Remember Lot's Wife
By Glenda Little
"But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt." Genesis 19:26
My husband, Steve, and I live in Hayesville, NC, and on our way home from town there's a church sign that says on one side, "Remember Lot's Wife", and on the other side is posted a weekly Bible verse. I mentioned to my husband that the statement about Lot's wife has been on the sign for several months and has really caught my attention. I decided I needed to do some research about it.
Lot's Lot
Lot's story begins in Genesis 11 where we are told he left the city of Ur with his Uncle Abram "to go into the land of Canaan" (Gen. 11:31). Lot and his family seemed to bring drama at every turn. Let's fast forward and look at his family's story in Genesis 19.
Many of us are familiar with the story, but it's always good to review it. Because of the grievous sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, God directed angels to destroy it. In God's mercy, He sent His angels to warn Lot and his family to flee before the destruction began.
But Lot took his time. It was probably much like when we were younger, and our parents would encourage us to hurry because it was time to leave for school, but because it was school, we would delay and take our sweet time getting our things together. The Bible says Lot actually lingered (19:16). Again, they were encouraged to hurry because God, in His mercy, was giving them the opportunity to escape the fire and brimstone that would pour out of heaven. They were also warned to "not look behind thee" (19:17). But, verse 26 tells us that Lot's wife looked back and as a result turned into a pillar of salt.
Lot in Luke
Did you know the phrase, "Remember Lot's wife" is actually a verse in Luke 17? It's such a short verse that I've probably glossed over it in my Bible reading. But it's there, verse 32.
In Luke 17 when Jesus was talking to his disciples, He was telling them about a coming time of great destruction. He told them what had happened to Lot's wife and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Then He said with emphasis, "Remember Lot's wife!"
Lots of Longing
So often we get caught up in the "world". Trust me, it's so easy for Satan to distract us, and before we know it we're there! As Lot's wife was fleeing she had a look of longing that indicated a reluctance to leave or a desire to return to the "world". She was given a chance to leave everything to save her life, but she could not let go, and she paid for it with her life.
We, like Lot, have been offered God's mercy time and time again, but what do I do with that mercy? What do you do with that mercy? Do I take my time "lingering" and longing for the things of this world, or do I quickly repent and turn from the things that hinder my walk with the Lord? Is there anything in your life that's hindering you from fully following Jesus?
So true.
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