December 27

No Looking Back

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. ––Genesis 19:24-26

When I was a kid I had a set of those Bible story books with the blue covers written by Arthur S. Maxwell. I loved those books for their awesome illustrations. But one story that always freaked me out was the one about Lot’s wife. If you will recall, God condemns the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction for their wickedness. Lot escapes with his wife and two daughters, and is instructed by two angels not to look back as they flee. Lot’s wife can’t resist the urge to take a peek, and is instantly turned into a pillar of salt.

It’s a cautionary tale that Jesus references two millennia later when he teaches His disciples about the kingdom to come. Luke 17:31-33 says,

On that day no one who is on the housetop, with possessions inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.

“On that day” refers to the Second Coming of Jesus, and how no one knows when it will take place. He references Lot’s wife as a cautionary tale: Don’t be fixated on the things of this world, but prepare your heart and spirit for His return.

For God’s man, this means living our lives as if Jesus were returning today. Confessing our sins to one another, keeping short accounts in our relationships, and living each day in the power—and under the guidance—of the Holy Spirit. It means holding on lightly to the material things of this world, and always prioritizing His kingdom over our earthly pursuits and preoccupations.

Lot’s wife looked backward—as did many of the Israelites in the desert, who looked back and missed the leaks and onions of Egypt—and suffered for it. Brother, set your sights on the things above—and be ready for His return.

Lord, it’s tempting to look back at the “good times” in my life, but You’ve called me to a higher purpose. Help me set my sites on the things that are precious to You.