THE DEATH OF ABRAHAM

Scripture to be read- Genesis 25:7 - 10.

Verse to be learned: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints" (Psalm 116:16).

Death has finally come to Abraham, he was a white-haired old man, one hundred and seventy-five years old. He had lived a full life, lived to a good old age. This had been promised him by God and the promise was faithfully carried out (Genesis 15:15). He had lived long enough to see Isaac's twin sons Esau and Jacob who were fifteen years old when Abraham died. We know that when he died he went to Paradise for hundreds of years later the rich man who died saw Abraham and Lazarus the beggar.

He asked Abraham to send Lazarus to the earth to warn his unsaved brothers for he knew they would also be lost unless they were warned. Read the story proving that Abraham was in Paradise (the home of the redeemed before the resurrection of our Lord Jesus). (Luke 16:19 -31). When born again believers dies in this age they go at once to Heaven.

We are told that Abraham was "gathered to his people.”

May I tell you what this means? It means that he went to join all the redeemed, those who knew and loved God, Noah, Seth, Enoch, Lot and etc. This could not mean his burial place for he was buried in the cave at Machpelah; the only person buried in this cave was his wife Sarah. Yes, when Abraham died he went to Paradise, this was located in the heart of the earth but it is empty to-day for our Lord Jesus took all who were in it up to Heaven after His resurrection from the dead.

He had made preparation for his death, for years before he had bought the land on which the Cave Machpelah was located from the sons of Heth (Genesis 23:17). Isaac and his brother Ishmael buried him. Death often puts an end to strife, it brings about a union of loved ones, so it was here for we are told later that Isaac's son Esau married one of the daughters of Ishmael (Genesis 28:9).

The death of Abraham carries a powerful lesson for every one of us, especially our grandpas and grandmas who are soon to meet the Lord. Grandpa, have you made preparation for the future? I do not mean the place where your body will rest, I do mean where you will spend your eternity? The time to prepare is NOW! You have no guarantee that you will have a to-morrow. If you are still a sinner you have but a single heart-beat between you and hell. I hope I can get you to realize this.

But there is much more to be said. How tragic it is to leave behind a wasted life, wasted in the sense of not doing the work God had planned for you to do, wasted because you had never enjoyed, even once, the blessings God had for you. This life lived here during this space age affords but a taste of the untold blessings we will enjoy when we are in Heaven, which Abraham is now enjoying.

Grandpa and grandma, it’s not too late even now! Will you NOW, as many other grandpas and grandmas are doing, accept Christ as your own personal Saviour? I trust you will! I am praying for you!

PRAYER

ISAAC IS GIVEN A BRIDE.

Scripture to be read- Genesis 24:57-67.

Verse to be learned: “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband" (Proverbs 12:4).

We are now coming to the close of this wonderful love story. Eliezer has given Bethuel Rebecca’s father and Laban her brother the presents which constituted the dowry as was the custom of that day. They tried to get him to remain longer with them but he was anxious to return so the family consented to his leaving. Eliezer knew that Abraham was anxiously awaiting his return.

Rebecca was now asked whether she was willing to go back with Eliezer and become the wife of Isaac, a man she had never seen. There was no hesitation on her part. She answered at once, "I will go!" The testimony she had heard from Eliezer as to what a wonderful man Isaac was, how he was loved by all who knew him, convinced her, she looked forward to being his wife and the mother of his children.

Parting greetings were given and good-bys were said and they were ready to leave. They blessed Rebecca, they told her they hoped she would be the mother of thousands of millions, in other words the founder of a great nation of people which was what God promised Abraham (Genesis 22:17). Rebecca and her maids, all her personal belongings, all the party were now mounted on the camels and the caravan began the long return journey home.

