The Cave, Part 2

 “Lot went up from Zoar with his two daughters and settled in the mountains because he was afraid to live in Zoar. So he lived in a cave with his two daughters.” –Genesis 19:30, NET

Do not miss the opportunity to consider Lot’s situation and state of mind. He had a comfortable life of wealth and prominence (Gen 13:5-6; 19:1). His daughters were about to marry (Gen 19:14). He was well acquainted, and doubtless had many friends. And in one night he is dragged away, leaving everything behind. All his possessions, all his friends, his sons-in-laws, and now his wife—all lost, FOREVER! How would you feel?

Though God had compassion, Lot was hesitant to go (Gen 19:16). He did not fully trust the LORD, and thus appealed to stay close to the familiar (Gen 19:18-19). Yet when all was judged and removed from Lot’s life, Lot’s gratitude (v.19) was too shallow, and he harbored offense towards God. He turned to his last resort—himself, and fell into isolation and depression, willingly medicating his pain (v.33), and opening himself up to be used for nefarious purposes (vv.31-35; 2Ti 2:26).

If we do not trust in the LORD, we will seek safety among others, until they inevitably reveal themselves untrustworthy (Psa 146:3). Then who can we count on? All people deceive and betray (Rom 3:13), and change their minds (1Sa 15:29). Life itself is so brief and temperamental, those we love might depart us in an instant (Psa 89:47). So we build walls to protect ourselves, and shut out the inevitable pain community causes.

Yet we cannot fulfill our mission and grow in Christ in isolation (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1). To attempt to “be fruitful and multiply” alone (Gen 1:28; Mat 28:19-20) is perverse—incest here is the picture (see also Lev 18:10). Love is the essential element of divine productivity, without which we achieve nothing (1Co 13:1-3). For love compels us to reach outward (1Co 13:4-7). We cannot love God and not love all those “fathered by him,” obeying all of God’s commands (1Jo 5:1-4), including the valuing of Christian community (Acts 2:42-47) and the love of our earthly enemies (Mat 5:44).

Do not forsake the assembly (Heb 10:25). If you have isolated yourself, reach out to a brother- or sister-in-Christ. If you know of a brother or sister in a cave, go to them today. Perhaps you can be as a divine messenger and take them by the hand and bring them out into the light of the risen Son.