LUKE 9:62
From our text, Jesus made use of a common occupation of the day to illustrate the nature of a disciple’s dedication. Everyone listening on that day would have at once understood the point of the illustration, that if a ploughman looked back it would affect his ability to plow properly. In fact, looking back from the plough would invariably cause him to plough a crooked row and possibly damage the crops he had planted. What a fitting illustration of what happens when we focus on anything other than our Saviour. We invariably plough a crooked row and damage the crop. In the case of a disciple of Christ, the crop is the souls of men and the damage may carry eternal consequences.
Secondly, Jesus emphasizes the consequences of disobedience when He states that the person who looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God. The idea being that a person who looks back, who focuses on anything or anyone other than Jesus renders himself useless to the kingdom.
How does this apply to us today? Let us take a few minutes to ponder. What comfort or possession do we have that we are unwilling to release in order to follow Christ? What are we depending on for our security; who are we trusting to provide our needs? What relationships are we placing before our obedience to Christ?
Looking back may lead to drawing back. The ploughman must look forward and not backward and just plow a straight line.
Photo: Bethel Wossenyeleh
