Foolish, Failed, and Flawed

Foolish, Failed, and Flawed Leader

J.N. Manokaran

Call or Imitation

Lot is the nephew of Abraham.  Obeying God’s call, Abraham commenced his journey to the Promised Land, without knowing the exact destination.  Lot, his nephew accompanied him in this crucial journey. (Genesis 12:4) Was his decision based on faith?  But nowhere in the Scripture there is reference to Lot for his faith.  Was it an adventure trip?  

1. Should not have agreed to separate

When the cattle of both Abraham and Lot increased, Abraham proposed for a separation.  (Genesis 13:9) Lot did not discern that he was blessed because he was with Abraham. He must have been proud about his prowess or skills or even luck that he has grown as equal to his uncle in wealth.  

2. Should not have agreed to choose first

Abraham was gracious to offer Lot the first choice.  Lot could choose any inheritance or direction to god.  Sadly, Lot jumped at this offer, without proper thinking or reflection.  (Genesis 13:9) Was Abraham testing Lot?  At this juncture also, Lot had an opportunity to be reconciled with his uncle.  

3. Should not have chosen Sodom

Lot chooses the Jordan valley of Zoar which was well watered like garden of Lord, like Egypt.  (Genesis 13: 10,11) He never bothered to look at the spiritual status of these cities.  His choice was ‘prosperity’ not righteousness or justice or truth.  He did not have any spiritual consideration for his future or family or children.  ‘Faith’ was in his priority list. Lot’s daughters learn cultural values of immorality and think that it is global norm, when they decided to bear children through their father.  (Genesis 19: 31) 

4. Should have rejoined Abraham after he was saved by Abraham

Sodom was at risk.  It was invaded and many inhabitants were taken as captives or slaves. “They also took Lot, the son of Abram's brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way.”  (Genesis 14:12)  Lot went for prosperity, he ended up as a slave.  It was Abraham’s greatness and graciousness that he rescued Lot with his trained 318 men.  (Genesis 14:12-16)  There was no grateful response again.  

Abraham refused to take spoils though offered by King of Sodom, even a sandal strap.  (Genesis 14: 21-24) Lot did not learn his lesson, how Abraham separated himself from sinful Sodom.  He should have come out of Sodom and joined with Abraham.  Again Lot failed.  

5. Should not have offered daughters

When guests visited Lot, the wicked men in Sodom wanted to have sex with them.  Lot offered his daughters instead, which was foolish.  However, the guests saved his daughters by making the wicked men blind that they were groping to find their way. (Genesis 19:8, 10,11) What respect would those daughters have for their father?

6. Should have come running to Abraham, when they left Sodom 

Lot failed to be spiritual leader of his family.  Sadly, Lot’s wife became a pillar of salt because of disobedience. (Genesis 19:26) Sodom was too attractive for her to resist looking back.  

While fleeing from God’s wrath on cities, they could have gone to Abraham’s place.  In fact, they were saved because of intercession of Abraham.  (Genesis 18:22-33) God remembered prayers of Abraham and rescued Lot.  (Genesis 19: 29)  Abraham was able to observe the smoke of the land go up like smoke of furnace, from the very place he interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah.  (Genesis 19: 27-28)  The home of Abraham was not very far.  Easily, Lot and his daughters could have run to safety.  

Cave Lockdown

Sadly and strangely, Lot chose to live in a cave with his two daughters. He did not try to take refuge with Abraham.  His pride, inferiority complex and guilt did not allow him to go to Abraham.  “Thus both the daughters of Lot became pregnant by their father. 37 The firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab. He is the father of the Moabites to this day. 38 The younger also bore a son and called his name Ben-ammi.  He is the father of the Ammonites to this day.”  (Genesis  19:36-38)  

Sad and shameful legacy

Ammonites and Moabites were against the Nation of Israel throughout history. “While Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab. 2 These invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. 3 So Israel yoked himself to Baal of Peor. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.”  (Numbers 25:1-3) Moabites worshipped Chemosh or Moloch.  Chemosh was placed on a platform of movable stones under which great fires were kindled.  Chemosh’s lap was constructed in such a way that little children placed on its red-hot surface would roll down an inclined plane into his fiery belly.  God was angry with both Ammonites and Moabites.  “No Ammonite or Moabite may enter the assembly of the LORD. Even to the tenth generation, none of them may enter the assembly of the LORD forever, 4 because they did not meet you with bread and with water on the way, when you came out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you.”  (Deuteronomy 23: 3-4)  

Yet, God was gracious to allow Ruth a Moabites to be integrated the ancestor line of Lord Jesus Christ.  

Challenge

Lot had great beginning, wonderful opportunity with one of the greatest leaders in history of humanity, Abraham. Also, God gave him several opportunities to repent, but was foolish without faith, running after materialism.  His legacy is shameful and bitter.  

Lot is a warning for all those who are in pursuit of materialism.