DELAYED COMMITMENT
“Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:61-62 NIV
I’ve had the privilege to hear a lot of testimonies about things the Lord has done in people’s lives, and an all too common one I hear is that many people gave their lives to Christ several times before that one commitment to truly follow finally came along.
In our theme scripture, we hear Jesus say strong words to a man who seemed to desire a noble thing, I mean what would be wrong with going to say goodbye to your loved ones especially if you have no timeframe of when you will return or aren’t sure you will even return at all? Christ is not merely trying to keep from you the chance to bid your family goodbye, or the things that seem to make your heart glad. Instead we all know how procrastination causes us not to do things at all, or do them rushed and without intention.
Every one of these men that had something more important than receiving the invitation of Jesus were in perspective trying to buy some time before committing to the unknown, yet in the kingdom to loose everything for His sake is to gain it and more (Luke 14:33).
Child of God, the time is now! If you know and follow Christ see to it that you witness to others that do not yet know and follow Him! If you do not, the time to be on the Lord’s side is now.
Prayer: Father I thank you for this truth. As one man sung, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back even though none go with me. It is evident that to worship you is what we live for and it shall not be said of me that I ever put my hands to the plough and turned back. Your name is glorified as I live a surrendered life now and forevermore, in Jesus name. Amen!
CI.