We leave them now traveling homeward and we now consider Isaac who was looking after his herds of sheep and goats in the south country where he lived. The well mentioned in our lesson is here to this very day, it is located near a main road running between Israel and Egypt. We are told that he went out in the field to meditate, it was eventide. His mother Sarah had died not long before, Isaac greatly missed her. He wanted to be alone, perhaps to pray. As he looked he saw the caravan of camels approaching. He at once began walking towards the road; he knew it was Eliezer bringing him his bride.

When Rebecca saw a man walking to meet them she asked Eliezer, "Who is this man coming to meet us?" Eliezer answered; "It is Isaac, my Master." So Rebecca took a veil and covered her face concealing all but her eyes. She at once alighted from her camel; she stood beside it while Eliezer told Isaac all that had happened. Isaac then took Rebecca into his mother's tent thus establishing her at once into the rights and honors of a wife, even before she removed her veil and he saw her features for the first time. We are told that Isaac loved her and we know he did, he was now comforted after his mother's death.

Did you enjoy this beautiful love story? How differently are marriages arranged in this space age! I see one great outstanding lesson given to us in this true love story. It is the guiding hand of the Blessed Holy Spirit so clearly shown. Do you agree? I am sure that you do.

Let us so live, each and all, that we too may enjoy the wonderful guiding hand of the Blessed Holy Spirit in our busy, complex lives!

PRAYER

A FAITHFUL SERVANT

Scripture to be read - John 15:15 -17.

Verse to be learned: “Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you" (John 15:16).

I think it would be helpful to all of us if we considered the qualifications of a true and faithful servant as exemplified by Eliezer, the servant of Abraham. I want you to give prayerful thought to the seven outstanding characteristics of his life.

1. HE WAS CHOSEN BY HIS MASTER

Every one of us are chosen by God to do the work He has for us to do. I have tried to make plain to you in past lessons that each of us have a time to be born, a span of life to live and a time to die. We all have a definite work to do. We are all given talent so we can do this work efficiently and a plan we are to carry through to completion.

2. HE OBEYED THE COMMAND GIVEN TO HIM

He did not talk back to his Master but faithfully carried out the orders given to him. Are you doing the work God has for you to do?

3. HE DID NOT ALLOW HIMSELF TO GET SIDE TRACKED

We are dealing with an enemy who is very wise and who will do everything in his power to keep us from doing the work God has for us to do. Do not allow yourself to be sidetracked.

4. HE WAS A MAN OF PRAYER

We have already seen that Eliezer covered every step he took with prayer. Do you pray before you go to work? Or go on a journey? Or call on a friend? Or go to church?

5. HE WAS TACTFUL AND WISE IN CARRYING OUT HIS MISSION

Eliezer was given a definite task, that of securing a wife for Isaac. He gave Rebecca a ring and two bracelets at their first meeting. This impressed her family and when he told them of the wealth of Abraham and the fact that Abraham was old and would soon die and Isaac would inherit all the wealth, his tactfulness in telling them these things before he asked for the hand of Rebecca revealed his wisdom. Even so we are to be tactful and wise in our service for our blessed Lord. We are told to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16). Are you this kind of a servant? Are you tactful as a soul-winner especially in your approach to the unsaved?

6. HE DID NOT SPEAK OF HIMSELF

Eliezer kept in the background. He had a mission to accomplish and he gave himself to this mission. Even so, our Blessed Lord expects us, as true servants, to carry out our mission. You are in this world for a definite purpose. You have an assigned work to do. Are you doing this work? Or are you ignoring God's command as so many do? The field is white already to harvest, the laborers are few (John 4:35). Are you a laborer?

7. HE EXPECTED A DEFINITE DECISION AND HE RECEIVED IT

He came to get a bride. He presented his case, he asked for a definite decision and it was given. He returned with Rebecca, the bride for Isaac. We, as true servants of our Lord, are expected to produce definite results. Are you a true servant? Consider these seven characteristics as exemplified by Eliezer. Check your life against them. Will you do this to-day?

