The Two Pillars

What is a pillar? It is either a supporting member of a structure or a supporting member of a society - a 'pillar in the community.' Keep those two definitions in mind as we read today.

Our first passage should be familiar. It's the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. The angels warned Lot and his family.

“Flee for your lives! Don’t look back,  But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." - Genesis 19:17&26

Our second passage is from the Book of Revelation. Jesus is talking about the church in Philadelphia.

"I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name." - Revelation 3:11-12

We have seen two examples of pillars here. Lot's wife and a church.

Lot's wife was from Sodom. Living in sin and corruption was her way of life. When she looked back at Sodom's destruction she did so because she was going to miss it and that lifestyle.

The church in Philadelphia was at the other end of the lifestyle spectrum - the good end. And because of that Jesus wanted to make it a pillar in the temple of God.

The thing we should notice about these two examples is this: Sodom's wife CHOSE to look back. In Philadelphia's case JESUS wanted to make them into a pillar. He did the choosing.

There is a choice involved in each of our lives. What do we long for? Do we enjoy living a sin-filled life? Or do we want to be part of God's church?

Being a 'pillar of society' can be a good thing. But it depends on the character of the society. Being a pillar in Christ's church is a better. It depends on God's character, which is perfect.

The angels warned everyone in Lot's family not to look back. Their warning is for us as well. Quit looking back! Look forward! Look up!!

In the Book of Luke, Jesus spoke these words to His disciples about the time of His return:

"Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it." - Luke 17:32-33

We must lose our sin-filled lives and prepare our hearts for His return. He's coming soon!