エピソード
-
Revelation 1-22
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
JOHN 1-9
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
Dr. Ash Kumar, MD, MBA recently had me on his podcast, Transforming Stress, to talk about my new book, The Future of Work is Human and the Future of Success is Happiness. I share my story of overcoming adversity daily with happiness habits.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
Happiness Through Obedience to the Beatitudes
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) describe the attitudes and actions that bring true happiness or "blessedness" in God's kingdom. This happiness is not based on external circumstances but on a heart transformed by God—humble, merciful, pure, and seeking righteousness.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
Nearness to Jesus Produces the Fruit of Joy
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), meaning it naturally grows when we walk with God. As we live in obedience and abide in Christ, His Spirit fills us with joy.
Meaning of Makarios (μακάριος):
* It means "blessed, happy, fortunate"
In classical Greek, it was sometimes used to describe the gods (who were thought to be free from earthly troubles), but in the Bible, it speaks of divine joy and fulfillment.
Makarios" in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11)
Jesus uses makarios nine times in the Beatitudes to describe those who are blessed in God's kingdom:
* "Blessed are the poor in spirit" (μακάριοι οἱ πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι) – Matthew 5:3
* "Blessed are those who mourn" (μακάριοι οἱ πενθοῦντες) – Matthew 5:4
* "Blessed are the meek" (μακάριοι οἱ πραεῖς) – Matthew 5:5
Abiding in Jesus Leads to True Joy
Obedience to Jesus’ teachings, including the Beatitudes, is how we abide (remain) in Him. In John 15, Jesus compares Himself to the vine and believers to branches—only by staying connected to Him can we bear fruit.
“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:10-11)
When we obey Jesus and live out the Beatitudes, we stay close to Him and experience His joy, which is greater than worldly happiness.
John 15:4-11
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.
9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
Galatians 5:22-23- Fruit of the Spirit produced by abiding
Nearness to Jesus Produces the Fruit of Joy
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), meaning it naturally grows when we walk with God. As we live in obedience and abide in Christ, His Spirit fills us with joy—not just temporary happiness, but a deep, lasting joy that sustains us even in trials.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
The Greek word for "joy" in Galatians 5:22 (which lists the fruit of the Spirit) is "χαρά" (chara).
Meaning of Chara (χαρά):
* It refers to gladness, joy, delight, or rejoicing.
* It is often associated with spiritual joy—a deep, abiding sense of well-being that comes from God, rather than from external circumstances.
* The root word is "χάρις" (charis), meaning "grace," showing that joy is closely connected to God's grace.
Abiding is obedience to the beatitudes, which literally means happiness in Latin.
The Beatitudes are a series of blessings spoken by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12) and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20-23). The word "Beatitude" comes from the Latin beatus, meaning "blessed" or "happy." They describe the attitudes and characteristics of those who are blessed by God and provide a vision of the values of God's kingdom.
Matthew 5:3-12
* Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
* Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
* Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
* Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
* Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
* Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
* Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
* Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
* Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.
The Beatitudes emphasize humility, mercy, righteousness, and peace, reflecting the heart of Jesus' teachings. They contrast worldly values with the values of God's kingdom, showing that true happiness and blessing come not from power or wealth, but from faithfulness, compassion, and dependence on God.
Summary: The Path to True Joy
* Follow the Beatitudes → Cultivate a heart that aligns with God’s kingdom.
* Abide in Jesus → Stay connected to Him through obedience and love.
* Bear the Fruit of Joy → The Holy Spirit produces lasting joy as we walk in faith.
If true joy comes from abiding in Jesus and living in alignment with God’s kingdom, then what happens when we try to find fulfillment in isolation or the wrong sources? The Rat Park experiment provides a powerful parallel.
In early addiction studies, rats placed in solitary cages were given a choice between regular water and drug-laced water. Deprived of social connection and stimulation, many chose the drug, often to the point of self-destruction. But when placed in Rat Park—a rich, communal environment where they could interact and thrive—the same rats largely ignored the drug. Their surroundings shaped their desires.
Likewise, when we disconnect from God and community, we may seek fulfillment in fleeting pleasures that can never satisfy. But Jesus calls us to abide in Him, where true and lasting joy is found. Just as the rats in Rat Park thrived in a nourishing environment, we flourish when we stay rooted in Christ, walking in faith and bearing the fruit of joy through the Holy Spirit.
MORE NOTES FROM THE EPISODE
Deuteronomy is considered the last message of Moses. It consists of a series of speeches he delivered to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In these speeches, Moses restates the law, reminds the people of their covenant with God, and warns them to remain faithful. The book ends with Moses blessing the tribes of Israel and his death on Mount Nebo.
