Observation: Jesus' teaching about the coming of the Son of Man is confusing. There is an interpretation that this is about the second coming and the rapture. There is also an interpretation that this is about is impending death and resurrection, and how everyone is to respond the call to discipleship that follows. I this second context, the response of people is provocative. People are to immediately follow, leaving behind even their possessions in their house. Some will respond to the call, and some won't, even when they are next to each other and hear the same call.
Most interesting is the reference to Lot's wife, a very minor character in Genesis who did nothing but "look back" upon the destruction of Sodom, and was immediately transformed into a pillar of salt. Did she look back with longing on the life she was leaving behind? Did she look back with sadness thinking of friends who were being destroyed? The fact is, it doesn't matter ... she looked back because that old life - the life angels had commanded her to leave behind - remained in her thoughts.
Application: I have understood now for several months that one of my major problems is that I keep looking back at my life.
I look at certain elements of pain and hardship and relive them over and over again, renewing the pain in my heart. I look at certain events with joy and fond memories, and grow sad that those times cannot ever be relived. I look at old friendships and feel guilt over lost connections. In all of this, I invent scenarios of how things could be changed or altered in a manner that would improve my current life in some way.
But here is the truth ... my life is amazing and wonderful! Dwelling on these thoughts of the past, even the good memories, are ONLY causing me pain and sadness. They lead me into melancholy moods, wicked thoughts, and disconnected discontentment. Looking back at life is terrible.
And here's the real issue ... every moment I spend doing this is time I am not thinking about the Lord. It is time I am not meditating on his word, considering and thanking him for the blessings of my life, developing a closer relationship with him through the Holy Spirit, listing for his guidance and instruction of how I should walk his path for my life, enjoying the wonder of his hands all around me, serving him by serving others. I not only make myself sad when I think back on my life, and deny myself the love, joy, and blessing the Lord is bestowing upon me in the present, and turning my face away from Jesus and the prize of future eternal salvation.
I could 'fix' so much in my life if I spent my mental time meditating on the Lord, his word, and his work in my current life, and not looking back on the old, broken, and flawed life of the past.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for reminding me again today of Lot's wife, and of your plans and intentions for me. Those intentions are in the future, not the past, and the blessings you have given me are right here for me to enjoy now. May I be present, in the present, with you. Amen.
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