relationships (Genesis 19:30-38) Getting and Giving Guidance

 (Genesis 19:30-38)  Lot went up from Zoar, and stayed in the mountains, and his two daughters with him; for he was afraid to stay in Zoar; and he stayed in a cave, he and his two daughters. 31 Then the firstborn said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is not a man on earth to come in to us after the manner of the earth. 32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and let us lie with him that we may preserve our family through our father.” 33 So they made their father drink wine that night, and the firstborn went in and lay with her father; and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. 34 On the following day, the firstborn said to the younger, “Behold, I lay last night with my father; let us make him drink wine tonight also; then you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve our family through our father.” 35 So they made their father drink wine that night also, and the younger arose and lay with him; and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. 36 Thus both the daughters of Lot were with child by their father. 37 The firstborn bore a son, and called his name Moab; he is the father of the Moabites to this day. 38 As for the younger, she also bore a son, and called his name Ben-ammi; he is the father of the sons of Ammon to this day.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Obviously, the daughters' plan was a bad one.  Even though the Bible itself doesn't make a statement on it in these verses, we know from other Bible verses that incest is wrong.  As well, from other verses in the Bible, we know that getting drunk is wrong.  But (at least twice in a row), Lot allowed himself to get passed-out-drunk.  This may have even been habitual for him, perhaps in efforts of trying to escape.  But trying to drown one's sorrows with any substance abuse will only create more sorrows.  If there are any sort of emotional issues, this will only amplify them.  Now, with so many things, one should ask about the underlying issues creating these temptations and eliciting this thinking and behavior.

Let's consider what all led up to this.  Lot grew up with Abraham, probably because his parents died, or - maybe - the parents were alcoholics and incapable of caring for him.  We don't know, but it is not outside the realm of possibilities.  So, he grew up not having his parents in his life, but he saw Abraham being blessed in his faith and walk with God.  When Lot moved away to Sodom, he found himself in a war zone and was taken captive, but he saw Abraham come to his rescue.  Now, he saw his home destroyed, along with his wife and most of his family, but he and his daughters were rescued by God's angels.  

This should have prompted Lot to consider how great it would be to be spiritually rescued by God Himself!  In the Lord's salvation there is purpose, joy, hope and strength.  But if only looking at the negatives, one can fall into a depression quite easily.  And we're not told why Lot was afraid to live in the city of Zoar.  Maybe he had survivor's guilt.  Or maybe he started thinking that he was just that unlucky that God would probably eventually destroy that city as well.  Or maybe he struggled with some level of anxiety, agoraphobia, or post-traumatic stress disorder.  Whatever the case, Lot chose to live in isolation with his daughters.  

This is not healthy for anyone!  Certainly, this was not healthy for him or his daughters.  Somehow, the daughters believed that there were no other people left on the earth!   Lot had not given his daughters any guidance or hope at all.  Did he even speak with them?  He could have told them about his uncle Abraham so that the girls could have encouraged him to move to another location at some point.  But as parents, we should not just leave them to fend for themselves.  If there are any legitimate health issues that prevent you from giving guidance to your children, get help!  And for everyone, seek out the Lord and walk with Him.  God loves and cares for us more than anyone ever could.  His guidance is healthy, right and good!