"And Jesus said unto him, 'No man, having put his hand to the plough (plow), and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.'" Luke 9:62 (KJV)
I've had the privilege of watching my dad plow the old-fashioned way. This, as well as other non-motorized methods, usually requires a beast of burden, a plow, and reigns. The animal bears the weight of the plow while the farmer grasps its handles and stays connected to the animal with the reigns looped around his neck. This is the image I get when I read this scripture. Therefore, the following thoughts emerge as I read this passage.
1. The plower is not doing the work alone. God is carrying the burden of the work and pulling the load.
2. The plower's job is to keep a steady hand on the plow. Working with the One pulling the load brings results.
3. Keeping a hand on the plow prevents the plower from falling even as he accomplishes what he set out to do. Thus, doing God's work is both proactive and protective.
4. The plow is what breaks the fallow ground and gets the seed ready for planting. Without plowing, the farmer's efforts to plant a crop would be useless. Both in working with others and in preparing our own hearts for the fruitfulness of God's word, we must keep the "soil" turned so that it is ready for God's Word.
5. A plower's steps do not have to be perfect, but they do have to be steady. We do not have to be perfect, but we do have to "endure til the end."
6. If a person disconnects from the plow, he will within moments disconnect from the reigns. If we lose interest in Kingdom work or cease to be diligent in matters of our heart, we will eventually become disconnected from our burden bearer.
Tip/Tidbit: Decide how you might become more connected to Kingdom work or more diligent in matters of your heart.
I've had the privilege of watching my dad plow the old-fashioned way. This, as well as other non-motorized methods, usually requires a beast of burden, a plow, and reigns. The animal bears the weight of the plow while the farmer grasps its handles and stays connected to the animal with the reigns looped around his neck. This is the image I get when I read this scripture. Therefore, the following thoughts emerge as I read this passage.
1. The plower is not doing the work alone. God is carrying the burden of the work and pulling the load.
2. The plower's job is to keep a steady hand on the plow. Working with the One pulling the load brings results.
3. Keeping a hand on the plow prevents the plower from falling even as he accomplishes what he set out to do. Thus, doing God's work is both proactive and protective.
4. The plow is what breaks the fallow ground and gets the seed ready for planting. Without plowing, the farmer's efforts to plant a crop would be useless. Both in working with others and in preparing our own hearts for the fruitfulness of God's word, we must keep the "soil" turned so that it is ready for God's Word.
5. A plower's steps do not have to be perfect, but they do have to be steady. We do not have to be perfect, but we do have to "endure til the end."
6. If a person disconnects from the plow, he will within moments disconnect from the reigns. If we lose interest in Kingdom work or cease to be diligent in matters of our heart, we will eventually become disconnected from our burden bearer.
Tip/Tidbit: Decide how you might become more connected to Kingdom work or more diligent in matters of your heart.
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