25: Judeo-Christian Values In Today's Society
By Robert C. Moore
Driving Forward, Yet looking In the Rear View Mirror
September 3, 1998
New King James, Luke 9:59-62
59) And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go
and bury my father.
60) Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom
of God.
61) And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them
farewell, which are at home at my house.
62) And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back,
is fit for the kingdom of God.
I've often wondered what that quote meant. How could someone who looks back, yet not be fit for God? I believe it has something to do with the 2 men's attitudes. They are concerned with the little things, like burying the dead, or saying goodbye.
Jesus wants us to preach the Gospel (looking forward), and not worry about the little things that come in the way between God and us.
Many times in life we often look back at the small details, like taking care of our
property or family, and want to do God's work but are afraid to sacrifice all of
ourselves.
Jesus wants us to look ahead at what He has in store for those who take up His message. We
shouldn't be concerned about what we losing in return. For what we get will far exceed
what we have given up.
Let's say you have a beautiful wife (husband) and lovely child. You are always working
late at night, but find it hard to fin time to study God's word. Even if you do well,
you're not going forward. Instead, you're stuck in neutral. Sometimes our lives get stuck
in that dame way.
We yearn to do God's way but little things keep us looking back. Often it is at this time we must make a decision that will come down to this: am I following God or not?
I have heard in my single's group of a father who gave up his very successful business job to become a deacon. It meant a huge cut in salary, but in the end, it was the best decision of his life.
I'm not saying you have to do a drastic thing like that, but sometime you'll have to make a decision.
How do I start on the road? By coming to Jesus. It doesn't matter what you have to lose. It could be your friends, family or an old love. They may try to discourage you from coming to God. Resist the urge to give in to them.
If God calls today, don't shut him out. Invite him in.
Until next time.