Fit For Following

Fit for Following

Read: Luke 9:57-62

Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Luke 9:61-62

“Christ is my Savior. He is my life. He is everything to me in heaven and earth.”

—Sadhu Sundar Singh

IN WORD The request from Jesus’ would-be follower doesn’t seem out of line. Everyone, when setting out on an adventure, says good-bye to their family. We seldom go anywhere of significant distance without letting someone else know. So why does Jesus have a problem with this request from a potential disciple?

Jesus does not want us looking back. The issue isn’t a casual good-bye. The issue is where the heart is focused. Jesus’ call is always immediate and thorough. The timing of His call is never an accident. When He calls, it is the appropriate time to turn our hearts solely toward Him.

The illustration of someone putting a hand to the plow and looking back is powerful. It is the ancient-world equivalent of saying, “Whoever tries to drive forward while looking out the rear window is not fit for the road.” Jesus isn’t saying that this disciple isn’t worthy. No one is—that’s a given. He is saying that this disciple will not do well in a kingdom that requires unrivaled allegiance to the King as a condition for citizenship. Our path toward Jesus must be straight and unhindered. Those who look behind do not make straight paths.

IN DEED What hinders your service in the kingdom? Is anything constantly drawing your attention in another direction than Jesus? If so, it must be dealt with. We often let the preoccupations of life—relationships, careers, possessions, interests—distract our gaze. But we serve a jealous God (Exodus 34:14) who is intent on winning our hearts.

Jesus welcomes any disciple who fixes his or her gaze on Him and is prepared to follow wholeheartedly. But our world is filled with distractions. Let your eyes fall on Jesus alone.