Where are you looking? (Jan 20)

Has the Spirit ever lifted words off of the page, screen or sermon as you read or listen?

Today Genesis 19:26 speaks loudly. 

              But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. -NIV

The words 'looked back' gave pause to consider how often we may look back and then reflect on the results of the look back.  In sports, we might look back to last year when our team was in first place,   As we age, we might look back to the good old days.  Can you think of other times when you look back to a location, situation, or relationship?  Ponder on the results of that look back.  Did that look back help you today on a moment by moment basis accept, give thanks for; or deal with your present situation?

Certainly there are fond memories to muse and consider, but how much good, how many blessings to others accrue due to our looking back?  There is some good and there are some blessings in some reflecting on the past.  But, we should be focused on our actions today with an eye to the future.  Don't drive your car focused on the rear view mirror.  Focus on the windshield and beyond, aim high!

On the other hand, here today, we see the results of Lot's wife; after her salvation from God's total destruction looking back to her former city, friends, home and status.  As a result of that look back, she looses her life, and becomes a pillar of salt.  Lot's wife did not follow God's instruction, did not stay in God's will and for whatever reason acted upon her own accord.

Think of other turning backs in the Bible: The Isralites at Mount Sinai, turning back to the Egyptian Gods (and even slavery!); and the wealthy man asking Jesus what will it take to follow, and turning back to his wealth...thus loosing eternal life.

               Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it and whoever loses his life will preserve it.

                                                                  Luke 17:33 NIV

Read about what happend to Abimelech (name means "My father is king") who "looked" at Sarah and read about the response to Abraham's prayer. 

We can give thanks that we have been redeemed through Chirst's work on the cross.  Let us not look back, God has removed our sin from us.


Pray to walk in faith.


In Christ

David P