- Scripture: Genesis 19:24–19:38
- The Anchor: “But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt… So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe…” – Genesis 19:26, 29
We see the complete destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the judgment on Lot’s wife, and the deep sin of Lot’s daughters. After Lot and his family escape, God rains down burning sulfur and fire from the heavens. As they flee, Lot’s wife looks back at the city, and she instantly turns into a pillar of salt. While this was a physical transformation, it was ultimately driven by her heart. Her heart wanted to be back in Sodom where she was surrounded by worldly things, rather than with God, who is entirely opposed to sin. We see this exact same corrupted mindset in Lot’s daughters, who had grown so accustomed to the culture of Sodom that they ended up starting incestuous relationships with their father behind his back. The single ray of hope in this dark passage is when Abraham looks out toward the smoking valley and sees God’s mercy in successfully rescuing Lot.
This passage exposes copious amounts of sin that were completely normalized by the culture of Sodom, showing hearts that are totally unwilling to turn away from evil. The more I think about how chaotic and broken Sodom and Gomorrah were, the more I see reflections of our modern world in those cities. Sin has become highly normalized, and unholy relationships are incredibly common nowadays, which is heavy and discouraging to see.
Even as Christians, it can be a constant battle to completely turn our hearts away from the world and toward God. But God gives us absolute hope in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Through Jesus, who fills us with His supernatural strength, we can overcome the temptations and pressures of this culture. Through God’s ongoing sanctification, He is graciously growing us day by day into the exact people He destined us to be.
Reflection
- Lot’s wife didn’t just turn her head; her heart was actively longing for the sinful culture she was leaving behind. When you look at the habits, media, or mindsets of the world around you, do you find your heart secretly wishing you could participate, or are you actively guarding your affections?
- Lot’s daughters spent so much time in Sodom that their boundaries of right and wrong became completely blurred. In a culture where sin is constantly normalized, how can you use your daily routines—like your studying, Scioly practice, and time with friends—to stay grounded in God’s definition of holiness?
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times my heart looks back longingly at the things of this world. Thank You that I am not left to fight temptation in my own weak strength, but that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Continue to sanctify me day by day, making me more like Jesus. Amen.