Since Moses dies at the end of Deuteronomy, this marks his final words and farewell to the people of Israel.
Deuteronomy 17:18-20, God commands that when Israel appoints a king, he must write a copy of the law (Deuteronomy) and read it daily to ensure he rules justly and follows God's commands. Here’s what the passage says:
"When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the Levitical priests. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel." (Deuteronomy 17:18-20, NIV)
This command was meant to ensure that the king remained humble, obedient to God, and governed wisely according to divine law.
Joshua 1:8 (NIV):
"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
This verse is God's command to Joshua after Moses' death, instructing him to meditate on and obey the Book of the Law(which includes Deuteronomy and the other books of Moses). It emphasizes the importance of continually studying and applying God's word to experience success and blessings.
Romans 12:2:
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2, NIV)
This verse encourages believers to reject worldly influences and instead allow their minds to be renewed through God's truth. Transformation comes through aligning one's thoughts with God's will, leading to a changed life that reflects His purposes.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
Psalms 37-76
Psalms 1-36 Reading
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
Deuteronomy 13-34
The Death of Moses
34 Then Moses went up to Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab and climbed Pisgah Peak, which is across from Jericho. And the Lord showed him the whole land, from Gilead as far as Dan; 2 all the land of Naphtali; the land of Ephraim and Manasseh; all the land of Judah, extending to the Mediterranean Sea; 3 the Negev; the Jordan Valley with Jericho—the city of palms—as far as Zoar. 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have now allowed you to see it with your own eyes, but you will not enter the land.”
5 So Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, just as the Lord had said. 6 The Lord buried him in a valley near Beth-peor in Moab, but to this day no one knows the exact place. 7 Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever. 8 The people of Israel mourned for Moses on the plains of Moab for thirty days, until the customary period of mourning was over.
9 Now Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him, doing just as the Lord had commanded Moses.
10 There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. 11 The Lord sent him to perform all the miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh, and all his servants, and his entire land. 12 With mighty power, Moses performed terrifying acts in the sight of all Israel.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
Deuteronomy 1-12
Deuteronomy 3:23-26
23 "At that time I pleaded with the LORD and said, 24 ‘O Sovereign LORD, you have only begun to show your greatness and the strength of your hand to me, your servant. Is there any god in heaven or on earth who can perform such great deeds and mighty acts as you do? 25 Please let me cross the Jordan to see the wonderful land on the other side, the beautiful hill country and the Lebanon mountains.’ 26 But the LORD was angry with me because of you, and he would not listen to me. ‘That’s enough!’ he declared. ‘Speak of it no more.’"
When I read this, I felt Moses’ grief.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
AI Transcript from the Webinar
Quick recap-The meeting focused on the importance of self-awareness, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence in managing stress and promoting resilience. The discussion also covered the impact of stress on mental and physical health, the role of self-accountability and self-discipline in achieving personal goals, and the concept of the "Jacuzzi effect" in enhancing self-care activities. The conversation ended with a discussion on the difference between stress and trauma, and the importance of time management as energy management for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Next steps• Implement micro-positive actions to counteract micro-stressors in daily life.• Focus on developing emotional intelligence and authentic communication in the workplace.• Apply the concept of energy management instead of traditional time management.• Practice self-reflection to identify personal stressors and strengths.• Review and apply the concepts discussed in Dr. Ash's book on stress management and the "Jacuzzi effect".
Summary
Chronic Stress and Brain Function-In the meeting, Dr. Ash discussed the concept of chronic stress and its effects on individuals, likening it to the boiling frog analogy. He emphasized the importance of self-awareness and boundaries in recognizing stressors in the environment. Dr. Ash also explained the roles of the right and left hemispheres of the brain in managing stress, with the right hemisphere involved in creativity, emotions, and self-awareness, and the left hemisphere in planning, logic, and execution. He highlighted the significance of the prefrontal cortex, which can be negatively affected by prolonged stress, leading to dysregulation of the limbic system and potential chaos. The conversation ended with a discussion on the impact of stress on memory, specifically mentioning the hippocampus.
Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness in Stress-Alexia and Dr discussed the importance of mindfulness and emotional awareness in managing stress and promoting resilience. Alexia emphasized the need to be present in the moment, aware of one's thoughts and emotions, and to take breaks to prevent burnout. Dr explained that mindfulness helps to stay in the present moment, away from past regrets or future anxieties, and that it can be practiced through deep breathing and naming one's emotions. They also touched on the importance of emotional intelligence, which involves being comfortable with one's emotions and being able to recognize and regulate them.