PRAYER

THE SERVANT ANNOUNCES HIS MISSION

Scripture to be read- Genesis 24:34-56.

Verse to be learned: “Acknowledge Him in all thy ways and He will direct thy steps" (Proverbs 3:6).

The evening meal is now ready, the invitation is given to Eliezer and his men to sit down and eat. Eliezer refuses to join them until he has announced to them the purpose of his visit. The first thing he does is to tell them that he is the servant of Abraham and that his master is a very wealthy man. He tells them that God has given his master large flocks of sheep and goats and herds of cattle, that he has an abundance of silver and gold, a large number of man-servants and maid-servants.

Then he tells them that God has given Abraham a son whose name is Isaac who will inherit all the wealth of his father. He wants them to know that Abraham is old in years and that he made him swear that he would not take a bride for Isaac from the wicked, godless Canaanites but would go to his people to get a bride for Isaac. If the woman chosen would not go with him then he was clear of the oath he made to Abraham.

He then told them how he had asked the guidance of the Lord, that if a young woman came to the well and gave him a drink and watered his camels then he would know that she was the one that God had chosen to be the bride for Isaac. Rebecca came to the well, she gave him a drink, she watered the camels, so he knew she was the one God had chosen.

Then he made his appeal, he asked them for Rebecca. They all agreed that God had indeed led him to them, that they were willing that Rebecca go with him to be the bride of Isaac. Eliezer at once thanked the Lord and going to the camels he returned and gave Rebecca beautiful jewels of silver and of gold and expensive gifts to the members of her family. Then they sat down and enjoyed the evening meal together. They visited all evening, and then retired for the night. The next morning Eliezer asked them for permission to return home since his mission had been accomplished. They tried to prevail upon him to wait ten days, but since Eliezer now had the bride for Isaac there was no reason why he should delay, so he determined to leave at once for home.

What an interesting love story this is! What a wonderful lesson on God's guidance it contains! You may ask, "Will God guide a person in this space age? I know God guided Eliezer but this took place hundreds of years ago, what about to-day? To answer let me say that “God is not a respecter of persons” (Romans 2:11). God is “the same yesterday, to-day and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). It matters not what color skin you have, whether you are educated or ignorant, or any other circumstance in life you may face. Guidance is given to-day to all born again believers who ask for it.

Yes, God's guidance is for you! Just as God led Eliezer day by day in securing a bride for Isaac, so the Blessed Holy Spirit who is living in your body will guide you! Will you ask Him to guide you to-day?

PRAYER

THE SERVANTS PRAYER ANSWERED

Scripture to be read- Genesis 24:15 - 33.

Verse to be learned: “And I, being in the way; the Lord led me" (Genesis 24:27).

We saw yesterday that Eliezer, Abraham's servant, promised his master that he would seek a wife for Isaac from among the Hebrew people. Ten camels were loaded with supplies and presents and when all was ready Eliezer with several servants to look after the camels, left, praying that God would guide him aright.

When you go on a journey do you ask God to guide you and protect you from all the hazards of travel and then expect Him to do so? I hope that you do. Fishermen have a saying, "If you want to catch fish, then go where the fish are." Eliezer started for Nahor where Abraham's kindred lived. He stopped at the city well when he arrived for he knew that in the evening the young women of the city would come to the well to draw water. Thanking God for a safe arrival he asked God to direct him to the right girl, God's choice for Isaac.

He had hardly finished his prayer before a young woman came to the well carrying a pitcher on her shoulder. As soon as she filled her pitcher Eliezer felt led to speak to her so he approached her asking her to give him a drink. This was given to him, she at once offered to draw enough water for the ten camels who were thirsty after their long journey.

When the camels were all watered Eliezer gave her a beautiful ring, he then put a large gold bracelet upon each wrist. Then he asked her to give him her name, she told him that her name was Rebecca, that she was the daughter of Bethuel, that she had a brother whose name was Laban, and when Eliezer asked her if there was room in her father's home for he and his servants she told him that they not only had room enough for them but food for his camels as well.

