Chapter 5: 5
The Negative effects of temptations (3)

Sixth: Loss of possessions
All of Lot’s properties in Sodom were burnt and he lost everything he strived to own. What a great difference between Abraham and Lot. Abraham did not seek to own anything but the Lord has honored him and made him rich “And Abram [was] very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.” (Genesis 13:2). Abraham had to seek the Lord to have relation with. He did not seek richness but God made him rich; he enjoyed fellowship with the Lord from whom he obtained richness and honor.

The Lord said: “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me, my fruit [is] better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver” (Proverbs 8:17-19)
Whereas Lot wanted to own all the pleasures of the world and succeeded to have many; the scripture says: “And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents” (Genesis 13:5).  He also became one of Sodom’s rich people but at the end he lost all what he owned.

Dear reader, sooner or later we will definitely leave all the richness of this world, either voluntarily or against our will. Either while we are still alive as a result of the unsteadiness of this world status; or when our lives come to an end. “For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7). Certainly we will leave everything when the Lord comes to take us.

Dear reader, do not seek to own or be minded with what will vanish, but ask for what is remaining and eternal, then all the other things will be added to you: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Do not let the world evanescent temptations make you lose the imperishable spiritual matters.

Seventh: Losing reputation and memoirs
There is a great difference between Abraham’s history and Lot’s, also between Abraham’s end and Lot’s, as well Abraham’s offspring and Lot’s. Abraham was named “God’s friend”, and had the Lord’s promise fulfilled, when in his seed all the nations of the earth were blessed. His name was also honored and mentioned in Hebrews 11 as one of heroes of faith.

While Lot’s name fell off the list of the heroes of faith, and it was linked unfortunately to an unacceptable sexual practice, which was the sin of the people of Sodom, although he was far of such practices.

From the descendants’ point of view, The Lord Has given Isaac to Abraham, his descendants became the selected people of God and God has fulfilled His promise to him: “And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 26:4, 13:16). Also from his line came Jesus Christ.

Whereas Lot didn’t has a blessed descendant. His descendants brought shame on his name. He lost his married daughters in Sodom; his other two single daughters went out with him from Sodom, but unfortunately committed adultery with him, thus defiling their father’s reputation and history. They gave birth of the Moabite and Ammonite who became the enemies of the people of God. Thus Lot has lost everything during his life and even after his death.

May God protect us from such horrible end of Lot’s life story. And May He let us be like Abraham, God’s friend who is “being dead yet speaks” (Hebrews 12: 4)
May God bless our life and protect us from the evils of this world, so that our lives and morals after death become a blessed testimony for his sacred name

Magdy Samuel