How does Genesis 19:9 illustrate the rejection of God's messengers by society? Setting the scene Genesis 19:9a: “Get out of the way!” they replied. “This fellow came here as a foreigner…” (They go on to accuse Lot of judging them and threaten worse violence before forcing the door.) What happens in the verse • The mob refuses even basic courtesy—“Get out of the way!” • They ridicule Lot’s outsider status—“this fellow came here as a foreigner.” • They resent moral confrontation—“now he wants to play the judge!” • They escalate to violence, determined to break down the door. Key marks of rejecting God’s messengers • Contempt: scoffing at the messenger’s authority or background. • Accusation: twisting a warning into “You’re judging us.” • Threat: shifting from words to intimidation or force. • Persistence in sin: preferring evil to correction, even when destruction is imminent. A pattern repeated throughout Scripture • 1 Samuel 8:7 – “They have not rejected you, but Me as their king.” • Jeremiah 25:4 – prophets “have risen early and spoken, but you have not listened.” • John 1:11 – “He came to His own, but His own did not receive Him.” • Acts 7:52 – “Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?” • 2 Peter 2:7-8 – Lot “tormented in his righteous soul” by lawless deeds around him. Why society pushes God’s messengers away • God’s truth exposes darkness (John 3:19). • Pride resents any external standard (Proverbs 21:24). • Sin loves company; repentance feels like loss (Romans 1:32). • Spiritual blindness—“the god of this age has blinded” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Lessons for today • Expect resistance when standing for truth; it is nothing new. • Opposition often starts with ridicule and ends with coercion—stay watchful. • Faithfulness matters more than popularity; God vindicates His servants (Galatians 1:10). • Keep speaking with clarity and compassion; some will still be rescued (Jude 22-23). Encouragement for faithful messengers • Matthew 5:11-12 – rejoice when reviled; great is the reward in heaven. • 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “be steadfast… your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” |
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