When Eliezer heard this he knew at once that God had led him aright. While Eliezer was thanking God Rebecca hurried home, she told her mother and her brother Laban what had happened at the well. She showed them the ring that Eliezer had given her and the gold bracelets, Laban at once hurried to the well inviting Eliezer to come with him and enjoy the hospitality of their home. The feet of all were washed and the camels fed.

I want you to notice that from the time that Abraham asked Eliezer to go and secure a bride for Isaac, and the servant promised Abraham that he would do his best, he at once began to pray that God would guide him in the fulfillment of his mission. From the time that he left until the day of his return Eliezer was constantly asking God's guidance. How I hope that I can get you, each and all, who read and listen to this lesson to do the same! How easy it is to go on, day after day, never giving a thought to God's plan for our lives, never asking God's guidance in the daily decisions we are asked to make!

PRAYER

A BRIDE SOUGHT FOR ISAAC

Scripture to be read- Genesis 24:1-14.

Verse to be learned: “Be ye not unequally together with unbelievers" (II Corinthians 6:14).

Abraham is now old and full of years. He is now greatly concerned for Isaac, he knows that Isaac is forty years old and should be married. He commands his oldest servant Eliezer who had the complete charge of looking after all his possessions, to swear by the Lord that he would not take a wife for Isaac from the wicked, godless Caananites, but that he would go to his own people to secure a wife for Isaac. He did not want him to delay the matter; he wanted him to prepare for the journey at once. Final instructions were given, the camels were loaded, preparations were completed, on the morrow they would leave.

Marriage is an important step, it is not to be taken lightly. Marriage was ordained by God, who performed the first marriage. God said: "It is not good for man to live alone. I wul provide a helpmeet for him" (Genesis 2:18).

Do you think that God would ordain marriage for men and not give him the guidance he needs in making the choice of a companion? Of course He would and He has and this guidance is given to those who ask for it. This guidance is for you, and it will be given not only in the choice of a companion but for any other decision you must make (Psalm 32:8-9).

What happens if you are ignorant and do not know that God has promised to instruct and teach us in the way that we should go? There can be but one result, the sin nature with which you were born and which hates God (Romans 8:7) will usually lead you to choose the WRONG companion.

Soon you are experiencing sorrow, heart-ache and often a broken home. Some of you who are reading this lesson have had this unfortunate experience, you married an unbeliever and your pillow has been wet with tears many a night because of it.

You ask, how may I know I am in God's will for my life? How can I get the green light knowing that I am led by the Blessed Holy Spirit? You ask, "Can you help me in this important matter?" You want to know.

I do want to help you. There are three tests you must apply to any decision you are called upon to make. I am giving you these three tests, I want you to consider each prayerfully:

1. CONSIDER THIS STEP IN THE LIGHT OF GOD'S HOLY WORD

Is there anything given in God's Holy Word which would forbid you in taking this step? If so, do not take this step. It may be that the Word contains nothing either for or against, if so, then we must apply the second test.

2. WHAT DOES YOUR HEART TELL YOU, UNBIASED AND UNPREJUDICED?

You need to be careful here and not let your personal desire influence you. You must be honest with yourself.

3. IS THE DOOR OPEN?

If the outward opportunity is not present you must wait until the door opens. When all three tests agree you have the green light, you can go ahead and take this step knowing that you are being led by God's Holy Spirit.

PRAYER

THE DEATH OF SARAH

Scripture to be read: Genesis 23:1-20

Verse to be learned: “. . . Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. . . " (Revelation 14:13).

Today we are studying the place of death in the life of a true, born-again believer.

You have heard me tell you that we all have a time to be born, a span of life to live, and a time to die. It was God who planned that you should be born in this Space Age, it is God who decides how long you are to live and when you are to die.

