Sunday School Tears | Examining the Story of Lot’s Wife as Adults

The human mind is a funny thing. It holds onto certain memories with surprising tenacity, and sometimes, those memories aren’t always sunshine and rainbows. For many of us raised in Church, the story of Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt in Genesis 19:26 is one such memory. I vividly recall learning about it in Sunday School as a wide-eyed five-year-old convinced God would transform me into a salty statue if I misbehaved. This fear, although potent, wasn’t quite the message God intended.

Thankfully, scripture has a beautiful quality – it grows alongside us. The simple stories we encounter as children become layered with more profound meaning as we mature in our faith. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah wasn’t just about a curious glance back. It represented the tragic end of a society consumed by sin, a place where God’s presence held no sway. Lot’s wife, in her act of looking back, wasn’t merely disobeying instructions. She was yearning for the life she left behind, a life devoid of God’s light.

Looking Beyond the Literal: A Deeper Interpretation

So, what can we genuinely glean from this story as adults? The lesson goes far beyond a simple “don’t look back” command. It’s a powerful call to let go of the past, the sinful patterns that may have held us captive, and embrace the path God has laid out before us. Sometimes, like Lot’s wife, we might be tempted to peek back with a sense of nostalgia for the familiar, even if it wasn’t ultimately good for us. But God, in His infinite love, beckons us to move forward, to keep our eyes fixed on Him and the promises He holds.

Here’s where interpretation becomes even richer. Some scholars see Lot’s wife’s act as a symbol of wavering faith. Perhaps she doubted God’s power or questioned the severity of Sodom’s judgment. This wavering and clinging to the old ways can be a dangerous pitfall in our spiritual journeys. How often do we find ourselves clinging to habits or relationships that hinder our growth in Christ? Letting go can be challenging, but it’s a necessary step toward a deeper connection with God.

Life Application: Walking Forward in Faith

The story of Lot’s wife isn’t just a cautionary tale; it’s a testament to God’s mercy. He saved Lot and his family, offering them a chance to start anew. He offers us the same salvation, but it requires a conscious choice – a commitment to walk away from the darkness and embrace His light. This doesn’t mean our past is erased. We carry the lessons learned, both positive and negative. But we don’t let the past define us.

This story isn’t just a historical account; it holds powerful meaning for our own lives, too. We all have our own “Sodoms” – patterns of behavior, relationships, or even mindsets that pull us away from God’s light. Letting go can be difficult. There might be comfort and familiarity in those things, even if they are ultimately destructive. But, just as He delivered Lot and his family, God offers us a way out. He gives us the strength to walk away from the darkness and embrace the abundant life He has planned for us.

We move forward, relying on God’s strength and the hope of a brighter future. So, if you ever find yourself tempted to glance back at a life that wasn’t aligned with God’s will, remember the story of Lot’s wife. Let it serve as a gentle nudge to keep your eyes on the prize – a life transformed by God’s love and a future filled with His promises.

I’m linking up this month with these AMAZING Blog Hop/Link-Up party hostesses!