by Jack Hurless
He said to another man, “Follow me.” But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Still 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 9:58-62
Instructions:
- Read the passage
- Read the devotional
- Spend time in prayer
- Leave a comment
The Simple Life
The “simple life”. Do these words sound foreign to you? Very few people would disagree that, within today’s culture, distraction and the fast-pace of each day dominate our earthly existence. And, honestly, I would have to agree with some that, these influences upon our lives are “enemies” to “life within God’s Kindgom” as Jesus describes it in the Gospel narratives.
“..No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back…” There is no way that the person, handling an animal-drawn plow in the field, even once looks behind him while plowing, ends up with properly-furrowed ground. His full attention must be directed forward attending to this one purpose–so it may be accomplished productively. In like manner, those who are members of God’s family must live “Kingdom life”, not distracted but with a “single eye”.
W. Glyn Evans comments, “The longer I live the more I realize that the Kingdom of Heaven must be ‘taken by force’. To enter the Kingdom is the easiest thing of all, but to let the Kingdom enter me is the most difficult… Some things I do in the Christian life are effortless–preach a sermon, lead a soul to Christ, write an article. Other things–vastly more important–are so difficult they command my whole strength and time–learn about God, know God, imitate and obey God. Those are the abiding things, like faith, hope, and love.“
“..is fit for the Kingdom of God.” So then, how do I remain “fit” in my journey with the Lord Jesus Christ? I suggest that you and I simplify our lives. You and I need to intentionally move toward a more resolute life, empowered by the indwelt Holy Spirit.
Again, W. Glyn Evans, “God… having begun [this life journey with You], I cannot turn back. That backward road leads to nowhere and to nothingness. To go forward is hard but it promises a reward… Life’s greatest reward is to know Him! The joy of the captured heart! There is no elation like that of knowing I am claimed, I am included, I am purposed…“
Take a moment now to talk with your Heavenly Father and ask Him to help you determine what needs to change in your life to experience a simpler, less encumbered life for the glory of Christ.
Jack Hurless: colossians_one_28 (AT) yahoo.com