Sarah, the wife of Abraham, lived to be 127 years old. She is the only woman in all of God's Holy Word whose age, death, and burial are given to us. This honor was no doubt given to Sarah because she was the ancient and beloved mother of the Hebrew people. She lies buried beside her husband, Abraham, in the cave of Machpelah. When I was in Hebron where this cave is located, I was shown the steps leading down to the cave, but no one was allowed to go down the steps and enter this sacred spot.

Death spares no one. Even as you read this lesson, the angel of death is on your trail. Death may come to you much sooner than you expect. You may have heard the phrase, "You have only one heartbeat between you and eternity." This is true. I hope you realize how important it is that we live each day in a way that will bring glory and honor to our blessed Lord.

When the angel of death arrives, there is no time left to get right with God. There is no time left to live a victorious, Christian life. And no time left to be a soul winner. When this time comes, it is the end of your life on this earth. So, you see how important it is that we, each and all, live each day as though it were our last. If you were to die today (and this could happen), would you be ready to meet God? Are you a born-again believer? How many souls have you won to Christ? How much treasure have you put on the other side?

Remember this, death does not end all! SOMEWHERE YOU WILL LIVE FOREVER!

Where you will spend your eternity depends upon what you do with God's wondrous offer of salvation. How the devil must laugh when he hears some of the funeral sermons that are offered today! Here is a man who has had no place whatever for God in his life. Then, suddenly, like a bolt out of the blue, he is called upon to meet God. He had a large funeral. Floral tributes were piled high. The minster preached him into Heaven. The casket was lowered into the grave, and we hear the words, "What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? And what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8:36)

Yes, Sarah died, and so will I, and so will you. May God help us, each and all, to live for God every day by doing the work He has for us to do and by enjoying His wondrous blessing until He calls us home!

PRAYER

THE OFFERING OF ISAAC

Scripture to be read: Genesis 22:9-14

Verse to be learned: “. . . there hath not failed one word of all his (God’s) good promise . . ." (I Kings 8:56).

On the third day they finally reached their destination. They arrived at the base of Mount Moriah. Abraham's heart had now been quieted. His faith had mounted. He would kill his son, for he believed with all the power of his being that God would raise him up, even from the dead. We know this to be true. It is proven by the command he gave to his two servants. Note what he told them (Genesis 22:5). ". . . Abide ye here with the ass; I and the lad will go yonder and worship, AND COME AGAIN TO YOU!"

Abraham then gave Isaac the wood they had brought with them. He took the knife and the fire. Slowly the two of them walked up the mountain side. When they reached the summit, they at once built the altar. Then Isaac turned to his father and said, ". . . My father . . . behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" To which Abraham replied, ". . . My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering. . ."

God did, indeed, provide the lamb for thy sacrifice in the person of His son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us on Calvary's Cross.

I can hear Abraham speaking, "Isaac, you asked me why I didn't sleep. Three days ago God asked me to come here and worship. I was told that I was to offer YOU upon this altar we have just built. I cannot understand this, for you mean more to me than anything I have in this world.

Abraham then bound Isaac, placing him upon the altar. He then took the knife, lifted his arm, and was about to plunge the knife into the heart of his son when the angel of the Lord called out to him, ". . . Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me” (Genesis 22:12).

As Abraham looks up, he sees a ram. Its horns are caught in the thicket. Abraham knows that God had provided the ram, so lifting Isaac off the altar and releasing his bonds, the ram is caught and lifted upon the altar. The arm with the knife is once again lifted. Blood flows, and the sacrifice is complete. Abraham was indeed willing to go to the limit with God!

Are you willing to go the limit with God? I think you know what I mean. It is when you come to the place that God is absolutely first in your fife NO MATTER WHAT THE COST! I know it is not easy to come to this decision when you are experiencing a time of testing and trial, but it does bring strength of character and untold blessing.

