- Genesis 18:20 Then the LORD said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave…
The sins of Sodom and Gomorrah caused the oppressed to cry out. God heard their cries. What then was the great sin that caused such outcry? While homosexual activity was certainly a great sin in the land, and while the Bible in numerous places condemns such sins, this was not THE sin of Sodom:
- Ezekiel 16:49 Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.
The NIV puts it this way: the Sodomites were arrogant, overfed, and unconcerned.
We are therefore, as modern Americans, no strangers to biblical ‘Sodomy’ in many respects. Are you prideful? Are you gluttonous? Are you primarily concerned with yourself? Do you neglect the care of the poor and needy? Then you are no different than the Sodomites.
Your house is stocked with goods. Your refrigerator is stocked with food. Your soul is stocked with pride and self-concern. Your hands are full and you refuse to open them up to those in need. This is the description of a Sodomite. Is it not the description of us as well?
What then keeps God from judging us, and judging us catastrophically? What is keeping the hellfire and brimstone from raining down? We have an Intercessor who is greater than Abraham, and God is showing mercy to the many on account of One who is righteous.
Does God grant us mercy because there are 10 righteous here (while there weren’t so many in Sodom)? No, he shows us mercy on account of the only One who is truly righteous.
Is Jesus Christ your Mediator? Is he your Representative? If not, be prepared for wrath:
- 2 Peter 2:6 if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly…
Repent of your pride, materialism, gluttony, and self-concern. Open up your hands to the needy. Open up your hands to the One who can fulfill your great need of forgiveness from, and reconciliation unto, God.
- Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling. Naked come to Thee for dress, helpless look to Thee for grace. Foul, I to the fountain fly. Wash me Savior or I die!
What a great article, just read it aloud to some friends. Thanks buddy. – Bryan (If you e ver make your way down to the coast, drop me a line!)