Topical Encyclopedia Procrastination, the act of delaying or postponing tasks, is a theme that can be observed in the biblical narrative of Lot, particularly in the account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot, the nephew of Abraham, is a figure whose actions and decisions provide insight into the consequences of hesitation and delay in the face of divine instruction.Background Lot first appears in the biblical narrative in Genesis 11:27-31, where he is introduced as the son of Haran and the nephew of Abram (later Abraham). He travels with Abram from Ur of the Chaldeans to the land of Canaan. Eventually, due to the increasing size of their flocks and herds, Lot and Abram separate, with Lot choosing to settle in the well-watered plains of the Jordan near the city of Sodom (Genesis 13:10-12). The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah The most significant episode involving Lot and procrastination occurs in Genesis 19. The Lord decides to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sinfulness. Two angels visit Lot in Sodom to warn him of the impending destruction and to urge him to flee the city with his family. Genesis 19:15-16 states: "At daybreak, the angels urged Lot, 'Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.' But when Lot hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them." Lot's hesitation, despite the urgency of the angels' warning, exemplifies procrastination. His delay in leaving Sodom, even when faced with imminent danger, highlights a reluctance to act decisively in response to divine instruction. The angels' intervention, taking Lot and his family by the hand to lead them out, underscores the seriousness of the situation and the necessity of immediate action. Consequences and Reflections Lot's procrastination had significant consequences. While he and his daughters ultimately escaped the destruction, his wife looked back at the city and was turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). This tragic outcome serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of delay and disobedience to God's commands. Furthermore, Lot's choice to settle near Sodom initially, despite its reputation for wickedness, can be seen as an earlier form of procrastination—delaying the decision to distance himself from a sinful environment. This decision ultimately placed him and his family in a perilous situation. The narrative of Lot and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of procrastination, especially in spiritual matters. It emphasizes the importance of prompt obedience to God's directives and the potential consequences of hesitation and delay. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 19:16And while he lingered, the men laid hold on his hand, and on the hand of his wife, and on the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful to him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Ship on Fire --A Voice of Warning David's Dying Song God's Word not to be Refused The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts. The Wailing of Risca The Best of Masters The Analysis One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All Drummond -- the Greatest Thing in the World Watch-Night Service Resources How should a Christian respond to a bad economy? | GotQuestions.orgI overcame _______ sin. How can I avoid a relapse? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about boredom? | GotQuestions.org Lazy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Procrastination: Condemned by Christ Procrastination: Danger of Illustrated Procrastination: General Scriptures Concerning Procrastination: Motives for Avoiding: The Present the Accepted Time Procrastination: Motives for Avoiding: The Present the Best Time Procrastination: Motives for Avoiding: The Uncertainty of Life Procrastination: To be Avoided in Glorifying God Procrastination: To be Avoided in Hearkening to God Procrastination: To be Avoided in Keeping God's Commandments Procrastination: To be Avoided in Making offerings to God Procrastination: To be Avoided in Performance of Vows Procrastination: To be Avoided in Seeking God Related Terms |
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