One of the greatest challenges for
every Christian is to follow Jesus and pursue His purpose for our lives without
looking back. Imagine trying to drive a car on the highway while looking the
whole time in the rearview mirror; you’d be challenged to stay in your lane and
avoid a collision. Jesus’ illustration of plowing a field would have made
perfect sense to his listeners living in an agricultural context
61
Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say
goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow
and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God
If a farmer did not focus on what is ahead but
was distracted by what was behind or on the periphery, it would be impossible
to plow in a straight line. The ox and plow would certainly veer off course.
Both positive and negative aspects
of our lives have the potential to become distractions:
Past successes. Past failures. Internal insecurities.
External circumstances.
Comfort & security. Even
meaningful relationships.
Luke 9:51 As the time approached for
him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:56
and they went to another village.
It’s interesting that the man who
wants to follow Jesus is distracted by something that we would consider a
positive: his home and family. Jesus is letting us know that even something
that’s a huge blessing in our lives can become a distraction if it becomes more
important than pursuing Jesus and His purpose. As we continue to seek Jesus, we
must constantly be aware of the potential distractions in our rear view mirror
of life. There can often be a tendency to look back and remember the good,
instead of the great in front of you with Jesus.
How can you look ahead and refocus on Jesus and His purpose
for you this coming year?
