Text: Luke 17:32
By: Eyiangho, Godwin
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Jesus used some events that took place in the Old Testament to buttress His teaching on several issues but in the case of lot’s wife, He simply said, “Remember Lot’s wife.”
For what would Lot’s wife be remembered? What has she done and where is she? How is she connected with the teaching on the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem and the second coming of Christ (Matthew 24; Luke 17)?
On this sermon, we shall unravel all these for our edification. The story of Lot’s wife is in Genesis 19.
God wanted to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah for their sins and deliver Lot and his family consequent to Abraham’s intervention (Genesis 18,19).
However, two conditions were attached – they must not look back and they must escape to the mountain (Genesis 19:17).
Lot pleaded and God allowed him and his family to escape to the city of Zoar (verse 22). Nevertheless, as they were escaping, Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt – Genesis 19:26 – But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
Brethren, we can learn the following lessons for our admonition (Romans 15:4).
DISOBEDIENCE CAUSES DEATH
Disobedience is a grievous sin and was the first sin committed by man which leads to death. And as Lot’s wife disobeyed God, she died spiritually and physically (Genesis 19:17, Romans 6:23). We must remember Lot’s wife and avoid disobedience entirely.
GOD’S WORD IS NOT VOID (INEFFECTIVE)
The word of God must accomplish its purpose for God cannot lie (Isaiah 55:10,11; Titus 1:2). As we remember Lot’s wife, we must have regard for God’s word and act accordingly (2 John 9).
ONE’S SIN AFFECTS OTHERS
The sin of one believer may affect others negatively even a local congregation as the disfellowship of some brethren has scattered some local congregations. Just fancy the pains suffered by Lot and his two daughters when they arrived at their destination safely without the mother of the home which later led to drunkenness and immorality (Genesis 19:33,34).
NOTHING MUST CAUSE US TO SIN
Lot and his daughters demonstrated absolute (living or active) faith in God by not allowing the incident to make them sin against God. Imagine when Lot did not hear the footsteps of his wife…perhaps, he called her but no response…and the children called mum, mum…no response, yet they did not look back as they obeyed God. This is a commendable faith required to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
WHY LOT’S WIFE LOOKED BACK
We are not told but if she was behind her husband according to Genesis 19:26, it was a wrong arrangement – we need to protect and guide one another especially husbands and their families (Ephesians 5:25).
CONCLUSION
According to Josephus, the disciples of Christ who obeyed and did as Christ commanded did not die during the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.
So also, as we remember Lot’s wife, let’s obey God absolutely and ensure eternal life is guaranteed.
Remember to obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).
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