their business was not only to record the level of depravity practiced by the citizens, but also to preserve Lot and his family.
So, the angels were warmly welcomed into Lot’s home and were fed a feast much like the one Abraham prepared in Genesis 18 (Stay A While). To show their appreciation and respect, the angels ate the food set before them. Also noted is the fact that unleavened bread was part of the meal. Symbolism is always important. Unleavened bread was baked when one packed for a journey that is made in a hurry. Also, leaven was a symbol for sin and Lot and his family were found righteous and did not practice the lifestyle of the Sodomites.
What is the lesson here?
God responded to Lot’s prayers for his city by sending angels to check if his information concerning Sodom was accurate.
God responded to Abraham’s prayers to preserve the righteous (Lot) by sending His angels to protect him and his family.
Angels are heavenly soldiers in the army of God, they are dispatched on specific assignments, and carry out His will. The Bible records four thousand years of human history and angels are documented performing distinct missions throughout this entire time span. In order for us to accept the help God sends us, we must realize that His angels exist, and they are sent by God to do His bidding on our behalf.
Pray It:
Father, I realize that You know what must be done in every situation that I present to You. I thank You for heavenly help. I thank You for sending Your angels on my behalf and for the ones I present to You in prayer. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Say It:
God sends His angels when I pray to Him.
God’s angels are dispatched on my behalf.
God sends His angels to preserve those I present to Him in prayer.
Do It:
Memorize Psalm 91.
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References:
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H136&t=NLT
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H136&t=NLT
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