Turn Completely Away

Genesis 19, Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed

This chapter details the completely wicked (homosexual rapist) society that had developed in the plains of Sodom and Gomorrah, where Abraham's nephew Lot had settled. The Bible says the outcry to God against Sodom was so great that he had sent his angels to destroy the cities. But, the story also demonstrates God's mercy and love for Abraham, by sparing his loved one, Lot.

Most Christians recognize the image of Lot's wife being changed into a pillar of salt, because she turned back, likely longing for her life back in Sodom. I imagine there are many reasons she may have looked back. If she was a reasonable woman, she may have looked out out of concern for the earthly things she had accumulated in Sodom, or relationships she may have established, or even out of a sense of longing for the security that "home" provides, as opposed to moving on to a strange land.

All of these reasons are likely, and not evil, at least on the surface. I am sure many Christians can relate to them. I certainly can. We were told that Lot was prosperous earlier in the book. It is likely that his wife may have been so caught up in worldly materialism, or the cares of this world, that she could not easily let go and follow God. There are a lot of important things in life, but if we put God first, even if that means leaving some things, opportunities, or valuables behind, God promises to bless us.

Also, assuming that Lot's wife was a reasonable woman, we can conclude that she had established some friendships in the city and possibly even a name or reputation within its gates. Even though, any of her friends would have been sinners, according to the previous chapter, Lot's wife may not have objected to their lifestyles. Her compromising nature would have allowed her to comfortably mingle with those of wildly different value systems. God's Word says do not be unequally yoked. I know that this is something I struggle with. I have relationships with ungodly people and in many ways they represent "looking back" into my own sinful past.

Finally, considering that Lot's wife was not only a reasonable woman, but a reasonable person, she may have looked back out of a simple longing for what was familiar. They were basically snatched out of their home and rushed off, without much advance planning. Sometimes God moves us as abruptly, I feel, but we have to be willing to let go of our security blanket to follow him. Security blankets include things like our jobs, our homes, our bank accounts, or even our native country.

--Saucy Sister