Luke 17:32 is a short but interesting verse. In it, the Lord urges us to “remember Lot’s wife.”
The story of Lot and his wife is found in Genesis 19. Lot was the nephew of Abraham. He also lived in the wicked city of Sodom. God was going to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Before doing so, He sent two angels into Sodom to command Lot to take his family and leave (Genesis 19:12-17, 24-26). Unfortunately, while fleeing, Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt.
What does the Lord want us to remember about Lot’s wife?
Remember her disobedience.
- She died because she disobeyed God (Genesis 19:17). In the context of Luke 17:32, Jesus is warning His disciples about the coming destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 17:22ff).
- Jesus says there would be a series of warning signs that would precede Jerusalem’s destruction. Once they saw the signs, they would know that the city’s judgment was imminent.
- They were to leave Jerusalem immediately and not look back! See Luke 17:28-32. If the disciples did not do as the Lord said, they would be killed like Lot’s wife.
- There are a whole host of reasons as to why Lot’s wife may have looked back. Regardless, she shouldn’t have! If she had obeyed God, she would have survived. Will we learn from her mistake? See John 14:15; Luke 6:46; 1 Samuel 15:22.
Remember her righteous husband.
- Lot was indeed a righteous man (2 Peter 2:6-8). Lot obeyed and respected God. He led his family in the ways of God. But Lot’s wife wasn’t going to be saved because of his righteousness.
- We can’t make it to heaven based on someone else’s righteousness. God judges every person on an individual basis (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Remember how she died outside the city.
- Unlike the people of Sodom, Lot’s wife died while fleeing (Genesis 19:17, 26). She died even though she made an initial attempt to be saved. Her example shows us that a mere initial effort is not going to cut it!
- Christians must continually walk with Christ and finish the race (1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27; Hebrews 3:12).
Remember that her heart was not with God.
- Her heart was still in the city. If her heart had entirely been with God, she would have obeyed Him and never looked back.
- Is there something pulling at our hearts? If so, we need to remove it (Luke 9:57-62).
Conclusion: Lot’s wife did not have to experience the judgment of God. She should have listened to God’s warnings and obeyed Him. Will we learn from her mistake?