What is the trial you are now facing? Is it a broken home? Your companion is unfaithful? Is it an erring son or daughter? Or have you lost a dear one? The Holy Spirit knows what it is. He will help you if you will give Him complete control of your life. Will you, like Abraham, go the limit with God?

PRAYER

THE JOURNEY TO SACRIFICE ISAAC

Scripture to be read: Genesis 22:3-8.

Verse to be learned: “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death” (Psalm 48:14).

I like to use my imagination to try to imagine what happened after God gave Abraham the command to offer his beloved son, Isaac, as a burnt sacrifice. He called Isaac and said to him, "Isaac, go tell the servants to prepare the animals. You and I and the servants are leaving tomorrow morning for a three-day journey to Mount Moriah."

"Yes, father," Isaac replies. "I will go at once." And with a bound he runs to carry out his father's order.

The next morning they are up early. Soon Abraham, Isaac, and the two servants are on their way. They travelled all that first day, stopping but a brief time at the noon hour to rest the animals. Then, they resumed their journey, travelling slowly on until the sunset hour. They then located a place to camp for the night. Soon, a bright fire was crackling, the evening meal was prepared and eaten, and Isaac and the servants, tired from riding all day, bedded down for the night and were soon asleep.

But there was no sleep for Abraham that night. Looking upon the form of Isaac, asleep before him, Abraham then walks alone upon the desert. He cries out, "Oh, God, I cannot understand why I should be asked to offer my son as a sacrifice!"

Stooping down he picked up a handful of sand. Slowly he began to count the grains - one, two three, four, five - . Then, looking up into the sky he sees the Milky Way stretching across the heavens. Each star is scintillating in the evening light. "Oh, God, you promised me that you would multiply my posterity as the numberless sands on the seashore and as the unnumbered stars in the heavens. Yet you are asking me now to offer my Son, the dearest of all I have. Why, God? Why? And yet, Of God, I will offer him as you asked!"

As the first rays of the morning sun began to lighten the sky in the east, Abraham slowly retraces his steps to the camp where Isaac and the servants are beginning to arouse themselves. Isaac looks at his father and says, "Father, what is the matter? You didn't sleep at all last night." To which Abraham replies, "Don't worry, son! Everything is all right. We will be going on soon."

They travelled all this second day. The heartache Abraham carried became heavier every mile they travelled as they drew nearer to the place of the sacrifice. The second night was even more difficult for Abraham than the first.

Do you remember the night you walked back and forth, hour after hour, as your loved one lay on a hospital bed near death? All desire for food and sleep had fled. You kept praying over and over, "Dear Lord, please spare my loved one! Please raise him up!" Then you added, "But, carry out Thy will, Oh Lord. I would not have it otherwise!"

It may be you are experiencing a time of heartbreak, even today. What peace it brings to your burdened, worried heart to know that no matter what the circumstance or trial, we are in God's care! Nothing can touch the life of a true, born-again believer save it be by God's permissive will!

PRAYER

ABRAHAM OFFERS ISAAC

Scripture to be read: Genesis 22:1-2

Verse to be learned: “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac . . ." (Hebrews 11:17).

Today we study one of the most wonderful and helpful lessons on faith that we find in the entire Bible: the offering of Isaac as a burnt sacrifice by his father Abraham. There are many helpful lessons in this story for us. I hope I can reveal some of them to you.

On four different occasions God told Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation. He promised that he would give Abraham a son through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed. True to God's promise, Isaac was born.

In our lesson for today we are told that God tempted Abraham by commanding him to take his only son, Isaac, whom he dearly loved, and offer him as a burnt sacrifice. Think of it. He was commanded to kill his own son and burn his body slowly before his eyes! Why would God ask Abraham to do such a thing? Did God change His mind and recall his promise? Why was such a heart-breaking command given?

Let us first of all consider this matter of God tempting Abraham. Does God really tempt us? Note what the apostle James says regarding this. "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:13-14).

