Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 16, 17, 18; Luke 17: 20-37
“Remember Lot’s wife.” – Luke 17:32 (KJVS)
Two angels came to save Lot and his family from Sodom and Gomorrah when the Lord rained brimstone and fire from heaven upon the land. However, the family were told to escape from the land and should not look back as they ran for their lives. The instructions of the Angels to the family are stated in Genesis 19:17 (KJVS), “And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.” But as they were going, Lot’s wife looked back and the consequence is stated in Genesis 19:26 (KJVS), “But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.”
Why did she look back? She was used to the pleasures and things of the land. She became emotionally attached to her belongings in the land that she discounted the strict instructions of the Angels. She was possibly thinking of her position, authority and assets in the land and could not take her mind off them. This ended in claiming her life. The Lord Jesus admonished the people in Luke 17:32 (KJVS) to “Remember Lot’s wife.” and what happened to her when she wanted to hold on to her earthly belongings!
So what are you holding on to that is about to wrestle your salvation from your hand? Is it the huge money that you had been promised, or the promotion that you may get or the safety of your job. Is that why you are ready to join that cult or gang up with others to misrepresent facts or do what you know will lead you to hell. You may be thinking there will be opportunity to repent after that action. The Lord Jesus is asking you to remember Lot’s wife. She did not have any opportunity thereafter. Here the Lord Jesus again in Luke 17:31 (KJVS) says, “In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.”
Your day is the day you are about to take that decision, ensure you look at eternity instead of the gain today. Matthew 16:26 (KJVS) states: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Nothing is worth the pain, sorrow and eternal damnation in this world. It is better to lose that position or that job rather than losing your soul.
Prayer: Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, help me to hold on to you no matter the temptation or trial.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero