Read: Genesis 19:12-22
As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up!” (v. 15)
I will never forget the night that I was awakened from my sleep and told to pack my bags—that we needed to leave as soon as possible before the forest fire reached our home. Terrified of the unknown, I was hesitant to leave. I didn’t know if I’d ever see our home again, and that thought alone made me want to linger in each room of the house to say goodbye even as the fire drew closer. As we drove away into the night, eerie orange flames illuminated the dark sky.
I wonder if Lot felt the same way when he was awakened just before dawn and told to flee the coming fiery destruction. The night before, Lot and his family had sheltered two angelic visitors in their home from the wicked mob outside their door. Next, it was Lot’s turn to receive protection from the angels—heavenly rescuers who, in spite of Lot’s hesitance to leave, took him and his family by the hand and dragged them to safety. The angels rescued Lot from his own indecision, doing for Lot what he could not do.
In this passage, we witness several heavenly realities at work. First, angels know the will of God and are sent as divine emissaries to ensure that his plans unfold (v. 13). Second, angels guide us along unfamiliar paths and protect us from danger—even danger we cannot or do not want to see (v. 15). Third, God is both merciful and serious about confronting wickedness (v. 16).
As you pray, thank God for rescuing you from dangers both seen and unseen.
Katelyn J. Dixon is a contemplative writer, speaker, and poet living in the Seattle area. In her free time, Katelyn enjoys cooking, photography, and exploring the enchanting Pacific Northwest with her husband, Drew, while partnering with him in life and ministry.
