Face Forward!

            The plow of Biblical days was very simple, consisting one handle and the share.  One hand guided the plow while the other held a long goad to prod on the oxen that pulled it.  The plow was very light, and it was necessary for the plowman to lean forward with all his weight on the handle to keep the share in the ground.  If the plowman looked back behind him, any furrow he managed to make would be crooked, and in fact it would be nearly impossible to make a furrow at all.

But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”  Luke 9:62

            Our Christian walk is much the same.  To accomplish anything that the Lord calls us to do, we must look ahead and give it our all.  We need to see where we are going, and keep our eyes on the task at hand.  We need to look ahead and remember what we are called to and our eventual destination.

            We must not allow ourselves to be distracted by our past, or look longingly for what might have been.  When we look back we are rendered ineffective.  Like Lot’s wife, we become paralyzed and unable to continue. 

            Only by facing forward, by applying our hand firmly to the plow, and remembering why and for Whom we work will we accomplish anything that brings Him glory.  Only by keeping our eyes on the face of Jesus can we walk on water, achieve the miraculous, and become a testimony to others.

            Lord Jesus, keep my hand on the plow and my eyes on Your face.  Use me as You will, and help me to remember all You’ve saved me to instead of dwelling on what’s behind.