Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119:137-144
Wisdom of the Day: Job 42:1-6
Scripture Reading: Luke 9:57-62
The third of our Lord's sayings in this passage was addressed to one who volunteered to follow Him, but marred the grace of His offer by interposing a request. "Lord," he said, "I will follow you, but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." The answer he received shows plainly that the man's heart was not yet thoroughly engaged in Christ's service, and that he was therefore unfit to be a disciple. "Jesus said unto him: No man having put his hand to the plough, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God.
"We learn from this saying, that it is impossible to serve Christ with a divided heart. If we are looking back to anything in this world, then we are not fit to be disciples. Those who look back, like Lot's wife, want to go back. Jesus will not share His throne with anyone. He must have all our heart, or none.
No doubt we are to honor father and mother, and love all around us. But when love to Christ and love to relatives come in collision, Christ must have the preference. Let us leave the whole passage with many searchings of heart. The times are undoubtedly much changed since our Lord spoke these words. Not many are called to make such real sacrifices for Christ's sake, as when Christ was upon earth. But the heart of man never changes. The difficulties of salvation, are still very great. The atmosphere of the world, is still very unfavorable to spiritual religion. There is still need for thorough, unflinching, whole-hearted decision if we would reach Heaven. Let us aim at nothing less than this firmness of decision. Let us be willing to do anything, and suffer anything, and give up everything for Christ's sake. It may cost us something for a few years but great will be our reward in eternity!
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, please help me to always choose Christ first.
Action Plan: Evaluate how you can choose Christ over self and others in the little and large tasks of life.
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
