Near Enough (Genesis 19:20)

 



Tuesday, February 4, 2025


Psalm 80

Genesis 19:12-28

Luke 2:8-21


Observance: Anskar, missionary bishop in Sweden (d. 865)


Near Enough (Genesis 19:20)


If you want to know the difference between a great artist and just another New York Times Best-Seller, you have to look at their goals. When it comes to the best-seller list, then, well, someone has to be there – and it might as well be you! But when it comes to great art, there is something deeper in that person; a desire for greatness for the sake of the art, rather than the personal glory that comes from climbing up just a little bit higher than the rest of the rats in the barrel. Near enough is never good enough for the true artist – there is always something better to aspire to.


Lot suffered the same small-mindedness. He had been blessed with guests who were willing to receive his hospitality (and therefore saving them from the horror of the Sodomite streets after dark). Then there is the show-down with the Sodomites themselves, but instead of doubling down on his honour, he shrivels in the shame of offering his daughters. This is followed by the great escape – but his wife is even more like him than he is, turning back (for whatever reason we will never know) and is lost in the destruction. After all these miraculous events that the guests have led Lot through, he cannot accept their instruction to keep running, and instead points to a little village and says “near enough is good enough”. But even then it is not good enough – he is afraid to stay there, flees for the hills, and the chapter concludes with the shameful conception of Israel’s ancient enemies: the Moabites and Ammonites.


This is a visceral, gritty episode in human history. There are plenty of lessons we can draw from this passage. But for today we might just sit with this one: we should never settle for “near enough” when it comes to God. He is always pushing us further, leading us along to greater and more wonderful things. And he is always pulling us closer, revealing to us higher and deeper revelations of his love for us. As soon as we try and put the brakes on and say “near enough” then, well, look at what happened to Lot. God moves, and we should be moving with him. Let us never be found lagging behind him. Christ went all the way into the grave, and this is the path to resurrection life he is leading us. Follow him, without fear, and never settle for “near enough” – there is always something greater on the other side.


Are you becoming stagnant in your faith? What risky adventure is God pushing you towards? How will you find the courage to follow him?


Lord God, our friend, redeemer, and guide through this life: let us never settle for “near enough”, but give us the grace of courage to go wherever you send us.

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