Genesis 18:20-21 –  “So the Lord said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so blatant ²¹ that I must go down and see if they are as wicked as the outcry suggests. If not, I want to know.”

The question came from Genesis 19, in the account of Lot.  The New Testament says that Lot’s righteous spirit was vexed by what was transpiring in Sodom, yet he chose to stay there.   The possible whys are numerous.

Lot knew the promise to Abraham from Abraham’s testimony.    Second-hand knowledge is not transformational revelation; it is information (head knowledge). 

• Abraham had an encounter with God that was transformational.  
• Abraham believed God and God’s promise.  
• Lot believed in God; Abraham believed God.   
• Lot believed theoretically, and Abraham believed experientially.

The question was, “Why was Lot in Sodom?”   That is akin to the question God asked Elijah, “Why are you here?”  Elijah was hiding from Jezebel; Lot was enjoying the material prosperity of the land.

As the angels led Lot and his family out of Sodom, Lot lingered (hesitated).  That suggests a divided heart.   His wife looked back.    The implication is that she looked back longingly or favorably at what she had.  It seems her confidence was in what she had, rather than in God.

I sense the Holy Spirit asking, “What is your reason for being where you are and doing what you are doing. “

Paul prayed for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will.  (Their why).  He prayed for their spiritual understanding.  (Revelation and motivation)

In Colossians 2:6, he says something intriguing and revealing.   “Just as you have therefore accepted Jesus Christ our Lord, so you must be led by Him.”  That is a clear revelation that He must become LORD after He has become Savior.

Then Paul gives a valuable revelation in the next verse.  “Rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith…”   Rooted is being born again (planted).  You can’t be built up until you have been planted or rooted.  Then, established, grow in Grace into spiritual maturity.

The process moves us from believing theoretically to experiential knowledge and faith.  That faith builds up and establishes.   When we embrace what Jesus did as depicted in Colossians 2:13-15, we enter a new realm of freedom and faith.

In Colossians 3, Paul makes it practical.  “IF,” that’s the key.  If we are saved, we must and will shift our focus from self, things, etc., to Christ and His Kingdom.  We put off the things of the flesh and replace them with the things of God.

Colossians 3:16 – “Let (permit by participation) His Word dwell in you ABUNDANTLY in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to God.”

• Why are we where we are doing what we are doing? 
• What is our motivation? 

If God leads us out, do we linger or hesitate, looking back?  What truly holds our hearts?  What holds our hearts defines and determines our lives and fruit.  It is the foundation upon which our legacy is built. 

Lord, help us to be filled with the knowledge of Your will and believe You!  Help us see the temporariness of this life and the eternality of forever!

Have a Victorious Day in Jesus!   Be Where He Has Planted You and You Will Realize Your Purpose Fulfilled!