Greetings brethren! I am writing this article in Davao midway through the Feast of Unleavened Bread. From all the reports that I have heard thus far it sounds like you have had a very meaningful and profitable Passover and First Day of Unleavened Bread. I had the pleasure of spending the Passover and First Day of Unleavened Bread with our brethren in Hong Kong and I am looking forward to spending the Last Day of Unleavened Bread with our brethren in Manila.

During the Days of Unleavened Bread I am often reminded of a statement that Christ made in Luke 17:32: “Remember Lot’s Wife.” You may ask, “What does this statement have to do with the Days of Unleavened Bread?” Let’s review the story of Lot and the destruction of Sodom. After Lot and Abraham returned to Canaan from Egypt they had to part company. God had blessed them with much livestock and large households and the land would no longer support them living together. Lot chose to live in the plain of Jordan (Genesis 13). He pitched his tents near Sodom and as time transpired we read of Lot living in Sodom, a city known for its sins. God determined to destroy the city of Sodom because of its sinfulness. When the two angels entered the city, Lot was sitting at the city gate. He entreated the angels to spend the night in his house and he made them a feast accompanied with unleavened bread. The angels informed Lot that God would destroy the city and urged him to take his family and leave in haste.

In Genesis 19 we read, When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, “Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city.” And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. So it came to pass, when they had brought them outside, that he said, “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed.” (Genesis 19:15-17). Lot was a righteous man but he was captivated by the society of Sodom. He lingered, hesitated, delayed; he was in no hurry to leave. The angels had to lead Lot’s family out of the city and commanded them to flee. By the mercy of God, Lot was spared from the destruction of Sodom. But his wife found it too difficult to leave; she looked back and became a pillar of salt. Lot’s wife serves as a perpetual reminder of one who was unwilling forsake a wicked environment.
We have been commanded to come out of this world; to not follow the sinful ways of the society in which we live (2 Corinthians 6:17; Revelation 18:4). During the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread we are reminded of God’s mercy and our deliverance from the slavery of sin. We have embarked upon a spiritual journey out of this world to the kingdom of God. As we continue that journey we are reminded not to look back longing for the sinful ways of this world. Christ stated, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). So as we have the privilege of observing the Feast of Unleavened Bread, let’s remember the lesson of Lot’s wife.

Please remember to pray for the success of the GCE which will be held May 17-19. This year Mr-s. Ed Macaraeg will be attending the General Conference. Also the United Youth Camp will be held once again this year at Eden Nature Park in Davao City from May 4-11. Please remember to pray for the success of the camp and the protection of our staff and campers. Camp is a wonderful opportunity for many of our young people and this year we have three United Youth Corps volunteers (Luke & Kristina Crane and Bobby Ouellette) from the US serving at the camp.

Thank you for your faithfulness to God and dedication to His work.

© 2008 United Church of God, AIA - Pilipinas