Taking the Plow and Mantle

Another also said, "I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home." 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 9:61, 62 (New American Standard Bible)

Each of us must determine what, if anything, follows our statement of “I will follow You, Lord.” A certain man voiced those words to Jesus but wanted a little more time with his family before doing so. That “but first” clause constituted putting his hand to the plow and looking back. Back at his family. Back at his roots. Back at his life. Jesus knew that until the “but first” was no longer the condition of his heart, he would not be fit (useful) for the kingdom of God. Divided hearts make us unfit for that which God wants to do in and through us in His kingdom.

Is there an area in your life that divides your heart when it comes to total commitment to God’s call? Is there something you keep looking back to or at? Mine was evident yesterday as I once again gave in to the longings to sit under the teachings of my former mentor. What once fed my soul and spirit profoundly, is now forbidden fruit which can so easily tempt me. Why is it forbidden? Well, I assure you it isn’t because the teaching is no longer profound, relevant, or practical. It is all of the above and more. This woman and her ministry are both very blessed by God and very used by God. The problem is the dependency issues that still reside in me. God is continually reminding me that any contact or connection reopens doors that are meant to stay closed in order for me to live in freedom rather than bondage. I might enjoy a handful of grapes at her vines but it comes at the cost of intimacy with my Heavenly Father. The minute I linger in the fields of her ministry I become acutely aware of God’s silence. That is when I once again realize I am looking back…looking away from Him. That is when the desire to reconnect with Him outweighs the desire to reconnect with a person.

If I close my eyes, I can see myself in a field with my hands on a plow handle. Just a few feet in front of me is a mantle on the ground (much like the one Elijah threw down for Elisha) placed there by my Heavenly Father. It is His invitation for total commitment, total submission, and total loyalty. Usefulness in His kingdom is at stake when a divided heart resides within me. There is no looking back or going back to what once was, there is only a looking forward to what is meant to be of Him. I choose once again to step away from my mentor’s vineyard and into His.

Father, I am so aware of Your forgiveness once again. Each time I stray, fall, or fail You reach down to pick me up and start me on the path meant for me. I take a hold of the plow and mantle and follow You. Amen.

All to Jesus I Surrender
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x2IpLSfqp8&feature=related

Holiness is a furnace that transforms the men and women who enter it. - Eugene H.Peterson