Lately I've been infatuated with the idea that if you try to convict someone in any way or point them to a better alternative, you are guilty of "judging them." In fact our culture has made this concept into a trendy and popular phrase, "don't judge me." Now the interesting fact of the matter is that this phrase is nothing new. I am going to show you were this phrase originated and who is behind it.
I'd like to take you to Genesis chapter 19. In this chapter, two angels disguised as men, go down to Sodom and visit Abraham's nephew, Lot. As the story unfolds, the men of Sodom surround Lots house, demanding to see these two "visiting men" so that that they may all have sex with them. In Genesis 19:7 Lot says "Don't do this wicked thing." Lot is trying to convict the men of Sodom that what they want to do is morality wrong. Keep in mind that Lot does not say "don't do this or else." Nor does Lot say, "if you do this you are to be put to death." Lot is cool, calm, and collective and is trying to be respectful and rational about this situation.
Not one time to we see Lot making any sort of threat or judgement against this men. Lot is also trying to keep his own integrity by protecting his guests. Now pay close attention to Genesis 19:9, look at how the men of Sodom respond? And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
Do you see it, do you see the words "and he will needs be a judge?" In modern English they are really saying "Who is he to act like our judge," or "Don't judge us!" This seemingly insignificant quote in Genesis 19:9 led to the destruction of Sodom. What happens next I believe is even more vital. God shows us a blue print that happens before destruction. The very next thing that happens is that their wickedness gets directed away from the angels to Lot, bringing in "pressure."
I believe God is showing me that when righteous people turn up the heat and take a stand, that they will be persecuted and pressured into giving up their integrity to the unrighteous. This is really the heart of the battle. We also see that if Lot did not have his divine help, that he would have not been able to fight against his assailants. It's interesting to note that soon after this struggle, Lot's assailants were blinded. The spiritual reality of the state of these wicked men surfaced in physical reality. This reminds me of Sampson. Sampson lost his vision way before his eyes were taken. Again the physical always follows the spiritual.
This story is so significant to our country right now. In fact, I believe the "don't judge me" mentality that has been going on in this country for a few decades is the very same demonic spirit that caused a spiritual blindness over the city of Sodom. It is back and it has reemerged in America. All the political correctness and relativity has played into it, but the idea that has stuck me the most has to do with the loss of morality due to the great abundance and many blessings.
In fact, this abundance was the main reason that Lot moved to Sodom in the first place. Genesis 13:10 says that Lot moved to Sodom because the area was well watered. In 2015, this would translate to, "Lot moved to Sodom because there was a lot of money to be made in Sodom." Lot moved to Sodom strictly for economic reasons. Is this not the reason people come to America, even today? Could it be that the unchecked success and materialism that we get from great abundance took precedence over the creator and lead to a moral decline of a people and a nation?
Could the modern day United States of America be on the same path as the wicked city of Sodom? In all honesty I have to say yes, all the signs are confirming this fact. Now that we know the problem, how do we react. I don't know if I have that answer yet, but one thing is for certain, we better react like Lot and hold fast to our integrity.
I'd like to take you to Genesis chapter 19. In this chapter, two angels disguised as men, go down to Sodom and visit Abraham's nephew, Lot. As the story unfolds, the men of Sodom surround Lots house, demanding to see these two "visiting men" so that that they may all have sex with them. In Genesis 19:7 Lot says "Don't do this wicked thing." Lot is trying to convict the men of Sodom that what they want to do is morality wrong. Keep in mind that Lot does not say "don't do this or else." Nor does Lot say, "if you do this you are to be put to death." Lot is cool, calm, and collective and is trying to be respectful and rational about this situation.
Not one time to we see Lot making any sort of threat or judgement against this men. Lot is also trying to keep his own integrity by protecting his guests. Now pay close attention to Genesis 19:9, look at how the men of Sodom respond? And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
Do you see it, do you see the words "and he will needs be a judge?" In modern English they are really saying "Who is he to act like our judge," or "Don't judge us!" This seemingly insignificant quote in Genesis 19:9 led to the destruction of Sodom. What happens next I believe is even more vital. God shows us a blue print that happens before destruction. The very next thing that happens is that their wickedness gets directed away from the angels to Lot, bringing in "pressure."
I believe God is showing me that when righteous people turn up the heat and take a stand, that they will be persecuted and pressured into giving up their integrity to the unrighteous. This is really the heart of the battle. We also see that if Lot did not have his divine help, that he would have not been able to fight against his assailants. It's interesting to note that soon after this struggle, Lot's assailants were blinded. The spiritual reality of the state of these wicked men surfaced in physical reality. This reminds me of Sampson. Sampson lost his vision way before his eyes were taken. Again the physical always follows the spiritual.
This story is so significant to our country right now. In fact, I believe the "don't judge me" mentality that has been going on in this country for a few decades is the very same demonic spirit that caused a spiritual blindness over the city of Sodom. It is back and it has reemerged in America. All the political correctness and relativity has played into it, but the idea that has stuck me the most has to do with the loss of morality due to the great abundance and many blessings.
In fact, this abundance was the main reason that Lot moved to Sodom in the first place. Genesis 13:10 says that Lot moved to Sodom because the area was well watered. In 2015, this would translate to, "Lot moved to Sodom because there was a lot of money to be made in Sodom." Lot moved to Sodom strictly for economic reasons. Is this not the reason people come to America, even today? Could it be that the unchecked success and materialism that we get from great abundance took precedence over the creator and lead to a moral decline of a people and a nation?
Could the modern day United States of America be on the same path as the wicked city of Sodom? In all honesty I have to say yes, all the signs are confirming this fact. Now that we know the problem, how do we react. I don't know if I have that answer yet, but one thing is for certain, we better react like Lot and hold fast to our integrity.