November

‘Remember remember the 5th of November’ this is a saying from my childhood days in Glasgow. Whenever I think about it lots of images come to my mind. Collecting bonfire wood, cold wet November nights, and black skies lit up with fantastic coloured fireworks. Steam rising from our wet clothes as we stand by the lighted bonfire and many more happy memories whenever I remember the 5th of November.

November seems to be the month for remembering for after bonfire night comes Remembrance Sunday. 11th November this year is the date set aside for us to remember those who gave their lives during 1st World War, 2nd World War and the subsequent conflicts. It is because of their sacrifice that we enjoy the freedom we have today.

In Luke 17: 32 Jesus tells his disciples to Remember Lot’s wife. The context is that the people were asking when God’s Kingdom would finally come, Jesus explains that when He returns they will not miss him. The important question is not when he will return but are you ready for when he does return. In answering this he says, “Remember Lot’s wife. There are four things we need to remember when we think of Lot’s wife.

1. She lived in a Context where it was easy for her to make a Commitment to God. She was married to Lot who was the nephew of Abraham who was called the friend of God. She would have heard of the great works of God from her husband and so it was easy for her to make a commitment to God. We live in a context where it is easy for us to make a commitment to Christ. In Northern Ireland there is a church on nearly every street corner. We would not be arrested for being a Christian we would not lose our jobs for being a Christian. It is relatively easy to make a commitment to Christ compare to many other countries in the world.

2. There was a Careless Compromise. Lot had the opportunity to live anywhere in the country of Canaan (Genesis 13). He chose to live just outside Gomorrah, even though it had a reputation for being very immoral. He chose there because it was situated on the fertile Jordan valley where his cattle could graze easily. He compromised his family for financial reasons. As parents we need to make the right decisions for our families. Those decisions should not be made solely for financial, educational or social reasons. We need to make sound spiritual decisions for our families.

3. There was a Clear Counsel from God. God had decided to destroy Gomorrah but to save Lot, his wife and two daughters. He sent two angels to tell them how they were to be saved. They were to run towards the plains of Zoar and not to turn back towards Gomorrah. It was a clear and simple message of salvation. Many people today feel confused as to what is a Christian. A Christian is simply someone who is truly sorry for their sins and committed not to repeat them, realises that they cannot get rid of past sins on their own and so asks Jesus to forgive their sins and to be their Saviour and Lord.

4. There was a needless Catastrophe. Lot and his family were fleeing towards the plains of Zoar. As they were doing so God destroyed Gomorrah Lot’s wife turned back as she did so she received the same punishment as the residents of that city. It was so needless she had started out properly but turned back. Jesus tells us that anyone who puts their hand to the plough but turns back is not fit for the kingdom of heaven. Surely we need to preserve in our faith even when the going is tough, we are promised the help of the Holy Spirit.

November is the month of remembering, we remember a man’s treason, and we need to be good citizens of our country. We remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives, we need to protect our freedom and don’t take it for granted. We remember Lot’s wife, we need to be ready for Jesus Christ’s return for if we are not we have no excuse.

Daniel Rankin