A Fatal Glance

Jesus warned that there will a day when judgment will come upon the earth. He likened it Sodom and her surrounding cities when it was swept away by fire and brimstone raining from the heavens. In Luke 17:32, Jesus says, "Remember Lot's wife!" (NIV).

Why did Lot's wife look back?

Was it hard to look at the back of her husband's head who was willing to offer up their two daughters to pacify the men gathered outside their door? The men of the town both old and young demanded the two men visiting them come out so they can have sexual relations.

Or was she bitter at leaving their hometown of Haran? After all,God called Abraham to leave but not her husband. Now, she was force to evacuate the city she had made her home away from home. No more wandering about the countryside or arguing with Abraham's family or servants. In Sodom, she made friends and hope to see her daughters married in a short time. Later, there will be grandchildren to hold! But their sons-in-law only mocked at Lot as they hurried to get out of the city (Genesis 19:14).

Maybe once last glance wouldn't hurt. Who would notice?

Lot look straight ahead. Her daughters heads were bowed looking at their feet, trying to keep a steady pace without stumbling. Just one more quick look over her shoulders. Her home was going to be torched and with it all the possessions she held so dear - so many fond memories and difficult ones too. Her garden where she lovingly planted food and herbs will be a complete ash heap (Genesis 19:25). What about her friends? Her stomach knotted in a tight ball. Her sons-in-laws will be killed in furnace blast of heat falling from heaven.

Slowly, she turned head, her eyes still straight ahead but her heart no longer with her family. It was in Sodom where she belonged. Then as her head turned left, aligning to her shoulders, her eyes followed. The last thing she felt was her body stiffening, crystallizing in seconds, entombed in salt. Her lips parted to scream, but no one ahead dare look back.

How many of us took a fatal glance back at the life God has said, "Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!" (Genesis 19:17).

Run, beloved, run to Christ and keep yours fixed on Him! There is nothing left in Sodom for you or me, but destruction.