This fellow came to sojourn, and he has become the judge.
-from Genesis 19:9-
For as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard;
-2 Peter 2:8
You know, some people might read Genesis 19:9 and be tempted to think that the people of Sodom were disdaining Lot, and that is true.
But that is not the whole story.
Peter calls Lot righteous, despite the incest and the rest of the story.
And the thought I have here, is that if Lot was righteous, and the only righteous leader of the only righteous family in town, it is possible that, even though he was not appointed by the townspeople to lead, he did, as a result of his righteousness above everyone else in the town, carried the spiritual clout or authority to affect the ultimate fate of the city, and that his words were recognized as having greater authority.
This situation may have something to do with Lot’s Redemptive Gift.
It certainly has much to do with Lot’s executed righteousness and his willingness to do righteously.
Lot’s Redemptive Gift, Mercy, is KNOWN, not for breaking things, but rather for creating, shifting, aligning, realigning, and moving flow of situations. That flow change and movement is definitely felt when a Mercy moves. It is also accomplished in a very non-confrontational fashion, usually. There is a glide and shift type of dynamic, more than a beat-and-break dynamic akin to the Prophet.
It is possible that in his dealings with his uncle, he watched and learned some things from those interactions with Adonai. And it is further possible that he brought that conviction to bear on at least some of his doings in the city.
In light of Peter’s words, I don’t think, “ooohhh, Lot, wicked sinner.”
Not at all.
Rather, Lot doing what he was designed to do and what he was given to do. Attempting to be salt of the earth and light in a dark place. Even he could have been used of G-d to do some things in that city.
Lot, given an assignment, and hearing th voice of the L-rd, regardless of what we next.
Consider that G-d may use someone who is unrighteous in your eyes, but relative to his or her context, is righteous and the righteousness of G-d in a place.
Consider that belief (inclusive of hearing and doing what one hears to do) in G-d is considered as a solid metric for righteousness.
Consider the greater redemptive picture and Father’s broader perspective as you read.
Thoughts?