Managing Stress for Well-Being-Dr. discussed the importance of managing stress, highlighting that high levels of stress can negatively affect the prefrontal cortex and lead to emotional dysregulation, mental health issues, and physical diseases. He emphasized that stress management is crucial for overall well-being and can even help reverse conditions like diabetes. Alexia then shifted the discussion to understanding individual stress tolerance and optimal performance levels, using the boiling frog framework as a guide. The team agreed on the need for self-reflection and awareness to determine the right amount of stress for each individual.
Mindfulness and Self-Reflection in Coaching-Alexia discussed her recent experience with a heart scan and how it made her realize the importance of self-reflection and mindfulness. She shared how she had been struggling with stress and heart rate issues, but had made an adjustment to practice more mindfulness and coping strategies. Dr emphasized the role of a trusted coach or friend in helping others see their blind spots and grow. He also highlighted the importance of starting with one's strengths, as per Gallup's 34 skills, and how a coach can guide in identifying these strengths and blind spots.
Self-Accountability and Stress Management-Dr. discussed the importance of self-accountability and self-discipline in managing stress and achieving personal goals. He emphasized the need to avoid blame and excuses, and to take full responsibility for one's actions. He also highlighted the challenges of living in a world with an abundance of information and the need for focus and attention to make meaningful changes in life. Alexia agreed with Dr.'s advice to be mindful while engaging in activities, especially driving, and to limit distractions to avoid negative consequences.
Emotional Intelligence and Mental Well-Being-In the meeting, Dr. discussed the importance of emotional intelligence and its impact on our well-being. He explained that emotions have frequencies and that a balance of positive and negative emotions is crucial for mental health. He cited the work of Barbara Fredrickson, who suggests that a 1:1 ratio of positive to negative emotions is necessary for survival, while a 3:1 ratio leads to thriving. Dr. also shared his personal experience of dealing with high levels of stress and how he adapted to the situation by focusing on hope and purpose. He emphasized the importance of making choices in response to challenging situations and shared examples from the books "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl and "The Choice" by Edith Eger.
Managing Stress and Energy for Productivity-Alexia and Dr discussed the importance of managing stress and energy to prevent burnout. They emphasized the need to align with one's core values, strengths, and energy levels to achieve productivity and happiness. Alexia suggested reflecting on what fuels and drains her energy, while Dr recommended using tools like the Clifton Strengths Finder, VIA character strengths, and the MBTI personality inventory to better understand oneself. They also highlighted the importance of delegating tasks to those with complementary strengths. The conversation concluded with the importance of investing time in understanding one's strengths and how to work together as a team to enhance productivity and creativity.
Managing Micro-Stressors and Psychological Safety-Dr. discussed the concept of "boiling frogs" to illustrate the impact of stress on individuals. He explained that stressors, like a frog in boiling water, can gradually wear down a person's mental and emotional well-being. Dr. emphasized the importance of recognizing and managing micro-stressors, which can accumulate and have a significant impact on one's life. He suggested leveraging strengths, values, and connections to counteract these stressors. Alexia agreed, noting the need for intentional focus on strengths and values to maintain psychological safety and purpose. Dr. concluded by acknowledging the time constraint and promising to answer Alexia's question about his background.
Exploring Self-Care and Work-Life Balance-Inthe meeting, Dr. Ash discussed the concept of the "Jacuzzi effect," which refers to the synergy and connection that can be experienced when engaging in self-care activities, such as taking a relaxing bath. He emphasized the importance of self-care and reflection in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Dr. Ash also shared his personal journey of choosing not to pursue a career in medicine due to the high burnout rate among doctors. He encouraged the participants to consider time management as energy management and to prioritize their own well-being. The conversation ended with a discussion on the difference between stress and trauma, with Dr. Ash explaining that trauma is an event that can cause stress and related illnesses, but can also lead to post-traumatic growth.
Dr. Ash Kumar, MD, MBA, is a renowned physician, author, and stress management expert. With a unique approach that bridges Western medicine and Eastern spirituality, Dr. Kumar has helped individuals and organizations achieve resilience and well-being. He is the author of The Boiling Frog, a transformative guide to managing chronic stress and thriving in a high-pressure world. Through his books, video courses, and coaching programs, Dr. Kumar empowers people to lead healthier and more intentional lives.
