Devotional: Don’t Look Back

Luke 9:57-62

May is the month that many young people graduate from high schools and colleges and universities. The students get in line to cross the stage to receive their diplomas as their names are called. Several students take their diplomas in their hands and throw their caps off into the air as they verbalize their feelings. These graduates are looking forward. They will not look back.

In the ninth chapter of his gospel Luke begins by telling us that Jesus sends the Twelve out to do ministry. They are to stay in the house where they are received until it is time to leave the city (v. 4). Jesus continues His journey to Jerusalem where He will be crucified. At the end of chapter nine Jesus invites two people to follow Him. Both of these followers ask for permission to first take care of other matters. Jesus explains to them that following Him is more important than doing what they want to do. Jesus is teaching us that being a committed disciple means always going forward and never looking back. If we continue with Jesus we too will graduate some day. We will throw off our caps and put on our crowns.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for allowing us to travel along with you. We will let nothing keep us from traveling with you on our journey to the place that you prepare for us. Amen.