Remember what happened to Lot’s wife? Judgment was raining down on Sodom and Gomorrah. Two angels went to Lot’s house to deliver a message. He and his family needed to leave. The next day, the angels escorted Lot, his wife, and two daughters out of the city. “Don’t look back,” the angels said. But Lot’s wife didn’t listen. As she was fleeing the city, she stopped and looked back. At that moment, she became a pillar of salt.
Matthew 24:17-20, “17 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, 18 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 19 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 20 Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.”
Let’s break these verses down to understand what Jesus is telling the disciples.
17 – “Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house.” – When I read this, my immediate thought is, ‘I don’t spend any time on my roof, nor does anyone else in my country. Rooftop living is not the norm in the south. It’s too hot. How would this passage apply to me then? I don’t think it does.
18 – “and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak.” – There are very few fields where I live. The idea here and in verse 17 is when you see the abomination of desolation, do not give any thought to retrieving personal belongings. If a natural disaster hit your home or was headed your way, we have always been trained to grab a few of your personal things, essential documents. Jesus warns them to forgo those things. Don’t look back. Don’t worry, Flee to the mountains.
19 – “And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!” – I have been pregnant before, so I know the struggle with moving fast and in an urgent matter. It is not easy. My daughter wouldn’t breastfeed, but I can’t imagine how challenging it would be for nursing moms.
20 – “Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.” – I am not a winter gal. I don’t want to live in a snow state. God bless all those who do and can handle that life. For them, fleeing in the winter would be easier than someone who lives in the south.
But again, is Jesus talking about me?
No.
What about the Sabbath? People would be reluctant to flee if the abomination of desolation happened on the Sabbath for fear they would violate a command.
So far, I haven’t found anything in those passages that apply to me. I don’t think Jesus was referring to me when he spoke those things. I still believe he is talking about the Jewish people. He is warning them – “Don’t turn back when you see the abomination of desolation.”
Final thoughts
Many things are happening around the world today; tragic things, painful things, and stuff we wouldn’t wish on our worst enemy.
The rate of lawlessness, hatred, and evil is rising quickly. Leads one to believe we are another day closer to the Lord’s return.
For many, the first big event is the rapture of the church. For others, it’s the tribulation, and still, for others, life is grand, and this life is all there will ever be.
Each day I pray one more person will give their life to Christ. Time is running out. Each day everyone turns another day older. Some are further down the road than others. You do not know if tomorrow will be your last day on this round ball. But I say this – put your hope in the Lord and not in man. Be joyful and trust in the name of the Lord each day.
If you do not know Jesus, today is the day of salvation. Do not delay another moment. There are plenty of resources available to lead you into a personal relationship with the Savior of the world.
If you already love Jesus, please stay alert and keep looking up. Stand firm in your faith, and don’t look back. The Lord is faithful.
Blessings!
The Teaching Lady
Beginning Steps For New Believers- Step 1
Beginning Steps For New Believers- Step 2
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