LOOKING FORWARD
Jo M Bedford
Luke 9: 61, 62
I felt led to read this verse and have in mind the words of the Lord, “No one having laid his hand on the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God”. The hymn that was read at the commencement of this occasion has in mind the Lord’s coming; reference was made in prayer to looking forward.
I would like to encourage each one of us to keep looking forward, and to keep our eye on the Lord. The words of the Lord Jesus are, “No one … looking back is fit for the kingdom of God”. We have each in our measure committed ourselves to the Lord Jesus and, in that respect, we have put our hand to the plough. Therefore, we need to keep looking forward. I have never ploughed a field in my life, and I never expect to, but I think the idea is that we keep our eye looking forward. I am sure that was in the Lord’s mind; as looking aside and looking round is not going to achieve the goal. Therefore, in the words of the Lord Jesus, do not look back.
I would draw on Peter’s experience when he was walking on the water, Matt 14: 28-31. At the word of the Lord, he was able to walk on the water, but his failing came when he looked at the water and the waves and the wind; and I certainly do not exclude myself from looking around. I think if he had kept his eye on Christ, he would have reached where the Lord was. It says, “But seeing the wind strong he was afraid”. We should not be looking around, and again it is very difficult not to. The word is to keep our eye looking forward and on the Lord.
I draw on Lot and his wife; they were told to “escape to the mountain”, and, “look not behind thee”, Gen 19: 17. Lot achieved that, but his wife did not; a solemn reminder of the word of the Lord, “No one looking back”. We know the outcome with Lot’s wife, and we know that while we are in the human frame it is very easy to look back. We should be looking forward. For our own good and that of the testimony, we need to keep our eye on the goal, keep our eye on Christ; and not look around and not look back. I leave this impression with us that we keep our eye on Christ.
May it be so for His Name’s sake.
Word at a meeting for ministry, Birmingham
5th May 2021