Let me share something that ate me up earlier.
Do you remember Lot’s wife? You should, because she’s the one woman Jesus specifically tells us to remember. Recently, I realized that I am more like her than I ever imagined, and that thought humbled me. For so long, my understanding of her fate seemed…well, foolish. Now I find myself floating in a pool of humility, reflecting on her story.
A Quick Recap of the Story
In Genesis 19:12-26, we read about Lot and his family fleeing the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The angels urged Lot to gather his loved ones and escape:
Verse 12: The angels asked, “Do you have anyone else here? Get them out of this place because we are going to destroy it.”
Verse 15-17: They told Lot to flee for their lives and not look back. In his hesitation, the angels took Lot and his family by the hand, leading them safely out of the city.
Verse 26: But, in an act of longing or regret, Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt.
Understanding Her Choice
For a long time, I couldn’t grasp why she would look back. But as I continued my journey, the meaning became clearer.
Lot’s wife wasn’t just fleeing from flames; she was leaving behind her home, her comforts, and the familiarity of life in a city that had once seemed prosperous. Lot had chosen Sodom because it appeared lush and inviting, “like the Lord’s garden.” But she was saying goodbye to everything she knew to step into the unknown—a small town named Zoar, which literally means "small" or "insignificant."
Yet, she had made a home in a place known for its depravity—a city where cries of the oppressed had reached God’s ears, leading to its destruction.
Sidebar: It’s interesting how often evil can be wrapped in pretty packaging.
My Own Journey
God has repeatedly warned, protected, and rescued me from situations where I tried to set up roots in mindsets, relationships, and pursuits that were never meant to be permanent. In my arrogance and stubbornness, I often found myself looking back—longing for plans and desires that seemed so appealing, yet were spiritually void.
But here’s the good news: God didn’t allow my heart to harden in those moments. Each day, I wake up with the chance to choose not to look back at the life I left behind. Instead, I can focus on the life He is calling me to embrace.
I've been so busy glancing back at what could have been that I almost missed out on what’s ahead.
Conclusion: A Call to Reflect
So, let’s take a moment to reflect. Are there areas in our lives where we’re clinging to the past? Are we hesitating to let go of comforts that keep us from embracing the unknown?
Lot’s wife reminds us that looking back can come at a cost. Let’s strive to move forward, trusting that God has something far greater in store for us. After all, the journey into the unknown can lead to the most beautiful destinations.
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