Christian Living

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A PROSTRATE HEART


Genesis 19 opens with our first real glimpse into Lot, into the character of the man Peter would later declare just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked. I have a feeling that life may have dampened the self-centeredness of the younger Lot initially penned upon redemption’s narrative. For we discover, sitting at the city’s gate, a man marked by humility. Lest we conceive him simply wearing culture’s garb, look carefully, beneath hospitality’s politeness … to a heart prostrate, before strangers.

Certainly, Lot did not recognize the significance of their presence, nor was he enlightened at this point to their true identity. And I don’t know what moves me more.

First, Lot rises, interrupting whatever his presence at the gate entailed, and he goes out to meet them. Then, not merely bowing, he prostrates himself, face in the ground, before them.

These were strangers, not part of a majestic entourage, simply men on foot, entering the city as evening fell. I doubt their garments bore the garishness of man’s values, for we see no others rising to vie for the grace of their presence to inhabit their homes. But Lot with intense emotion, pleaded with these men, interceding out of a deep desire to protect them from shameful harm.

Everything about Lot’s heart moved to bring them salvation.

I find this glimpse of Lot humbling, for its light casts a multi-faceted beam on a lack in my own character.

We all sit at a gate, where dust-covered strangers pass. I may note them, though most often I’m not even looking. I let them pass, needs unmet. But where is Lot’s heart? A heart that runs out to embrace the stranger? A heart that in deepest humility welcomes them, not with mere words of greeting, but tangible evidence of caring?

Why does this heart not permeate the body of Christ? Infiltrate my own? So many strangers walk among us, sit on the pews beside us, dwell in the homes sharing common soil with our own. Yet we fill our lives with those meeting our needs, bringing us prestige, all the while turning a blind eye to the multitudes passing by.

Something in me shudders at that reality, for not rising up to go meet them, where are they left to turn? The streets of Sodom.

So what motivated Lot’s heart? A deep desire and willingness to be an instrument of salvation. Acknowledging the wickedness of his world, he felt driven to protect others from it; to utilize, readily, the means at his disposal to provide for their salvation.

Maybe it’s because I don’t really get it. Maybe it’s because I’m sheltered, in so many ways, from the life-sucking depravity and despair of sin. But I do know what Lot did not. Lot, not yet knowing the fiery touch of Righteous Holiness, would not leave the strangers to become Sodom’s fare. So why, oh why, do I?






© 31 January 2006
DeAnna L. Brooks

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