Follow Me

Luke 9:51-62

Jesus said to a man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Still another said, “I will follow you Lord, but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” But Jesus added, “No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

What is God doing in your life these days, or even this very day? It is a Biblical question because we believe God’s Spirit is active within us. As Christians we are on a forward journey and that often takes us into new ways of living. Sometimes though, the past seems to hold us back. Or perhaps we are just good at making excuses. Jesus tells us not to look back but to look forward. It is about being shaped by the love Jesus has for you and the faith you have in Him. It means allowing the plans He has for you to be the plans controlling your life toward an eternal future. But no one said the journey was easy. We may even think we have failed and consider giving up.

Perhaps we should note that some of the giants of the faith first offered excuses before they finally accepted God’s call. Moses protested, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Gideon pleaded, “But sir, how can I deliver Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” Jeremiah protested, “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak for I am only a boy.”

The Bible points to many reluctant people, but they finally did what God asked of them and God blessed them. God is patient and faithful. Keep your focus on the Lord Jesus and His love for you.

Pastor Darryl