THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 9:57-62
“No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)
We have turned ‘following Jesus’ into ‘being a christian’ or ‘being saved’.
We would never make it this hard for someone to be saved, or become a christian.
We make it so easy to believe, easy to be saved… just say this prayer!
Yes, Jesus’ words seem harsh here, but He is talking about FOLLOWING Him.
Following Jesus involves challenge and change, it is not popular or comfortable.
Jesus senses some half-heartedness in His followers, and He graciously warns them.
Was this man’s father dead, or was he asking to wait until after his dad has died?
Was this man just wanting to say bye to his family, or was he making an excuse?
My guess is that Jesus discerned their competing priorities, and He is warning them.
I was born and raised in a tamed version of churchianity.
What Jesus teaches and models seems so radical compared to my comfortable, safe religion.
I am convinced that Jesus would also remind me how difficult truly following Him.
And yet here I am, ordained as a church leader “for service in the kingdom of God.”
What worldly loves and priorities cause me to look back from the plow?
Do I really want to follow Jesus as Jesus teaches, or do I just wanted to be saved (safe?)
Am I more concerned about ‘my only comfort’ rather than ‘proclaiming the kingdom of God?’
Am I fit for service in the kingdom of God???
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, this is a hard question. And honestly, I feel my version of following You is lame. I am not a strong follower… but I want to be. Your grace asks me this hard question, may Your grace also help me to answer it with a strong YES.
Observations/Application
The cost of following Jesus means all of me. Disciples who followed Jesus then followed their Master everywhere. They were with Him 24/7. There was no going back. No going back until parents die. No going back to say good-byes. To follow means to choose His Way all the way. The disciples did not look back to see what they missed. They pursued His Way. They were all for Jesus. That was their choice when He said follow me. His grace and love are sufficient when we place ourselves in His hands to serve Him.
What am I hanging onto?
Friends? Home for security? Safety? Live of ease?
Lord help me to walk in Your Way always in all I do and say.
1 All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
Refrain:
I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
2 All to Jesus I surrender,
Make my, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine. [Refrain]
3 All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me. [Refrain]