Have you ever considered taking time to pray about heeding God’s warning so that when it comes, you will obey the Lord? Warnings, like temptations, often arrive when we least expect them, and our ability to follow can have serious ramifications. In life, frequent signs are warning us of danger, such as “High Water: Turn Around” or “Do Not Enter.”
The problem is that the road ahead is so alluring that we begin to justify in our hearts why we are going in that direction. We know the flashing light ahead is trying to detour us, but we press on, thinking that sign doesn’t apply to us. Does this picture sound familiar? It could be an affair outside of marriage or lying because it is convenient. We ignore God by taking a shortcut on a work project or other intentional sin.
Angels Warn Lot of the Coming Destruction
Lot, the nephew of Abraham, moved near Sodom because of the area’s rich grazing land for his flocks and fields. As time passed, he settled in the sinful city of Sodom as he traveled down the broad road of the world. The Lord told Abraham that He was going to destroy Sodom because of its wickedness, leading Abraham to intercede for the righteous in the city. In His mercy, God sent two angels to warn Lot.
Genesis 19:12 Meanwhile, the angels questioned Lot. “Do you have any other relatives here in the city?” they asked. “Get them out of this place—your sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone else. 13 For we are about to destroy this city completely. The outcry against this place is so great it has reached the Lord, and he has sent us to destroy it.” 14 So Lot rushed out to tell his daughters’ fiancés, “Quick, get out of the city! The Lord is about to destroy it.” But the young men thought he was only joking. [1]
Sadly, Lot’s compromised lifestyle led his future sons-in-law to disbelieve him, resulting in their destruction.
God Warns Us Because He Loves Us!
Do you remember your parents telling you not to touch the hot stove? I do! God is similar in many ways. In His boundless mercy and grace, He lovingly warns and guides us, helping us avoid harmful choices and the negative consequences that can follow.
It’s not just about avoiding punishment; it’s about embracing the wonderful blessings and deep fulfillment that come from walking in God’s will. We must remain open to God’s guidance every day. This involves facing difficult choices and adjusting our plans to align with His will, and we can do so with God’s strength.
The Psalmist knew this and wrote a song about it. Psalm 37:23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. [2]
To learn more about heeding God’s warning, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/divine-judgment-and-human-choices
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ge 19:12–14). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ps 37:23–24). Tyndale House Publishers.