JUNE 29, 2015
Rescuing the
Reluctant
Read:
Genesis
19:12-25
The
men took hold of his hand, . . . the Lord being merciful to him, and they . . .
set him outside the city. —Genesis 19:16
Many years ago during
a water safety class, we were taught how to save a drowning person who is
resisting rescue. “Approach the person from behind,” the instructor told us.
“Place one arm across the person’s chest and flailing arms, and swim toward
safety. If you approach from the front, the person may grab you and pull both
of you down.” Panic and fear can paralyze the ability to think and act wisely.
When two angels sent
by God came to rescue Lot and his family from the impending destruction of the
cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:12-13), they encountered resistance.
Lot’s sons-in-law thought the warning was a joke (v. 14). When the angels told
Lot to hurry and leave, he hesitated (v. 15). At that point, the two angels
“took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters,”
and led them safely out of the city because God was merciful toward them (v.
16).
When we reflect on our
journey of faith in Christ, we can see God’s faithfulness in overcoming our
reluctance and resistance. When we encounter people lashing out in spiritual
desperation and fear, may we have God’s wisdom to show His love to them—and to
every person who is reluctant to be rescued by Him.
Father, as I look at
my own heart, I know I have resisted You and have been reluctant at times to
come to You. Thank You for Your mercy. Help me to share with others who You
are.
God’s
mercy can overcome our resistance.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2015