A Spectacle Of Glory #291

Read: Luke 9:62

In today’s Scripture, Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” It calls to mind the historical account of the Spanish conquistadors. In 1519, Hernán Cortés and a small army left Cuba and set out on a great conquest to find gold. To convey the seriousness of the mission, when Cortés landed at Veracruz (Mexico), he ordered his men to deliberately scuttle the ships that had brought them to land. There would be no “exit strategy”—no turning back for the Old World. Their destiny was now the New World.

The lesson for believers is unmistakable. We need to be just as committed about leaving our old world, old priorities, old habits, and old lifestyle choices. When Jesus asks us to follow Him, it means not even looking back. What do you need to destroy to make good on your radical commitment to Him?

Lord, I don’t even want to look over my shoulder to see if I’ve scuttled my ships. Today is all that counts. You have called me to take up my cross daily and follow You, and that is what I seek to do. Holy Spirit, please give me a forward focus today, making the most of every opportunity You place before me.