Don’t Look Back – Remember Lot’s Wife :: By Charles Gray Adams Jr

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*There is a special message at the end of this article.*

My brother in spiritual arms, Jody Jasper, recently wrote a song bearing the title of this article. In it, he describes the time we are in as similar to that of Lot and his family. Those familiar with the biblical narrative will recognize the severe warning to not look back upon the things of this world as to covet them (Luke 17:31-32). Genesis chapter nineteen details the account of Lot and his family being escorted out of Sodom by angels who warned them to ‘not’ look back. His wife disobeyed, and she was instantly turned into a pillar of salt (Gen 19:26). It is in this spirit that this warning is now issued to the bride of Christ, “Don’t Look Back – Remember Lot’s Wife.”

With this narrative in mind, it is important to recognize that the end of the church age has arrived, and Jesus is calling His faithful to separate from the world and its sinful pleasures. Indeed, the bride is being pulled from the grasp of an increasingly sinful world, just like Lot, his wife, and two daughters were brought forth out of Sodom (Gen 19:17). Like these, the church has been given instructions about where our gaze should rest at this point. In fact, Scripture warns us that as we see the current conditions of the world, we are to look up for our soon-coming King (Luke 21:28). ^[1] Therefore, it would behoove us to revisit what Jesus said about Lot’s wife:

Luke 17:28-33

“Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. 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. Remember Lot’s wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” ^[2] (emphasis mine)

In recent articles, the condition of the world at the time of the rapture has been discussed, and it has been made clear that those in the world will be doing what they ordinarily do without understanding their impending doom. ^[3] Here, Luke records what Jesus says about those whom we refer to as earthbound. ^[4] These will be focusing on eating, drinking, buying and selling, planting, and building. However, this is not the primary reason for looking into this passage. Instead, we are interested in why Jesus discussed these things in the context of the actions of Lot’s wife.

The woman which the Bible only names ‘Lot’s wife’ made a fatal error when she turned and looked back upon Sodom. In fact, as we just read, for this mistake, she was turned into a pillar of salt. Many have speculated about this event, and some believe she became a pillar of salt simply because she was too close to the cataclysm that destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Others believe she was turned into a pillar of salt as judgment for looking back. The latter would imply that she was instantly judged and, at the same time, set up as a monument that speaks of what happens to the disobedient. Therefore, she became a reminder to all who would come after her to obey God. Either way, looking back on Sodom caused her instant demise. But why?

The answer is given by Jesus in Luke chapter seventeen. Immediately after calling for remembrance of Lot’s wife, He uttered these words, “Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it (Luke 17:33).” Jesus makes it abundantly clear that Lot’s wife desired to save the life (former way of living) she had in Sodom which resulted in her losing her physical life. Put another way, her desire to preserve her life actually caused her to lose it.

In similar fashion, God is calling His children out of the world system. In fact, He is now instituting the second half of Luke 17:33. It is time to lose our lives in order to preserve them. Meaning it is time to die to our own desires and seek the Lord’s will above all else. We know this to be true because of the signs of the times. Never before has there been such a convergence of signs pointing to the arrival of the Day of the Lord, which is preceded by the rapture. ^[5]

Sadly, at this most crucial time, many Christians are following the example set forth by Lot’s wife; they are seeking to preserve their former lives even in the face of God’s impending judgment upon the earth from which the faithful will soon depart. It is almost unthinkable that anyone would desire this life over the next, but that seems to be the case for multitudes. Ironically, there are several different reasons for this inconceivable desire to save this life.

One facet of this movement toward self-preservation, ‘the kingdom now movement,’ was covered in the article, “The Great Awakening – The Grand Delusion.” ^[6] Here, we should discuss another facet, the prosperity gospel. This false gospel has fueled the desire of many to seek to save their lives of luxury here on earth. Put another way, those impacted by the lies of the prosperity gospel are those who desire to keep their best life now.

This discussion will not delve into all of the particulars of this false gospel since a tremendous amount of information is available about it with a simple internet search using the search term “The Prosperity Gospel Exposed.” ^[7] One could literally spend days learning the history, main proponents, and all of the tentacles of this incredibly invasive fallacy. However, one thing is certain; this doctrine has swayed multiplied millions into being just like Lot’s wife.

