“A Pile of Ashes”

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

BIBLE READING: Genesis 18-19

“Then the LORD said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.”” (Genesis 18.20-21)

God’s wrath on Sodom and Gomorrah was swift and total. But this wasn’t a knee jerk reaction. We’re not told how long God endured their wickedness, but it is telling that he came “down” to see what they were up to (Genesis 18.21). It’s not as though God didn’t know, but in his mercy, he allowed opportunity for them to change. He even entertained Abraham’s intercession on their behalf, as Abraham optimistically “negotiated” for God to spare them (Genesis 18.22-33). But the righteous were few and their sins were too great. Before the morning was over, they were a pile of ashes on the earth (Genesis 19.27).

As Peter reminds us, this episode has significant implications for our faith.

“…if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes [God] condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.” (2 Peter 2.6-10a)

1. It serves as witness to God’s coming judgment. Multiple times in this letter, Peter reminded believers, “God is not slow to fulfil his promise, as some count slowness” (2 Peter 3.9), and that his previous acts of judgment remind us he can and will do it again (2 Peter 2.9; 3.5-7). God sees the wickedness in the world, and he will deal with it. His actions may take longer than we expect, leaving some to question, doubt or scoff at God (2 Peter 3.4). We must not be so foolish. Judgment day will come.

2. God knows how to save the righteous. Although God did not find 10 righteous (Genesis 18.32), he did find one, whom he saved from destruction, even forcing him to leave the city (Genesis 19.16). It was by his mercy towards Lot and his commitment to Abraham that God saved Lot’s family (Genesis 19.16, 29; 2 Peter 2.7-8). God is always working in the best interest of the righteous (Psalm 34.15-17, 37.39; Romans 8.28). The country and culture may be deteriorating morally and spiritually around us, but God has promised to save those who are waiting for his appearance (2 Peter 3.11-13; 2 Timothy 4.7-8). We must be diligent to be found in him, as people separate from this world.

Stories like this are the foundation upon which we can trust God. He does what he says he will do. So, we must consider what sort of people we will be (2 Peter 3.11). The Lord knows those who are his and he will come back for them.

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