“But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”” – Luke 9:62
REFERENCE:
When God made us, He put our eyes at the front of our heads so we could always look forward. He wants us to set our eyes on a goal, keep at it, and decide not to look back. Looking back suggests a lack of commitment to a cause you are pursuing. Without commitment, it is not easy to do anything of lasting impact. If you are on a journey to destiny, stay with it, and don’t look back.
Our text reveals three men who expressed a desire to follow Jesus Christ. One wanted to follow Jesus, believing it to be a life of comfort. Another would partner with Jesus, but he had family concerns. The last one saw life with Jesus as one of suffering and loss. Hence, he wanted to return home to sadly wish his family members goodbye, as though Jesus was tearing him away from his family against his wish. Jesus did not tolerate any of their excuses.
Jesus’ response to the three men showed that following God calls for total commitment. Anything less than that is not worth it. He illustrated, “If you are plowing, your attention must be on your work so that you can make a straight furrow. You will not busy yourself with looking around or looking back.” The person who looks back is unfit for service in the kingdom.
If you are halfhearted in your pursuit or look back, you will get discouraged and lose your drive for your purpose. You can only do something worthwhile by inconveniencing yourself. These three men were unwilling to inconvenience themselves. Regardless of your sphere of influence, commitment will stand you out. If you ‘look back,’ you will lose out. When you are committed to a cause, hardships don’t stop you, inconveniences don’t shake you, and setbacks don’t turn you back; you have seen something and are willing to pay the price.
God is impressed by a man who sticks with something and never looks back. When Abraham traveled a three-day journey to sacrifice his son, he had reasons to look back, but he went through with it. His commitment eventually made him an heir to the world. If you have heard God and decided on the course for your life, put your hand on the plow and don’t look back.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL STUDY:
Proverbs 22:29, Hebrews 10:38 (The Voice), and Ecclesiastes 9:10
PRAYER:
Father, please, strengthen me to give myself wholly to the work You have called me to do. Deliver me from the spirit of discouragement and defeat. I do not give up on my commitment, and where I have had bad experiences in the past, I refuse to look back. I will keep my hands on the plow and ensure I succeed in all that God has given me to do.
🙏🏽
I press forward.
In Jesus Name
Abraham stayed focused and became an heir to the world! Lord, please help us to keep looking ahead.
I will not look back. My hand is on the plow.