Read Luke 17:28-37
Don’t Look Back!
One day Jesus will return to Earth as he enters into the final judgment. What will the days be like when he returns? Yesterday we said it will be like the days of Noah. However, Jesus also said it will be like the days of Lot. People were living life like in the days of Noah: eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. They too were busy with everyday life and they too lost the focus of God. They were surrounded by immoral behaviors and the whole city was corrupt. It’s hard to stay focused on the Lord when you surround yourself with corruption and don’t surround yourself with people who can help keep each other accountable to one’s faith.
So God called Lot and his family out of the city of Sodom for he was going to destroy the city with fire. He warned Lot and his family to leave and not look back for if they did he would turn them into a pillar of salt. Why was looking back such an evil thing? Because God knew that if they looked back, they were really longing for the worldly life and didn’t want to really give it up. In disobedience, Lot’s wife looked back, not wanting to give up what the world offered. As a result, she faced God’s wrath and was turned into a pillar of salt. This coincides with what Jesus said in John 6:62: “If anyone puts their hand to the plow and looks back, they aren’t fit for the kingdom of God.” If we’re going to follow Jesus, then follow him 100%. Don’t look back yearning for the things of this world.
That’s what life will be like when Jesus returns. We’ll be busy with our everyday lives. Those who try to keep their life and lose focus of what’s really important, will lose their life. But those who lose their life for Christ, forfeiting what the world has to offer, will save their life.
When Jesus returns, do you want to be left behind unto judgment or be taken to a life of eternity with the Lord? Choose Christ and not the world. Don’t look back!
