How should believers respond when witnessing God's miraculous protection today? Scripture Focus: Genesis 19:11 “And they struck the men at the entrance of the house, young and old, with blindness, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the door.” Observations: What Happened in Lot’s Doorway • Two angels—appearing as men—shielded Lot and his family from a violent mob. • The judgment was sudden, decisive, and precisely targeted. • The attackers were rendered powerless; the righteous were preserved. • The miracle bought time for Lot to heed the angels’ warning and flee. Recognizing God’s Protective Nature Throughout Scripture • Exodus 14:19-20 — the pillar of cloud moves between Israel and Egypt. • Psalm 34:7 — “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.” • 2 Kings 6:17 — Elisha’s servant sees chariots of fire surrounding them. • Daniel 6:22 — “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths.” • Acts 12:7 — an angel frees Peter from prison chains. Consistent thread: when God’s purpose demands it, He intervenes supernaturally to protect His own. Responding with Heartfelt Worship • Fall on our faces in reverent awe (Psalm 95:6). • Confess aloud that deliverance belongs to the LORD (Psalm 3:8). • Sing songs that recount the specific act of protection (Exodus 15:1). Responding with Bold Testimony • Declare “Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me” (Psalm 66:16). • Share factual details, giving God—not coincidence—the credit (Acts 4:20). • Encourage fellow believers’ faith (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Offer the story to unbelievers as evidence of a living God (John 20:31). Responding with Deeper Trust and Obedience • Allow the miracle to silence future anxiety (Matthew 6:25-34). • Submit the next step of life’s journey to His direction (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Resist the temptation to retreat into self-reliance. • Embrace prompt obedience, as Lot finally did when he fled (Genesis 19:15-16). Responding with Humble Gratitude • Thank Him immediately (Luke 17:15-16). • Chronicle the event in a journal or family “memorial” (Joshua 4:7). • Give financially or serve others in acknowledgement of His mercy (2 Corinthians 9:11-12). Responding with Renewed Vigilance Against Sin • Miraculous protection is not license for spiritual laxity; it is incentive to holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Lot’s deliverance was paired with God’s judgment on Sodom—sobering reminder of sin’s cost. • Examine habits and relationships that flirt with compromise (2 Corinthians 7:1). Responding with Intercession for Others • Pray for those still in danger—physically or spiritually (1 Timothy 2:1). • Ask God to open their eyes before judgment falls, as Abraham pleaded for Sodom (Genesis 18:23-32). • Stand “in the gap” like Moses for Israel (Exodus 32:11-14). Living in Ongoing Expectation of His Safekeeping • Anticipate further displays of His guardianship without presumption (Psalm 121). • Ready our hearts to move when He says move, as Lot had to flee instantly (Genesis 19:17). • Recognize that ultimate protection is eternal—secured in Christ (John 10:28-29). |
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