GLEANINGS FROM THE SCRIPTURESANOTHER DIMENSIONBy Keith L. EstesI remember when 3 D movies first arrived. As we entered the theater we received these special plastic glasses to wear which turned the scenes into three dimensions. The ability to turn the flat image of the silver screen into a completely different dimension was an exciting and transforming event. The 3 D's that I want to write about show another view point from the book of Genesis. It seems that Abraham and Lot, his nephew, had such large herds that it became necessary for them to separate from each other. This brings us to the first D. DECISION. Abraham was gracious in that he gave Lot the choice. He said, "If thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left." This presents an interesting question. When we make decisions do we slant them for our own advantage or do we consider others? Do we really believe that God is directing our paths regardless of the choices others may make that affect us? Abraham threw the ball into Lot's court. It's Lot's decision, what will he do? The scripture says, "And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where." It would have been interesting at this point if Lot had said, "Uncle Abraham, your eyesight is as good as mine and we both know that the best land is toward the east. Now then let's cast lots and let the decision be in God's hand." But it was not to be, for the scripture continues, "Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east." The best and finest decision is not always the wisest decision, for you see, on the beautiful plains of Jordan there just happened to be a city called Sodom. Lot pitched his tent there. This brings us to our second D. DANGER. Lot's choice brought him to a city that took advantage of the poor and the widow along with the craving of many of their citizens for the act of sodomy that according to the scriptures is an abomination to God. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is an everlasting testimony that such abuses as, unconcern for the widow and the orphan along with sodomy, will ultimately be judged. Shakespeare reminds us that, "The path is smooth that leadeth on to danger."(Venus and Adonis) Through Abraham's appeal and God's intervention Lot, along with his two daughters, was miraculously rescued from danger. The third D is DISBELIEF. When the Angels instructed Lot to leave, he spoke to his son's in law and said, "Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. but he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law." Disbelief cost these two their lives. It doesn't stop there. When Lot, his wife and two daughters, was fleeing from the city they were instructed to "look not behind thee." ..."But his wife looked back from behind him and she became a pillar of salt." When we choose God's direction for our lives we must never look back. We must all leave our earthly possessions; we are unable to take them with us. Jesus reminds us "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Disbelief in God's word and turning back is tantamount to spiritual suicide. We have examined a three dimensional picture of the words of scripture but I would like to entertain a fourth dimension. It is called DELIGHT. The Psalmist writes "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Ref. Gen: Ch. 18 & 19. Psm. 37:4, Luke 9:62, The Holy Bible. |