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also turn away? 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. The very fact
that others are ignoring His just claims should arouse us to greater
diligence, that we may honor God ourselves, and lead all whom we
can influence, to accept His love.
“The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.” The
bright rays of the morning seemed to speak only prosperity and peace
to the cities of the plain. The stir of active life began in the streets; men
were going their various ways, intent on the business or the pleasures
of the day. The sons-in-law of Lot were making merry at the fears and
warnings of the weak-minded old man. Suddenly and unexpectedly as
would be a thunder peal from an unclouded sky, the tempest broke. The
Lord rained brimstone and fire out of heaven upon the cities and the
fruitful plain; its palaces and temples, costly dwellings, gardens and
vineyards, and the gay, pleasure-seeking throngs that only the night
before had insulted the messengers of heaven—all were consumed.
The smoke of the conflagration went up like the smoke of a great
furnace. And the fair vale of Siddim became a desolation, a place
never to be built up or inhabited—a witness to all generations of the
certainty of God’s judgments upon transgression.
The flames that consumed the cities of the plain shed their warning
light down even to our time. We are taught the fearful and solemn
lesson that while God’s mercy bears long with the transgressor, there
is a limit beyond which men may not go on in sin. When that limit is
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reached, then the offers of mercy are withdrawn, and the ministration
of judgment begins.
The Redeemer of the world declares that there are greater sins than
that for which Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. Those who hear
the gospel invitation calling sinners to repentance, and heed it not, are
more guilty before God than were the dwellers in the vale of Siddim.
And still greater sin is theirs who profess to know God and to keep
His commandments, yet who deny Christ in their character and their
daily life. In the light of the Saviour’s warning, the fate of Sodom is a
solemn admonition, not merely to those who are guilty of outbreaking
sin, but to all who are trifling with Heaven-sent light and privileges.