Near Enough to Flee; Too Close to See
Main Scripture
The sermon focused on Genesis 19:15-21, where Lot is urged by angels to flee Sodom to avoid its impending destruction. This passage serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of hesitation, divine intervention, and personal responsibility.
Key Themes
1. Lingering in Comfort
Rev. Tanner emphasized the danger of lingering in familiar but destructive environments. Lot's hesitation, despite the clear warning from the angels, mirrors our own tendencies to cling to comfort zones. The message is clear: when God calls us to move, we must act swiftly and decisively.
2. Divine Intervention and Mercy
The sermon highlighted God's mercy in physically pulling Lot and his family out of Sodom. This act underscores the divine grace that often rescues us from our own indecision. The angels' intervention is a reminder that God sometimes takes drastic measures to save us from ourselves.
3. The Cost of Disobedience
Lot's story illustrates the cost of partial obedience. Instead of fleeing to the mountains as instructed, Lot negotiates for a closer, seemingly safer town, Zoar. This decision reflects a lack of trust in God's plan and serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of compromise.
4. Trusting God's Plan
Rev. Tanner urged the congregation to trust in God's plan, even when it seems daunting. He reminded us that God's instructions are designed for our ultimate good, and our reluctance to follow them fully can lead to unnecessary hardship.
Personal Reflection
The sermon invited listeners to reflect on their own "Sodom"—those areas in life where they linger despite knowing the need to move forward. It encouraged a personal inventory of our spiritual hesitations and challenged us to embrace God's direction with faith and urgency.
Conclusion
"Near Enough to Flee; Too Close to See" was a call to action, urging believers to recognize the urgency of God's call in their lives. It reminded us that while God is merciful and patient, our response to His guidance should be immediate and complete. As we navigate our spiritual journeys, may we have the courage to leave behind what holds us back and fully embrace the path God has set before us.