Because of the prosperity gospel, many now have reason to desire the things of this life rather than the things of the next. Incredibly, it is not even money that has these people bound. Instead, it is the love of money which is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Tim 6:10). The context of this verse will provide a great deal of understanding about the point being made here. Paul is concluding his instruction to Timothy about how to pastor in his first epistle to him when he instructs him to reject false doctrines. Here is the context of the passage:

1 Timothy 6:2-10

“These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (emphasis mine)

Perhaps this is one of the reasons Lot was so vexed in Sodom. He knew the Sodomites were greedy, and he would not withdraw from them. In fact, he is even shown to be sitting at the gate when the angels arrive, which generally indicates one is prominent in a city. By way of proof, the Jewish historian Josephus describes the sin of Sodom as threefold:

“About this time the Sodomites grew proud, on account of their riches and great wealth: they became unjust toward men, and impious toward God, insomuch that they did not call to mind the advantages they received from him: they hated strangers and abused themselves with Sodomitical practices.” ^[8]

The fact that Lot was vexed indicates that he knew better than to reside in Sodom, but he persisted anyway. What makes this even more troubling is the fact that Lot was so ineffectual in extricating his sons-in-law from the sinful environment, and he even lost his wife because of her great desire to maintain her life in Sodom. This should stand as a glaring warning for the head of any household that has been involved in the prosperity gospel…. Flee for your lives, and don’t look back. This false doctrine will bring destruction beyond belief upon you and your family.

It is very important to remember that the enemy of all things holy, Satan, in his attempt to destroy the faithful, has always attempted to persuade God’s chosen to look at the things of the earth as more important than the heavenly. This is because he knows if he can get people to choose to seek their best life here and now, they may become so satisfied with it that they will do anything to keep it. However, Jesus indicated that doing so will cause one to actually lose their life. This is because men cannot serve God and mammon at the same time (Matt 6:24). Since mammon is a term used to describe riches, money, possessions, and property, it only makes sense that the Lord instructs us to:

Matthew 6:19-21

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (emphasis mine)

Lot’s wife is the perfect example of this simple truth. Think about it, even as she was safely out of the city. She had been spared from the destruction which was forthcoming; however, her heart was clearly focused on the life she was accustomed to. Sadly, because of her misplaced treasure, she turned back toward Sodom and paid the ultimate price for her errant desire, which caused her to lose her life. Therefore, let us take heed to the warning of Jesus and ensure that the focus of our hearts is upon heaven by laying up our treasures there.

Conclusion

Many have fallen for the wiles of the devil and become shipwrecked (Eph 6:11; 1 Tim 1:19). Lot’s wife is one example of this, as she lost her life because of her desire to keep it. With this in mind, it is very important that each of us examines what is important to us, especially as we see the day approaching in which the Lord will call us up to meet Him in the air. If you have fallen prey to the false doctrines which are designed to keep you focused on man and the here and now, flee from those who have misled you, and “Don’t Look Back – Remember Lot’s Wife.”

Matthew 6:25-33

“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Special message…

The end of the age is upon us, and God will soon send Jesus to fetch His bride. Jesus, the bridegroom, will do His part exquisitely. It is very important that we, the bride, do our part, which is to be about the Great Commission while looking up. With this in mind, we must first submit ourselves unto God (James 4:7); then we can speak the whole truth to those who have so diligently attempted to mislead us with half-truths, such as the false doctrines of the kingdom now or the prosperity gospel. These and many other false doctrines are always rooted in the earth. They are sensual. They appeal to the flesh nature. Therefore, they are easily recognizable. Now for the hard part…

Remember, Scripture tells us that once we recognize bearers of false doctrine, those who twist Scripture, we are to withdraw from them (1 Tim 6:5). This is where things become very difficult for many. You see, these false teachers did not just burst onto the scene last week. No, they have been here for a very long time, and they have become institutions that many have elevated to positions of great honor. Not to mention the fact that their false doctrines have inundated every form of media for decades. This is why you must begin to judge their message by the truth of God’s word. Only then will you find the strength to withdraw from them. The article, ‘The Return of the Godless, ‘ outlines how to recognize and deal with these crafters of deception. ^[9]

Website: In His Commission

[1] For greater understanding, see the article, “While We Wait.”

[2] “Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the King James Version.”

[3] For greater understanding, visit the “Eschatology Articles” page at inhiscommission.com.

[4] For greater understanding, see the article, “Heaven or Earth Bound?”

[5] For greater understanding, see the article, “The Five W’s of the Rapture.”

[6] For greater understanding, see the article, “The Great Awakening – The Grand Delusion.”

[7] Internet search results for the search term, “The Prosperity Gospel Exposed.”

[8] Josephus, Antiquities Chapter 11, 1.194.

[9] For greater understanding, see the article, “The Return of the Godless.”

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