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

Jesus, as he prepared for his final passion, his betrayal and death on the cross, seems uncharacteristically unkind and dismissive. He invited folks to follow him, and when they had important things to do, it seems he rejected them. Yet there is something much deeper going on. This time was full or turmoil and political intrigue. Dishonest religious leaders were in league with a dishonest government. People didn't know what to do. Not unlike now, we see terrible things happening and feel helpless to know what to do. Jesus wants us to keep moving forward in faith, keep planting and feeding, welcoming and comforting. Following Jesus in these times might mean be counter cultural, those who are willing to set fear aside and keep plowing and bringing forth the fruits of love.

Gracious Creator, you fill this world with abundance

the blue skies adorn our days, the trees are our arbors

we look up and see the majesty of your garden here

and we ache that all have a place at your endless table.

We are full of fear these days and ache to hide away

yet the world is full of those in need of our strength

we feel weak in the face us such uncontrolled power

and we refuse to help those you have called us to serve.

Strengthen our faith and help us all to follow you

make us brave enough to set aside all excuses

so that we might be those who are acting in love

and carrying those in danger to a safe, welcoming home. Amen.