LOT'S WIFE, the pillar of salt
The story of Lot's wife can be found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 19:15-26. This passage narrates the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and how Lot's wife looked back at the city as they were fleeing, against the angels' warning, and was turned into a pillar of salt.
Once upon a time in the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, two places notorious for their wickedness and immorality, there lived a man named Lot. Lot was a good man, known for his hospitality and righteousness, and he had settled in Sodom with his wife. They had two daughters and led a life that, while surrounded by corruption, was filled with love and family.
One day, two angels visited Sodom to deliver a grave message. They were sent by God to warn Lot of the impending destruction of the cities due to their rampant sinfulness. The angels arrived at Lot's home, and despite the dangers, he welcomed them with open arms, offering them food and shelter.
As night fell, the men of Sodom surrounded Lot’s house, demanding that he hand over the angels. Lot, desperate to protect his guests, offered them his daughters instead, a heartbreaking choice that illustrated the depth of the moral decay around him. When the men refused, the angels intervened, blinding the crowd and urging Lot to gather his family and flee the city before it was too late.
In the early hours, the angels hastily led Lot, his wife and their daughters out of Sodom, warning them, “Escape for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away.”
As they ran, the chaos of Sodom began to unfold behind them. Fiery rain began to pour down from the heavens, consuming the city in flames. Lot and his family raced forward, urging one another to keep going. But his wife, overwhelmed by the destruction and memories of their life in Sodom, felt a strong longing to look back.
Against the command of the angels, she turned her head to gaze upon the city they were leaving behind. In that moment of hesitation, the tragic consequence of her choice became evident: she was transformed into a pillar of salt.
Lot and their daughters continued to flee, heartbroken by the loss of their mother. They reached the mountains and eventually settled in a new place, but the memory of that fateful moment lingered with them.
DISCUSSION STARTERS
What does the act of looking back symbolize in the context of Lot's wife's story?
- Consider how it relates to attachment to the past and the consequences of disobedience.
2. Why do you think Lot's wife felt compelled to look back despite the angels' warnings?
- Reflect on the human tendency to hold on to familiar comforts, even in the face of danger.
3. How does the transformation of Lot's wife into a pillar of salt serve as a cautionary tale?
- Discuss the implications of her fate and what it teaches about the importance of faith and trust in divine guidance.
4. In what ways can we relate to Lot's wife's struggle between the past and the future?
- Explore personal experiences of letting go and moving forward in life.
5. What lessons can we learn about priorities and choices from Lot's wife’s story?
- Consider how our choices can reflect our values and priorities in life.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
As we reflect on the story of Lot's wife, we come before You with humble hearts. Help us to recognize the areas in our lives where we may be tempted to look back, clinging to the past instead of trusting in the future You have for us. Grant us the strength to let go of what no longer serves us and to move forward in faith.
May we learn from the story the importance of obedience and the dangers of attachment. Fill us with Your wisdom to discern Your guidance in our lives, and remind us that true freedom lies in following Your path, even when it feels uncertain.
Help us to embrace new beginnings and to trust that You are with us every step of the way. We seek Your grace to remain steadfast in our journey of faith.
In Your holy name, we pray.
Amen.