Printable verison:
The cities represent worldliness and works/actions of the flesh/world. Walking by sight, not of faith. Remember that even though you live in the countryside, which we should, you can easily invite the world and the city-life into your home, or rather into your soul, by beholding the things of the world on your cell-phone or the computer. Remember that we have choices to make also with regard to what capture our minds and hearts individually, by what we spend our time on when we are online. It is not only the immoral corruption and worldliness, but too much noise, noisy environment and chaos is also something we should guard ourselves against also online. We can use media and social media to the glory of God and His education, or the entertainment and education of the world and of Satan. Even though you live in the country-side, you can also get too hooked on the things representing the created, rather than God, the creator. God and His kingdom represent first and foremost the unseen, the everlasting, the heavenly, the deeper, the spiritual, that which is of faith. Creation which comes in second place in terms of priority, is the physical, the literal, the apparent, the external, the shallower, the natural, to walk by sight and not of faith. They are not necessarily evil by themselves, but if you focus too much on them and make them first priority (this also include eating, even if it is vegan, drinking, even if it is plain water, planting, building, marrying….as in the times of Noah). To make it the main pre-occupation is what is wrong, not necessarily the activities in themselves. Too entertained by this world, this life, that we forget about the heavenly, the spiritual, God. Our priority should be 1. God (Creator) 2. Creation. “The Coming of the Kingdom …People were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. It was the same in the days of Lot: People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.…" - Luke 17:27-29 --- Ellen G. White states in: BEGINNING OF THE END, PAGE 72-74 "Again the command was given to hurry, for the fiery storm would be delayed only a little longer. But one of the fugitives took a look backward to the doomed city, and she became a monument of God’s judgment. If Lot himself had earnestly fled toward the mountains without one word of objection, his wife would have made her escape also. His example would have saved her from the sin that sealed her doom, but his reluctance caused her to regard the divine warning lightly. While her body was on the plain, her heart clung to Sodom, and she perished with it. She rebelled against God because His judgments involved her possessions and children in the ruin. She felt that God had dealt severely with her in requiring that the wealth that had taken years to accumulate be left to destruction. Instead of thankfully accepting deliverance, she looked back presumptuously, longing for the way of life of those who rejected the divine warning.
There are Christians who say, “I don’t want to be saved unless my companion and children are saved.” They feel heaven would not be heaven without the presence of those who are so dear. But have those who cherish this feeling forgotten that they are bound by the strongest ties of love and loyalty to their Creator and Redeemer? Because our friends reject the Savior’s love, shall we also turn away? Christ has paid an infinite price for our salvation, and no one who appreciates its value will despise God’s mercy because others choose to do so. The fact that others ignore His claims should spur us on to be more diligent, that we may honor God and lead all whom we can to accept His love.
Sodom Destroyed
“The sun had risen upon the earth when Lot entered Zoar.” The bright rays of morning seemed to promise only prosperity and peace to the cities of the plain. The stir of active life began in the streets; people were going their various ways, intent on the business or pleasure of the day. The sons-in-law of Lot were making fun of the fears and warnings of the weak-minded old man.
Suddenly and unexpectedly as thunder from a cloudless sky, the storm broke. The Lord rained brimstone and fire on the cities and the plain. Palaces and temples, costly homes, gardens, vineyards, and the pleasure-seeking crowds that only the night before had insulted the messengers of heaven—all were consumed. The smoke went up like a great furnace. The lovely Valley of Siddim became a place never to be built up or inhabited—a witness to all generations that God’s judgments on transgression are certain.
There are greater sins than those for which Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. People who hear the gospel invitation calling to repentance, and pay no attention, are more guilty than the dwellers in the Valley of Siddim. The fate of Sodom is a solemn warning, not merely to those guilty of defiant sin, but to all who do not take seriously their Heaven-sent light and privileges.
The Savior watches for a response to His offers of love and forgiveness with more tender compassion than that which moves the heart of an earthly parent to forgive a wayward child.
“Return to Me, and I will return to you” (Malachi 3:7). But anyone who persistently refuses that tender love will finally be left in darkness. The heart that has disrespectfully ignored God’s mercy for a long time becomes hardened in sin, no longer able to respond to the influence of the grace of God. It will be more tolerable in the day of judgment for the cities of the plain than for those who have known the love of Christ and yet have turned away to the pleasure of sin. In the books of heaven God keeps a record of the sins of nations, of families, of individuals. Calls to repentance, offers of pardon may be given; yet a time will come when the account will be full. The individual’s decision has been made, and by his or her own choice, that person’s destiny has been fixed. Then the signal will be given for judgment to be carried out.
Another Sodom
In the religious world today God’s mercy has been taken for granted and treated lightly. Many people try to invalidate the law by “teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). Skepticism prevails in many churches, not skepticism in its broadest sense—an open denial of the Bible—but a skepticism undermining faith in the Bible as a revelation from God. Genuine devotion to God has been replaced by hollow formalism and as a result apostasy and immorality prevail. Christ declared, “As it was also in the days of Lot ... Even so will it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed” (Luke 17:28, 30).
