“In this way both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. The older daughter gave birth to a son and named him Moab. He is the ancestor of the Moabites of today. The younger daughter also gave birth to a son and named him Ben Ammi. He is the ancestor of the Ammonites of today.” –Genesis 19:36-38, NET
Through incest, Lot becomes the father of two people groups: both of whom later become representatives of God’s enemies (ex: Zep 2:9). And this concludes Lot’s story. No more is heard of him. Not even his death is recorded. He is lost in insignificance, just as he prayed. His progeny perpetually under shame and corruption (now consider the beauty of Ruth’s redemption story).
“If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, each builder’s work will be plainly seen, for the Day will make it clear, because it will be revealed by fire. And the fire will test what kind of work each has done. If what someone has built survives, he will receive a reward. If someone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” –1 Corinthians 3:12-15, NET
Lot is an example of someone who is saved only through fire, all his life’s work consumed. How tragic, to be brought out of Babylon (Gen 12:5; Acts 7:2-4), blessed with possessions (Gen 13:5-6), rescued from the enemy (Gen 14:14-16), honored to entertain angels (Gen 19:3), protected by prayer (Gen 19:29), declared “righteous” (2Pe 2:7-8), and yet he enters eternity as a smoldering stick.
Only true builders, “God’s fellow workers,” receive a reward (1Co 3:5-10). For they are empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; John 20:21-22; Gal 3:2-5) to do "good works" and receive rewards (Rom 2:6-7) because they build with the "precious metal"—Faith, “gold that is tested in fire” (1Pe 1:7), without which “it is impossible to please [God]” (Heb 11:6). And the mortar? Supernatural love, “the perfect bond” (Col 3:14), without which we “receive no benefit” (1Co 13:3). For without Love (Mat 22:37-40), any structure we raise will inevitably collapse (Luke 6:49).
What will be your legacy? Will you enjoy God’s blessings, but seek the approval of the world by sitting among the scoffers (Gen 19:1; Psa 1:1)? Will you allow your mind to be shaped by the flesh (Rom 8:5-8) and corrupted by worldly thinking, empty of the knowledge of God—to your shame (1Co 15:32-34)? Will you be “paralyzed by indecision” (1Ki 18:21), hobbling between an idol and the real God? Will this world have to be pried from your fingers so that you can be led out by the hand before destruction arrives? Will any “multiplication” you produce (Gen 1:28; Mat 28:19-20) be turned shamefully inward (Rom 2:8) to be consumed by the curse (Mat 6:19-20)?
Or will you be as Abraham, living a life exemplified by faith (Gen 15:6), going wherever God leads (Gen 12:1), refusing to set down roots in this world, but setting your sights on a city built by God (Heb 11:8-10)? Will you set your heart to building altars instead of earthly kingdoms (Gen 11:3-4; 12:7-8), willing to sacrifice everything to please the LORD (Gen 22:1-18; Heb 11:17-19), trusting that He is your shield and reward (Gen 15:1)?
“These things happened to them as examples and were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come. So let the one who thinks he is standing be careful that he does not fall.” –1 Corinthians 10:11-12, NET
What will be your legacy?
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