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The names “Sodom and Gomorrah” transcend the location and story in Genesis, becoming symbolic of evil sensuality. And many of us have heard about an evangelist preaching “fire and brimstone” — a phrase originating from the Lord’s judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah.
In the Book of Genesis, what has fascinated me since first reading this story many. . . too many. . . years ago are two verses in chapters 18 and 19 that mimic each other.
Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave (Genesis 18:20, ESV).
We are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord (Genesis 19:13).
Yes, the evil in Sodom and Gomorrah overflowed and Abraham, seeking to stay God’s judgment, asked God to spare the cities if just ten righteous men could be found in the cities (Genesis 18:22-33).
Evidently not!
My question or fascination is, “What must a city, country, or person do to receive the ‘outcry is great and grave’ pronouncement?”
The history of both Israel and Judah in the Old Testament reveals cycles of blessing turning to defilement with resulting judgment — until finally “the outcry” became too great with Israel conquered by the Assyrians and 130 years later Judah carried into captivity by the Babylonians.
Even the end of the world will be an “outcry” judgment, as we read in the Book of Revelation. . .
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:9-10).
We also see glimmers of this “outcry” phenomenon with God telling Cain, “If you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door,” Judas being called the Son of Perdition/Destruction (John 17:12), Peter saying to Saphira, “How is that you have agreed together [with her husband Ananias] to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold the feet of those who have buried your husband will carry you out” (Acts 5:9).
How do we know when we are approaching the “outcry” moment in our lives? How can we keep from approaching the limit of God’s patience?
The New Testament comments. . .
If we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 10:26).
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31).
Understanding my flesh, I’ve prayed as a follower of Jesus that His Spirit would be so infilling to overflowing with me that I would never come close to this “outcry” or “sacrifice for sins no longer” demarcation line in my faith.
Amen! The Lord has answered this prayer for over 50 years. NO, I’m not perfect, and fortunately, I live in grace. I know that you can live in this grace as well, as Paul assures us. . .
I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).
I stand in confidence that the Father, Son, and Spirit will keep me faithful until I see them personally in heaven.
You too!