The world is quickly becoming ready for destruction.
Our Savior said, “Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth”—all whose interests are centered in this world. “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:34-36).
Before the destruction of Sodom, God sent a message to Lot, “Escape for your life!” The same voice of warning was heard before the destruction of Jerusalem: “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its destruction is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (Luke 21:20, 21).
Rather than delay, they must quickly take the opportunity to escape. There was a coming out, a decided separation from the wicked, an escape for life. So it was in the days of Noah, Lot, and with the disciples before the destruction of Jerusalem, and so it will be in the last days. Again the voice of God is heard, calling His people to separate from the widespread wickedness.
The corruption and apostasy of the last days were presented to the prophet John in the vision of Babylon, “that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth” (Revelation 17:18). Before its destruction the call from heaven is to be given, “Come out of her, My people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). Just as in the days of Noah and Lot, there must be no compromise between God and the world, no turning back to get earthly treasures (see Matthew 6:24).
People are dreaming of prosperity and peace. Many people exclaim, “Peace and safety,” while Heaven declares that swift destruction is about to come on the transgressor. On the night before their destruction, the cities of the plain rioted in pleasure and laughed at the warnings of the messenger of God, but that very night the door of mercy was forever closed to the careless inhabitants of Sodom. God will not always be mocked.
The great majority of the world will reject God’s mercy and will be overwhelmed in swift and final ruin. But those who hear and obey the warning will dwell “in the secret place of the Most High,” and “abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). CHRIST’S OBJECT LESSONS, PAGE 53
“And pleasures of this life.” There is danger in amusement that is sought merely for self-gratification. All habits of indulgence that weaken the physical powers, that becloud the mind, or that benumb the spiritual perceptions, are “fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” 1 Peter 2:11.
“And the lusts of other things.” These are not necessarily things sinful in themselves, but something that is made first instead of the kingdom of God. Whatever attracts the mind from God, whatever draws the affections away from Christ, is an enemy to the soul.
*****
When the mind is youthful and vigorous and susceptible of rapid development, there is great temptation to be ambitious for self, to serve self. If worldly schemes are successful, there is an inclination to continue in a line that deadens conscience, and prevents a correct estimate as to what constitutes real excellence of character. When circumstances favor this development, growth will be seen in a direction prohibited by the word of God.
In this formative period of their children's life, the responsibility of parents is very great. It should be their study to surround the youth with right influences, influences that will give them correct views of life and its true success. Instead of this, how many parents make it their first object to secure for their children worldly prosperity. All their associations are chosen with reference to this object. Many parents make their home in some large city, and introduce their children into fashionable society. They surround them with influences that encourage worldliness and pride. In this atmosphere the mind and soul are dwarfed.
The high and noble aims of life are lost sight of. The privilege of being sons of God, heirs of eternity, is bartered for worldly gain.
First priority according to Ellen G. White:
"Our first work is with our own hearts. The true principles of reform should be practiced. The heart must be converted and sanctified else we have no connection with Christ. While our hearts are divided, we shall never, never be fitted for usefulness in this life or for the future life. As intelligent beings, we need to sit down and think whether we are really seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The very best thing we can do is to think soberly and candidly whether we desire to put forth the effort necessary to obtain the Christian hope and secure the Christian's heaven. If through the grace of Christ we decide that we do, the next question is: What is there that I must cut away from my life in order that I shall not stumble?—Manuscript 14, February 9, 1898, “Like Unto Leaven.” RADIANT RELIGION, PAGE 16
The Law of God, January 14
I delight in the law of God after the inward man. Romans 7:22.
The psalmist declares of the good man, “His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” He refers to his own experience, and exclaims, “Oh, how love I Thy law! It is my meditation all the day.” “Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that
might meditate in Thy word.”—Testimonies for the Church 4:526
"Character development We have characters to form here. God will test us and prove us by placing us in positions to develop the most enduring strength, purity, and nobility of soul, with perfect patience on our part, and entire trust in a crucified Saviour. We shall meet with reverses, affliction, and severe trials, for these are God's tests. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver and purge His people as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness.
The cross of Christ is all covered with reproach and stigma, yet it is the hope of life and exaltation to man. No one can comprehend the mystery of godliness so long as he is ashamed to bear the cross of Christ. None will be able to discern and appreciate the blessings which Christ has purchased for man at infinite cost to Himself, unless they are willing to joyfully sacrifice earthly treasures that they may become His followers. Every self-denial and sacrifice made for Christ enriches the giver, and every suffering and reproach endured for His dear name increases the final joy and immortal reward in the kingdom of glory.". - Confrontation page 93.
----------
Fleeing from the city to the mountains, means not only moving physically to the countryside, but even more so fleeing mentally and spiritually to the Rock, which is Jesus Christ and what He represents; His kingdom.
Comments