Genesis 19 (the story of Sodom and Gomorrah) is one of the most sobering chapters in the Bible. It shows us total moral corruption in humanity, God’s judgment, God’s mercy, and the danger of loving a world that is under judgment.

Sodom’s sin was not hidden, secret or isolated. The Scripture here tells us that “ALL” the men of the city — young and old — surrounded Lot’s house with a “violent and perverse” demand (Genesis 19:4–5 “Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them.”). This was a city-wide expression of the deranged, aggressive sexual sin. The extent of this evil reveals how thoroughly sin can consume a society when God is rejected.

The Bible is consistent in naming this behavior as “exceedingly grave” sin. From Genesis to Jude, Scripture speaks with clarity and unity: God does not redefine sin to fit culture. Yet this truth must be held alongside another truth — that God does not take pleasure in judgment. He is patient, merciful, and calls sinners to repent. Judgment only cones when evil is embraced and repentance is refused.

In Genesis 19:11, “They struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the doorway.”

God struck the men with blindness. Even then, they continued trying to break through the door. This moment shows one of sin’s most terrifying effects: that sin blinds the heart so deeply that even divine warning is ignored.

Lot warned his family of the destruction that was coming, but they mocked him. His tolerant life of the sin around him had weakened his testimony. It is a sad reminder that when believers look like the world, the world is unlikely to pay attention to their warnings.

Yet in the middle of judgment, mercy shines. Genesis 19:16 says that the angels seized Lot and his family, “for the compassion of the LORD was upon him.” You see, Lot was not rescued by the angels because he was righteous enough, but because God is merciful enough. Salvation has always been an act of His grace.

But then came the warning: “Do not look behind you.” Lot’s wife did — and became a pillar of salt. She was physically leaving Sodom, but Sodom had not left her heart. Jesus later warned, “Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:32). You cannot follow God while clinging to the sins of this world you’re being called to leave.

The message remains clear: run from sin, trust God’s mercy, and whatever you do — don’t look back!

Scott Mitchell is the pastor at Solid Rock Baptist Church, located at 13704 Farm Road 1040 in Exeter. He may be reached at 417-846-6619.