The Danger of Looking Back

Today's text, a portion of Genesis 19, is one that's familiar to me as I had the chance to lead Bible study on this chapter last fall. The idea of not looking back works well when you're in the midst of a financial crisis or just in a crisis in general.

But that's really only part of the story. It starts with Lot's wife. Physically she left the town, but her heart was still there. That's why she looked back. The same can be true of us, in fact Jesus famously warns us against the dangers of second guessing the offer of Salvation from the Lord, pointing to Lot’s wife as an example. Luke 17:32-33 says, “Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” Lot’s wife was offered Salvation but could not accept it. But we can’t half-heartedly commit to God.

Now, Lot and his daughters escaped the town physically, but they never really escaped the effect the town had on them. Lot and his daughters made it to the mountains, but like his wife, Lot's heart was still in that life he left behind, and it effected his future path. Later, as Genesis 19 closes, Lot and his daughters fall into a grim situation which leads to the birth of the Moabite and Amonnite tribes, two historical enemies of the Jewish people that you see in conflict with the Jewish tribes throughout the Old Testament.

Genesis 19 is the last mention of Lot in the Bible, so we are left with an unfulfilling end when it comes to his story. But despite the darkness of Lot's story, God uses it to fulfill his purposes. This passage is another example of how God uses everything, even acts of depravity and brokenness, to accomplish his will. There is a Moabite woman who is famously mentioned later in the Bible. Her name is Ruth, and her story comprises an entire book in the Old Testament. Ruth also plays an important role in God’s plan of salvation as those familiar with the genealogy listed in Matthew chapter 1 will recall that Ruth is listed in the Earthly lineage of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is the light of the world, and the light pierces the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome the light. That is a powerful thought.