Genesis 19:30-38
Reflect
After a traumatic experience and deep loss, Lot responds in fear by choosing an isolated and hidden life for himself and his two daughters. While God’s deliverance is clearly seen earlier in the chapter, there appears to be no expectation from Lot or his daughters that God will also provide and sustain them in their new circumstances. We see fear at work again when Lot’s daughters’ choose to engage in incest in order to fulfil the cultural expectations that women need to bear children and continue the family line.
Perhaps this feels like a rather extreme and unlikely story in our time. However, we can observe at least two points of connection in verses 30 and 31. When catastrophe and trauma occur, what is our normal human response? Almost always fear and self-protection. In the customs and expectations of the world around us, even good expectations, what happens if we are unable to fulfil them? We may idolize those expectations and even be willing to take unethical, sinful actions to achieve them.
Take some time to reflect with Holy Spirit if there has been or currently is an area where fear and self-protection, rather than trust in God, is at work in your life. Is there a worldly expectation that is creating anxiety and idolization in your life? Reflect on 1 Peter 5:7.
Pastor Melissa
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth and Worship Pastor and Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Associate.
- Pray for our Hospitality Coordinator, Irene Dickau.