Abraham, father of the Jews started off in an ungodly city called Ur. God spoke to him telling him to leave for a new land of promise. Abraham obeyed, taking his nephew Lot. They grew very wealthy together, finally separating because of their many flocks and herds of cattle (Genesis 13).
Abraham let Lot choose his location first… “Lot settled in the cities of the vicinity of the Jordan, and moved his tents as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked sinners against the LORD.” Genesis 13:12-13
Peter writes that Lot was undone by the actions around him. This makes me wonder why He chose to stay in that horrible city? Why didn’t he just leave? Eventually things became so bad that God destroyed the whole place!
“But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day. 2 Peter 2:7-8 NLT
When I hear about wicked behavior in our world, my heart grieves too. Yet where else can I go? I think Lot had the same problem – sin was everywhere. Jesus knew this world would be a challenge for His followers, so He prayed for us:
(Father),” I’m not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They don’t belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your Word, which is truth. Just as You sent Me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give Myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by Your truth.” John 17:15-19 NLT
I don’t have to leave earth, Jesus stated He sent me in… I only need remember I don’t actually belong to the system here. This is not my home. He made me holy by His sacrifice and God’s truth – which His scripture. I can stay anywhere on earth protected and safe, as a light to the path of reconciliation.
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for ALL who will EVER believe in Me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one—as You are in Me, Father, and I am in You. And may they be in us so that the world will believe You sent Me. I have given them the glory (!) You gave Me, so they may be one as We are one. I am in them and You are in Me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me. Father, I want these whom You have given Me to be with Me where I am. Then they can see ALL the glory You gave Me because You loved Me even before the world began!” John 17:20-24
Incredible what He offers.
ForGlorySake! – Anna
