Flee!

In reading through Genesis, I recently looked at the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.  When the angel tells Lot what is about to happen, he tells him to Flee for your lives!  Don't look back and don't stop anywhere in the plain!  Flee for the mountains or you will be swept away. (Gen. 19:17)

In the New Testament we are also told to Flee... what do we flee from? Evil. (see 1 Tim. 1:11 & 2 Tim 2:22) and in Phil. 3:13 Paul says "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..." Similar to the angel telling Lot not to look back but move forward.

Paul is pressing on toward the goal.  The angel urges Lot to do the same. "Do not stop --- flee to the mountains."

But Lot does stop -- he settles for less than what God wants to give him -- less than a full relationship with God -- less than the abundant life He offers. Instead, Lot decides it is too much work .. it requires too much of himself.. so he asks to settle in the town of Zoar not going all the way to the mountains.

I wonder.. do I do this? Do I settle for a small town when God wants me to press on towards the mountain?  Do I not want to work at my spiritual journey -- not give of myself?  and if so, what will be the result?

The angel told Lot "Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away" .. certainly Lot survived that day, but in the end he had grandchildren from incest who became 2 of the most corrupt nations ever -- enemies of God's chosen people who were ultimately destroyed by God (Amos 2:1-3, Eze. 25:1-11).

Consequences -- Legacy -- what we do or don't do today effects others now and in the future. We must Flee the temptations of the world and head for the mountains .. for God.. we want to develop that intimate relationship with Him that He wants with us.. to stand firm on the Promises in His Word.. to be salt and light in this dark world.. and yes, it will require something of us.. more and more as time goes on, I believe. And we may grow tired and weary... or just be lazy... or just be willing to settle for a little God (like being a Sunday morning Christian warming the pew).  We might do ok just getting by, but we will miss out on the blessings God has in store for us and our actions will effect others. So forget what lies behind... flee the trappings of the world... and press on towards the prize!

Lord, May I obey fully and seek Your face -- pursue an intimate relationship with you and the abundant life you have for me.  Help me not to grow weary or lazy -- not to stop short or settle for less -- put to press on toward the prize for which "You have called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."