Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)
FARMERS PUT IN LONG HOURS to get their fields ready for planting. They don’t plow a furrow halfway and then run into town for coffee and a donut. Instead, they keep their eyes on the line they are plowing and keep going until the work is done. As a result, if you drive past farms, you will see straight, completed furrows in field after field.
My grandfather plowed behind a big horse decades ago in Scotland. I can scarcely imagine how hard that task was. He had to keep his eyes on the line ahead and also make sure the horse did not stray from the line. A less-determined man would surely have abandoned plowing for an easier job.
Jesus didn’t promise us an easy life. Following Him demands dedication and determination to walk the straight-and-narrow way. Whoever looks back after putting his hand to the plow shows he is unsuited for Christian service.
The apostle Paul didn’t look back after putting his hand to the plow. He was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, and near the end of his life could testify that he had finished the race and was anticipating the crown of righteousness (see 2 Tim. 4:7–8).
Let’s rely on the Holy Spirit to enable us to keep our eyes on Jesus. We don’t want to leave any unfinished furrows.
Love for God lightens every task He assigns. So keep your hand on the plow!
Jim Dyet and his wife, Gloria, have been married fifty-five years. They live in Colorado Springs, where Jim enjoys golf and daily walks with his three small dogs.
