Why was Lot called righteous in Peter 2:7?
Why was Lot called righteous? That's a really good question that takes a bit of thought...
In Genesis, we read that Lot is Abraham's older brother's son. Although Lot is a close relative of the Biblical patriarch Abraham, we read that he is riddled with flaws. Lot, like many of us today, judges by sight and thinks of himself before others (Genesis 13:8-12). He first chooses to live outside of the city of Sodom then later to live inside its walls. He is drawn by commerce and gains great influence in this city. Later he becomes drunk and commits incest with both his daughters. Lot seems anything but righteous. So why was Lot rescued twice, first by Abraham (Genesis 14) and later by angels sent by God to escape the judgment and destruction of Sodom?
There must be more to Lot than what appears on the surface...
From the evident protection of Abraham and God, there must be more going on in the heart of this man than his outward actions show. The first evidence of Lot's heart comes from Genesis 19:7. Lot says,"No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing." He attempts to protect two angels who have come into his city and under the protection of his house. He does not yet know that they are in Sodom to destroy it. He tries to save them from being gang-raped by the men of the city. We have seen that he perceives this behavior as sinful. So, we must assume that Lot follows some morals that a follower of God would have. He has morals yet doesn't want to stand out in the crowd as being different. Lot is really a parallel to many modern Christians in America. He has strong beliefs, but to avoid uncomfortable confrontation and financial disadvantage, he chooses not to say anything most of the time.
At first, we read Genesis 19:29 and assume that Lot was saved only because he is Abraham's nephew.
In Genesis, we read that Lot is Abraham's older brother's son. Although Lot is a close relative of the Biblical patriarch Abraham, we read that he is riddled with flaws. Lot, like many of us today, judges by sight and thinks of himself before others (Genesis 13:8-12). He first chooses to live outside of the city of Sodom then later to live inside its walls. He is drawn by commerce and gains great influence in this city. Later he becomes drunk and commits incest with both his daughters. Lot seems anything but righteous. So why was Lot rescued twice, first by Abraham (Genesis 14) and later by angels sent by God to escape the judgment and destruction of Sodom?
There must be more to Lot than what appears on the surface...
From the evident protection of Abraham and God, there must be more going on in the heart of this man than his outward actions show. The first evidence of Lot's heart comes from Genesis 19:7. Lot says,"No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing." He attempts to protect two angels who have come into his city and under the protection of his house. He does not yet know that they are in Sodom to destroy it. He tries to save them from being gang-raped by the men of the city. We have seen that he perceives this behavior as sinful. So, we must assume that Lot follows some morals that a follower of God would have. He has morals yet doesn't want to stand out in the crowd as being different. Lot is really a parallel to many modern Christians in America. He has strong beliefs, but to avoid uncomfortable confrontation and financial disadvantage, he chooses not to say anything most of the time.
At first, we read Genesis 19:29 and assume that Lot was saved only because he is Abraham's nephew.
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