Gen 19-21 That's Normal to You???

Jan 6th, Genesis 19-21

       For all of us there are things that are so normal to us, we never question it. Systems set up for themselves standard norms of behavior that no one questions, standards that live in absolute acceptance. If you ever wondered about God seemingly being angry in the OT, Genesis 19 tells us about a standard, normal, accepted practice in Sodom, here it is...
       "You have male "out of town" house guests. All the men from youngest to oldest arrive at your door with the intent of all having sex with them." This is normal. When you had family over for Christmas, did several hundred men show up expecting sex with your dad, brother, nephews? As repulsive and over the top crazy as that sounds, this was the normal, accepted, standard practice. It's so normal everyone shows up and doesn't question it. So normal that Lot doesn't want them sleeping in the city square as was their plan, but invites them to his home.  A home that was defended by God striking men with blindness so they couldn't find the door.
       Abraham talked God down to 10 righteous being the number that would save Sodom and Gomorrah. When you understand what normal behavior was for them, you can see how far man had strayed from righteousness. God's judgement is rooted in evil being so normal it makes people sick(think holocaust).
       Genesis 20: It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. This is the second time Abraham allows fear to force him into a lie rather than trust God for protection. Telling a leader that his wife was his sister to escape trouble. Abraham needs a new normal. Our system needs a new normal. Abraham needs to learn to trust God when fear could rule his world.
       Just a side note about my frustration with American Church culture. Our norm is about keeping our children(and ourselves) safe. Our norm should be for us to be in places that require faith and places that require faith are generally places where we are tempted to be afraid. Lives of faith aren't built in safety. God is my refuge, fortress, shield!!! Amen to that!!!!

Lord, allow us to find ourselves in circumstances that develop a life of faith. May our normal, standard practices be pleasing to you!!