Order Dr. Ash's book and workbook today:
THE BOILING FROG: 21 STRATEGIES TO TRANSFORM STRESS INTO STRENGTH & COMFORT
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
Numbers 19-36
Red Heifer Numbers 19
The story of Moses striking the rock is found in the Book of Numbers, specifically in Numbers 20:7-11. In this passage, Moses, following God's command, is supposed to speak to the rock to bring forth water for the Israelites. However, in frustration with the people's complaints, Moses strikes the rock twice with his staff instead. Water does flow from the rock, but God expresses displeasure with Moses for not following His instructions precisely and for not demonstrating His holiness to the Israelites. This incident has significant consequences for Moses and his leadership.
Numbers 35:34 “You must not defile the land where you live, for I live there myself. I am the Lord, who lives among the people of Israel.”
Numbers 33:55-56 provides a clear warning from God about the consequences of not driving out the inhabitants of the Promised Land. Here’s the passage:
55 But if you fail to drive out the people who live in the land, those who remain will be like splinters in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will harass you in the land where you live. 56 And I will do to you what I had planned to do to them.
In this passage, God warns the Israelites that if they fail to remove the inhabitants of Canaan, those people will become a source of ongoing trouble, leading the Israelites away from God's commands. As a result, God would bring upon the Israelites the same judgment that was intended for the Canaanites.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
Numbers 1-18
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
Leviticus 1-27
"With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever."— Hebrews 9:12
"Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf." — Hebrews 7:25
Matthew 26:28: "for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many."
Romans 3:25: "For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,"
Ephesians 1:7: "He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins."
Ephesians 2:13: "But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ."
Colossians 1:20: "and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross."
Hebrews 9:14: "Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins."
Hebrews 10:19: "And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus."
1 Peter 1:18-19: "For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God."
1 John 1:7: "But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin."
These verses highlight the significance of the blood of Jesus in the context of atonement, redemption, and reconciliation with God.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
MARK 1-16
The Gospel of Mark is traditionally attributed to John Mark, a companion of the Apostle Peter. Early Christian writers, such as Papias of Hierapolis (around 120-130 AD), state that Mark acted as Peter's interpreter and recorded his accounts of Jesus' life and teachings.
John Mark appears several times in the New Testament:
* Acts 12:12, 25; 13:5, 13; 15:37-39:
* John Mark is first mentioned as the son of Mary, whose house in Jerusalem served as a meeting place for early Christians (Acts 12:12).
* He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journeys but left them early on, which caused a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:13; 15:37-39). This disagreement led to Paul and Barnabas parting ways, with Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus.
* Colossians 4:10:
* Paul refers to Mark as the cousin of Barnabas and indicates that he is with him, giving instructions to welcome Mark if he comes to them.
* Philemon 1:24:
* Mark is listed among Paul's fellow workers, showing that their relationship had been restored.
* 2 Timothy 4:11:
* Paul asks Timothy to bring Mark with him because he is helpful in his ministry, indicating Mark's continued significance in the early Christian community.
These references collectively portray John Mark as a significant figure in the early Christian movement, despite his initial departure from Paul's mission. His eventual reconciliation with Paul and continued missionary work highlight his dedication and contribution to the spread of Christianity.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
Joel 1-3
Amos 1-9
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
Exodus 21-40
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
Seligman (2011) hypothesized that PERMA (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment) are the elements of well-being. We tie in PERMA to Goal Setting and Happiness.
Subscribe to my newsletter for content to be sent direct to your mailbox. Check out the archive section to review the library of podcasts, articles and videos of professional development content.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
Exodus 1-20
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
Genesis 31-50
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
Read along in Bible Gateway
Revelation 1:3 God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
Everyone has a happiness story. I share mine and how happiness habits helped me overcome obstacles in my life.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe -
Genesis 1-30
Sodom and Gomorrah
The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. “My lords,” he said, “please turn aside to your servant’s house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning.”
“No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”
But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate. Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house. They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.”
Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, “No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.”
“Get out of our way,” they replied. “This fellow came here as a foreigner, and now he wants to play the judge! We’ll treat you worse than them.” They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door.
But the men inside reached out and pulled Lot back into the house and shut the door. Then they struck the men who were at the door of the house, young and old, with blindness so that they could not find the door.
The two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here—sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.”
So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, “Hurry and get out of this place, because the Lord is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking.
With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.”
When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them. As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!”
But Lot said to them, “No, my lords, please! Your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can’t flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me, and I’ll die. Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it—it is very small, isn’t it? Then my life will be spared.”
He said to him, “Very well, I will grant this request too; I will not overthrow the town you speak of. But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it.” (That is why the town was called Zoar.)
By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the Lord out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land.
But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.
Early the next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the Lord. He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, toward all the land of the plain, and he saw dense smoke rising from the land, like smoke from a furnace.
So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived.
Genesis 19
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alexia.substack.com/subscribe - もっと表示する
