What Jesus Did! 'No Turning Back' — Luke 9:61-62

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Another said, "Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family."

But Jesus told him, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God."

— Luke 9:61-62 NLT

Key Thought

Again, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of Kingdom commitment. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can stand in the way of the all-surpassing call to follow Jesus. We press on, full speed ahead. When we get diverted, when we lose our way, when we stumble and fall, we must again point our hearts in the direction of Christ and the Kingdom of God and continue on. Ours is a heavenly calling, a forward calling, an upward calling — it is not a call to return to the old ways, the old values, and the old answers. No turning back! Full steam ahead! Sin, death, and defeat are in our rearview mirror, and Jesus with his Kingdom calling lies ahead. No turning back, because our commitment to and service in the Kingdom mean that we are bound for glory.

Today's Prayer

Keep me focused, dear Lord, my Father and God of all faithfulness, on the Kingdom call of Christ Jesus. I don't want to live detached from the needs around me because my focus is only heaven above. I do want to live with the focus of your Kingdom and its righteousness filling my heart, providing my dreams, and calling me to share in your glory. Help me notice the needs of others and bless them with your grace as I press on to fulfill the upward call you have given me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 6:32-33
  • Philippians 3:12-14
  • 2 Peter 1:10-11

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 9:61-62 NLT — "Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family." —— "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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