“Remember Lot’s wife.” Luke 17:32
Alas, the Lord got Lot’s wife out of Sodom, but Sodom was still in her heart. As they were fleeing to safety, she looked back and became a pillar of salt. Jesus exhorts us to “put our hand to the plow” and not look back. Now, we have our verse for today as a further exhortation. There is nothing in the world you left to follow Jesus that is worth a glance back. But what could be the harm in just looking? After all, it’s not like we are talking about turning back to the world or even going back to the world.
Remember, the great commandment is to Love the Lord your God with all of your heart. It is unlikely that you would forsake the Lord outright and go running back to the world after having tasted of the goodness of God’s grace. You see the destruction of all who continue in that old life even as Lot’s wife could see the smoke rising from the ruins of Sodom. You want to follow Jesus and press on with the Lord, but the enemy will offer you just a glimpse, just a little look back. Don’t fall for that old trick!
Keep your eyes on Jesus and don’t look back. Everything the Lord has for you is ahead of you and whatever is in your forgiven past life is forgotten by the Lord as it should be by you. Don’t think about the past, press on toward God’s promises. Remember Lot’s wife!