Hand to the Plow

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village. As they were going along the road, someone said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’ Luke 9:51-62

Let's admit it, some days we just want to turn back over and go back to bed, or wherever we find comfort and support. We ache to resolve our lives and following Jesus is often a challenge in this world. Over and over, Jesus uses familiar and agrarian images, to remind us of the deep soil work and planting that is ongoing. There can be no crops, no food for the people, if we are reluctant and refuse to understand. Not every season is for plowing and planting. There are other times and seasons we are called to other labors. And the good news is, that despite the hard challenges of following Jesus, there is always an abundance of joy and fellowship. 

Holy Creator, you call us by name

you know us in the depths of our being

your love surrounds us and feeds us

strengthening us for the journey ahead.

We are too often reluctant and content

comfortable is our familiar surroundings

yet you continually call us from comfort

to the hard work of planting your love.

Help us to respond to your call every day

let us rejoice in the work that is before us

let our lives demonstrate your presence 

and let our work show forth your love. Amen.