WIPED OUT

Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door. She was proud and committed detestable sins, so I wiped her out, as you have seen. Ezekiel 16:49-50

When we think of Sodom the first thing that comes to our minds is the sin of homosexuality. Lot’s situation reminds us of how wicked the town was in this area (Genesis 19). But there were other sins that the Lord reveals to us in the verses above that were taking place as well.

Pride… right at the top of the list is this sin that is so ingrained in fallen man. When it is present it leads to other sins. Look at our culture and it is not hard to see this. Look at our own lives and see how pride can raise its ugliness there. But isn’t it interesting what is next in this list? Gluttony… overeating… they had more than enough food, but did not control their eating. Again, take a look at our culture and see how rampant this is! Indeed, if the statistics about obesity are true then gluttony is a huge problem in our society. But then while being overfed in Sodom was rampant there were the poor and needy nearby that were not being taken care of. There was callousness toward those truly poor and in need. But those satisfied with their own comfort did care about the needs of others. The verses above mentions there were other detestable sins as well… Does this sound like our nation?

Sodom crossed the line… her sins were full (complete) according to the Lord’s measurement (Genesis 15:16). Therefore He judged them and wiped them out. This is what happens when the Lord says that sin is full or complete in a nation— judgment comes and none can stay His hand. Oh, that we would repent!

Dear Father, may Your church shine here in the U.S. and around the world that people, yes even nations, would repent. May it be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus.