Lot's Wife
It’s a new year, and January is often the time when we have big hopes and aspirations for the year ahead. "I’m going to eat better, I’m going to exercise more," you know the drill. If you are still blazing ahead on your New Year’s resolution, good for you! I think it’s valuable for us to try and do better, and setting goals is a good way to do that and to hold ourselves accountable. It’s good for us to look back and review how things have gone so that we can improve and do better in the future. But what happens when we can’t stop looking back?
My family and I recently went on a trip around Christmas, and we had a long drive back home in the car. To kill the time, I scrolled through social media. With every scroll through my feed, I started to remark to my husband Chris about things that were going on with a former season of our lives. What was happening, who was doing what, can you believe that’s the direction things are going… you know, just thinking out loud. He then asked me why I still followed all those social media pages. That’s something I had never really given much thought to… why wouldn’t I want to know all the ins and outs of my former seasons of life? He then said, well, you don’t want to turn into Lot’s wife. I was a little miffed at the time with that remark. How was I going to turn into a pillar of salt for scrolling through Facebook… but as time passed, the drive, the days, and even the weeks after, I could not help but think about that comment. Do I truly have an unhealthy attachment to my past?
I started to see ads on my phone for books about “Don’t look back” and Bible studies about Lot’s wife. I kid you not. Maybe it was my phone listening in and eavesdropping, maybe the Lord was trying to tell me something; honestly, it was probably a little bit of both. So here we are, what can be learned about Lot’s wife as we move into 2024?
To give you some Biblical background, let’s head to Genesis 19. Abraham’s nephew, Lot, and his family lived in Sodom and Gomorrah. God had determined to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness. Two angels warned Lot to evacuate the city so he and his family would not be destroyed. The next morning the angels rushed Lot and his family out of the city, by the hand, before it was destroyed. They were instructed in Genesis 19:16-17 to “Flee 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 the city had burning sulfur rain down, Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt. On the surface, this seems like an extremely harsh ending for someone taking a glance over their shoulder. But it was so much more than a glance. She not only looked, but she looked back longingly. “But Lot’s wife, from behind him, [foolishly, longingly] looked [back toward Sodom in an act of disobedience], and she became a pillar of salt.” Genesis 19:26. The very thing she was told not to do, she did. But why would she do that? Could it be that she was living her life as usual, everything was going great, and suddenly she must pack up and abandon everything? I don’t know how I would react in that scenario either. I can speak to the times when I’ve had to make a sudden change I wasn’t expecting- 2020, anyone? The seeming whiplash from abrupt changes have been difficult for me. I’m a creature of habit; I want to know when a turn is coming on life’s highway and want ample notice. But that’s not always how it works, is it?
Let’s skip ahead to the New Testament, to the book of Luke 17. Jesus is in the middle of giving a prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world, or an Eschatological Discourse if you want to get technical… and he mentions these words (that are easy to miss!); he says: “Remember Lot’s Wife” (Luke 17:32). If Jesus said it, you better believe it’s important.
Looking back didn’t go well for Lot’s wife, nor does it for us. It’s impossible for us to move forward when our feet are firmly planted in the past. We become stuck. It could be in a memory, a place, a time, a mindset – anything that is preventing us from moving forward in the direction that God has called us right now. Now, I personally love looking back at fond memories: my wedding, the birth of our children, our recent Disney Cruise. I love looking back to see how God has intervened for me in seemingly impossible situations, where he’s provided, where he’s protected. The problem is when we look back, longing to return to a place or a season that God has called us out of and moved us on from. There are seasons for everything, right? The author of Ecclesiastes tells us “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). How can I be effective for the season of NOW if my heart and mind are stuck in a place where I no longer reside - physically, emotionally, and spiritually? It’s easy to do, believe me. I didn’t realize the degree in which I found myself longingly looking back without even realizing it. If we are being honest, we don’t always recall things exactly as they were either. We can risk idealizing a distorted version of what really was. Longing to go back to something we are not even remembering correctly. Remember the Israelites wanting to return to Egypt? Could it be that I find myself not trusting God as I should? I know he is good, but do I not trust his plans for where he has me at this moment? This has been quite an eye-opening journey for me to begin a mental course correction. But thankfully, God has grace upon grace for me, and for you, during these times we veer off course.
It's important for me, for the church, for all of us to keep moving forward into the next season. What God is doing now - let’s not miss it. I think all of us have experienced change that has caught us off guard, even within our church. But how we keep moving forward is by keeping our eyes on Jesus. It’s how we stay on track and move in the correct direction. Have you ever ridden a bike? Have you ever tried to turn around and look back while doing so? You were likely met with wobbly tires while you quickly tried to balance yourself again. You move towards where you are looking! Eyes forward, on Jesus, my friends! Psalm 123:1 tells us: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”
If you find yourself stuck, or offtrack, prayer and reflection can help provide clarity for those areas. Seeking support from friends, joining a small group, or opting for pastoral or Christian counseling are valuable steps toward moving forward. As we enter 2024, let's step out of the past and into the future, embracing new beginnings, new seasons, and new opportunities to radiate the life, light, and love of Christ to the world."
God bless, friends!
-Christine
Remember the Fourth
Sometimes you end up writing something that you know is great advice, but you are absolutely horrible about following it yourself. This is one of those times. Learn from my mistakes, but more importantly, keep me accountable.
There are a multitude of things that we know are sins and that we have no problem judging people on. We can all hopefully agree that murder and stealing are wrong. Lying is frowned upon, especially when someone is lying to you (we try to make up our own excuses for why our lies aren’t bad). Cheating on your spouse is devastating to way more than just the two people involved. Like I said, these are pretty obviously wrong, and it’s one of the reasons why they were included in the ten commandments.
The first three commandments are almost the definition of calling oneself a Christian, and then there’s the second half that we already covered a bit. But there’s this pesky fourth command that we ignore. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. I don’t want to get into the debate between Saturday and Sunday, worship, old covenant/new covenant, or the legalism that Jesus had to fight. But maybe we should start from the assumption that God wasn’t crazy for telling us to take a break.
And that’s where my struggle is. I am not great at taking a break from work. Even when I’m not physically at work I’m thinking about work, or playing catch up around the house trying to get all the chores done. It feels like there is always the next thing on the list that needs to be done. The worst thing is, I look at other people who always seem to be doing something and think they are busier than I am and that maybe I need to do more. I know I’m not alone, but being a workaholic is a culturally accepted, and even sometimes revered, sin.
God never intended us to work all the time. We have to take regular breaks, and it just so happens that God gave us a pretty easy to remember standard. One day a week. One day where, for all intents and purposes, you relax and rejuvenate. You take the time to worship God, and you do as little as possible beyond that.
I’m not here to tell you exactly what it has to look like for you. After all I’m fully admitting I have a problem with my own healthy boundaries. However, after just going through the busiest month of the year where my own body tried to betray me and tell me to take it easy, then having a vacation where I did puzzles and hung out with family, its important for you to take the time to figure it out. Leave room for God to work in other people as you step back and let God rejuvenate you. One way or another, life will eventually go one without you. You are a child of God, and we all know kids need naps. Seriously, be like Jesus, take naps.
The Hidden Pitfalls
In the warm embrace of church small groups, where fellowship flourishes and friendships form, two silent dangers can quietly creep in: gossip and anger. Let's explore why these seemingly harmless behaviors can harm our spiritual community.
The Whispering Web of Gossip:
Gossip is like a spider weaving its web, slowly entangling everyone in its threads. In our small groups, gossip can start as a simple conversation but quickly grow into a harmful force. When we gossip, we spread rumors and half-truths, damaging trust and tarnishing relationships. Just as a web ensnares its prey, gossip entangles the unity that small groups strive to build. “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” (Proverbs 18:8 NIV)
The Fiery Flames of Anger:
Anger, like a wildfire, can quickly consume the peace within a small group. When tempers flare, communication breaks down, and harmony is replaced by discord. Anger hinders our ability to love and understand one another, making it difficult for our small groups to thrive in the spirit of cooperation.
The Ripple Effect on Relationships:
Gossip and anger don’t stay confined; they create a ripple effect, impacting the entire group. Friendships strain, and trust weakens, making it challenging for the small group to function as a supportive and nurturing community. It's essential to recognize the far-reaching consequences of these behaviors on our shared journey of faith.
The Importance of Open Communication:
To combat gossip and anger, open communication is key. Encouraging an environment where members feel safe expressing their thoughts and concerns helps prevent misunderstandings that may fuel gossip or anger. When we communicate openly, we build trust and strengthen the bonds that hold our small groups together. If your strife is towards another group, have the courage to seek out and discuss what is angering you so badly with the leader or persons of that group. Choosing to gossip and spread your anger towards another ministry or group - within your small group - only leads to unnecessary webs of gossip and more fiery flames of anger. Seeds take root, and strife abounds.
Choosing Love Over Gossip and Anger:
Love is the antidote to gossip and anger. When faced with the choice, let's choose to love one another unconditionally. By embracing love, we create an atmosphere where gossip struggles to take root, and anger finds no fertile ground. Love binds our small groups together and fortifies the foundation of our shared faith. Let us remember God’s commandment from Leviticus: “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:18 NRSV)
The kids in our youth group experience gossip and anger almost on a daily basis within their middle and high schools. Sadly, it’s become a way of life in the secular world. I strive to provide each young adult a safe place where there is no gossip or anger within our group.
In our church’s adult small groups, where we seek spiritual growth and connection, gossip and anger pose significant threats. By understanding the potential harm these behaviors can cause and actively choosing love and open communication, we can protect the unity and harmony that make our small groups a haven for spiritual flourishing. Let's be vigilant, recognizing the signs of gossip and anger, and strive to cultivate a nurturing environment where our faith can truly thrive.
Embracing Solace
In the midst of the holiday season's hustle and bustle, the Methodist tradition offers a unique and contemplative space for those grappling with grief, loss, or simply seeking solace. The "Longest Night" special service, also known as Blue Christmas or Winter Solstice service, is a poignant expression of compassion and understanding within the Methodist community. Our “Longest Night” service will be held next week on Wednesday, December 20th, at 6:00pm. Not having ever experienced this type of service before, I wanted to look more in-depth into this service. Here are some highlights from my exploration!
Understanding the Longest Night Service
The Longest Night service is typically held on or around the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. Contrary to the jubilant celebrations of the Christmas season, this service acknowledges that not everyone feels the warmth and joy associated with the holidays. Many individuals grapple with personal losses, challenges, or a sense of loneliness during this time.
Creating a Safe Space
Methodist congregations embrace the essence of inclusivity by providing a safe and comforting space for those navigating difficult emotions. The service often takes place in a dimly lit sanctuary, creating an atmosphere of calm and reflection. Soft candlelight, subdued music, and thoughtful prayers contribute to the overall sense of peace and tranquility.
Acknowledging Grief and Loss
One of the core elements of the Longest Night service is the acknowledgment of grief and loss. Participants are invited to share their experiences, either through personal reflections or written prayers. This open dialogue fosters a sense of community and reminds attendees that they are not alone in their struggles.
Embracing Hope in Darkness
While the service addresses the pain and sorrow associated with the longest night, it also carries a message of hope. Readings and reflections often emphasize the promise of a new dawn, symbolizing the belief that, even in the darkest moments, there is a glimmer of light and hope. This balance of acknowledging pain and offering hope resonates deeply with those attending the service.
Music as Healing
Music plays a crucial role in the Longest Night service, offering a powerful means of emotional expression and healing. Hymns and songs are carefully selected to evoke a range of emotions, providing a therapeutic outlet for those in attendance. The carefully curated musical elements contribute to the overall contemplative and supportive atmosphere of the service.
The Methodist tradition of the Longest Night service is a testament to the community's commitment to empathy and understanding. By acknowledging the diverse emotional landscapes that coexist during the holiday season, this special service provides a sanctuary for healing and reflection. In the quiet moments of the longest night, Methodist congregations come together to create a space where individuals can find solace, share their burdens, and embrace the promise of a new dawn. I personally invite you to next week’s service - either as someone who experiences grief during this season, or as someone who can offer a “shoulder of encouragement” to those grieving.
No matter what you’re feeling this Christmas season, please know that you are loved by all of us here at NUMC, but more importantly, loved unconditionally by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Have a blessed and merry Christmas.
A Christmas Miracle
Christmas is the season of perpetual hope. There are miracles on 34th street, Grinches returning roast beasts, wonderful lives, and even ghosts. But just to show that anything can happen at Christmas, I’m going to do a real Christmas blog for once, and it’s even on one of my favorite Christmas songs.
If you want to listen to the song, you can click here to listen to it on spotify. Chris only used two verses in this recording but he nailed the feeling of the song with the two that he chose. The lyrics are:
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee O Israel.O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Ok, I can fully admit that this is not the cheeriest Christmas song, but I really can’t think of a better Advent song. Advent is all about the waiting of Jesus to come. First it was about the second coming of Jesus and now has been tied together with the birth of Jesus. We often play the part of Ricky Bobby and just want to focus on the 8 pound 6 oz baby Jesus because it’s our favorite time of year and we can celebrate. But we miss the context of the 600 years of waiting from when Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah to his actual birth. Israel was conquered and exiled, their people scattered across the known world. The only hope the exiles had was for God to do something miraculous. Yet the miraculous didn’t happen. Not when they were exiled in Assyria or even when they were exiled to Babylon or conquered by the Persians and Greeks. It was 6 centuries, and dozens of generations before the promise was fulfilled.
The words of the first verse are referring to a literal time and place in Biblical history. It acknowledges that they were mourning, lonely and separated from where they wanted to be and that in that state the only hope is Jesus. This moves into the refrain of rejoicing because Emmanuel, God with us, is coming to Israel. I think most people take this line and in their heads it’s actual rejoicing, but for me it’s the head trying to convince the heart that it will be ok. It’s living in the messiness and despair of exile while clinging to a not yet seen hope which is perfectly seen in the second verse. If they have already rejoiced, why would there be a plea for God to have to cheer their spirits and disperse gloomy clouds?
Christmas isn't just a celebration of joyful moments but a recognition of the shadows that precede the light. It's about acknowledging the expanse of time, the generations that waited, and the faith that persisted through the darkest hours. The beauty of this song lies not only in its melody but in its portrayal of the human experience—waiting, longing, and holding on to hope against all odds.