Genesis 19:16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 161>162] If Lot himself had manifested no hesitancy to obey the angels’ warning but had earnestly fled toward the mountain without one word of pleading or remonstrance, his wife also would have made her escape. The influence of his example would have saved her from the sin that sealed her doom. But his hesitancy and delay caused her to lightly regard the divine warning.
We should beware of treating lightly God’s gracious provisions for our salvation. There are Christians who say, “I do not care to be saved unless my companion and children are saved with me.” They feel that heaven would not be heaven to them without the presence of those who are so dear. The redemption of the soul is precious. Christ has paid an infinite price for our salvation, and no one who appreciates the value of this great sacrifice, or the worth of the soul will despise God’s offered mercy because others choose to do so.
It is a fearful thought, but it’s one of those very grim realities, the Christian would have to reckon with, at some point in time or another. And then, a decision will have to be made, of whether or not to correctly value the sacrifice made for your redemption, or tether your decisions to that of family members. In fact, Lot barely made it out, and in doing so, Lot had to make one of the most difficult, and heart-wrenching decisions of his life.
Genesis 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!