One thing we now know, God did not incite Abraham to sin. God never does this. God had a reason for asking Abraham to do what He asked. God's reason for asking Abraham to offer his son as a burnt sacrifice was not to discover whether Abraham would do this or not, or to find out how much trust Abraham really had in God; but, rather to give Abraham an opportunity for the deepening of his faith; to bring him to the place where he would trust God completely and know of a certainty that ". . . all things are possible to him that believeth” (Mark 9:23).

It may be that you, too, are this day undergoing a time of testing. You hardly know which way to turn. If you are a true, born again believer (and I hope you are), then be assured of this: nothing can touch you save it be by God's permissive will. You are not alone. You have the Holy Spirit living in your body (Romans 8:11). He will see you through this time of trial and will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able to bear. In your hour of need, He will give you the strength needed (I Corinthians 10:13).

Do you think that Abraham had much sleep that first night? You may be sure that he did not. He lay awake all night! However, he had gone through many severe trials before. He knew and believed God would see him through this, his last and greatest trial!

Tomorrow we will go with him on his journey.

PRAYER

SODOM AND GOMORRAH DESTROYED

Scripture to be read- Genesis 19:15-22

Verse to be learned: “The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).

It was evening when the two angels reached Sodom, as they drew near the home of Lot he saw them approaching so he went to meet them. He bowed low before them, he urged them to enter his home, wash their tired feet and spend the night with them. They refused at first but finally under Lot's earnest entreaty they entered his home. He prepared food for them and they did eat. After they had eaten, the men of Sodom both young and old surrounded the house, they had seen the two men arrive, so they called to Lot asking him to bring out the men so they might have sex with them. Lot refused; he saw how desperate they were, so he offered them his two daughters, which only angered them the more.

Angered they turned on Lot, they, in their sinful desires were so determined to get these men they attempted to break down the door. The two angels opened the door and pulled Lot inside and they smote the men of Sodom with blindness so they could not find the door. The angels then told Lot that they had been sent by God to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of its wickedness, they urged him to get all his family out of the city without delay. Lot warned his sons-in-law, they only laughed at him, his warning was unheeded, he was to them as one who mocked.

The next morning the angels urged Lot to leave Sodom AT ONCE, to take his wife and two daughters and get away as soon as possible and NOT TO LOOK BACK. Lot hesitated, he did not want to leave Sodom, his home and all his possessions were there, he too had been somewhat corrupted by the sins of the city, we saw this when he offered his daughters to the Sodomites.

The angels had to literally drag Lot and his family out of his home (Genesis 19:16). After the angels had taken lot and his family out of the city they said, "Escape for your life, don't look back, hurry to the mountain where you will be safe.”

Lot said he could not go to the mountain, he asked to be allowed to go to the small city of Zoar, this was allowed. As soon as they arrived in Zoar the Lord rained fire and brimstone upon Sodom and Gomorrah and the Cities of the plain, all were destroyed. Lot's wife, filled with a love for Sodom, disobeyed; she looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt.

So Lot and his two daughters were saved, this was God's answer to the prayer of Abraham. Abraham got up early the next morning, he hurried to the place where he interceded with the Lord, as he looked toward Sodom all he could see was a pall of smoke where Sodom had stood. Then Abraham knew that there were not ten righteous men in Sodom, for he knew that Sodom had been destroyed. What about Lot? He left the city of Zoar and went to the mountain and lived in a cave. Though he was saved from the destruction of Sodom he took the sins of Sodom with him. Over the rest of Lot's life we must draw a veil.

What were the steps that led to Lot's backsliding?

- His first step was when he went down to Sodom,
- Then he gave up tent life and bought a home in Sodom,
- Then he engaged his daughters to two of the sinners of Sodom,
- Then he accepted a position as a judge.

His backsliding was gradual, it usually happens so. Was Lot saved? Yes, I believe he was but it was as by fire.

PRAYER