City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“Then the men said to Lot, ‘Have you anyone else here? Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone you have in the city, bring them out of the place. For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the , and the  has sent us to destroy it.’ So Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, ‘Up! Get out of this place, for the Lord is about to destroy the city.” But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be jesting. As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, ‘Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.’ But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.” 

Genesis 19:12-16 (ESV)

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.”

Matthew 4:18-19 (ESV)

Megan’s Musings

The Amplified Bible says God saved Lot for Abraham’s sake (Genesis 19:16), even though Lot had made many poor choices (Genesis 19:6). Only a really close friend would do that, and God and Abraham were really tight (intercessory prayer works!).  

The future sons-in-law thought Lot was trying to scare them with an “the end is nigh” act. They did not believe Lot’s words, and that he was only joking, because Lot was not a godly man. This may have been the first (and only) occasion he has spoken of the Lord to them. 

Although Lot and his family were warned of the impending destruction in the evening, they were still in town until early morning. At that time, traveling at night was considered dangerous as it was an invitation for robbers, but then again, it couldn’t have been more so than the potential sexual assault of the household and the definite destruction of Sodom. Was it caution of night travel, fear of finding worse dangers out there, or Lot packing his possessions as fast as he could?

In the morning, the angels reminded Lot to hurry up and leave, but he lingered, the CEV version says Lot “just stood there.” Lot was given the divine opportunity to leave a crime-ridden neighborhood and a city that was about to be annihilated, yet he hesitated and had to be dragged away by the angels from a place of death and destruction! Did he like his worldly wealth so much he was willing to die with it? Or was it fear of the unknown, of starting over in a new place (where at least he’d still be alive)? This is an extreme case of comfort zone-itis. It is too easy to get addicted to comfort and comfort zones, but at the expense of one’s family and own life, yikes.  

But what about those who followed God the first time they were called? Who knew what they had to gain far outweighed what they were going to lose? The disciples left their comfort zones and followed Jesus (Matthew 4:18-19, 9:9). They were leaving not just their jobs and families to learn from the Son of God, but also their old lives. They gained priceless lessons and experiences with the Messiah, even witnessing His return to Heaven with His blessing to continue His mission (Matthew 28:19-20). 

Application

It is hard to leave your comfort zone, even if you’re unhappy, or if it’s doing more harm than good. The comfort zone can be addicting, especially in a world where everything changes every day. But sometimes, we have to let go of the old to embrace the new and the better. If we don’t, there’s no room for what’s new and better. Is there something you’re holding on to but isn’t doing any good? Or maybe it is good but there is something even better? Talk to God about it. Pray about it with a trusted Christ-following friend. You’ll gain clarity and know where Jesus is saying, “follow me.”

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me not get addicted to the comfort zone. Hone my senses so I can hear Your Voice. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.