June 9, 2021 -- Luke 9:61-62 -- Hand to the plow

Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Luke 9:61-62 ESV

This week I am in Synod Meetings—granted I am zooming in on the meetings from my imposed quarantine. (Yes, Carolyn and I are healthy and fine, it is an overabundance of caution imposed on us by an overzealous health official.) The new moderator, Patrick Malphrus, gave his address to the assembly and his challenge. It was awesome. It stood out for me particularly because I recently preached on this passage. Malphrus’ clarity and succinct challenge are worth repeating. This is my summary of what he preached.

Malphrus noted, when a farmer puts his hand to the plow, he finishes what he starts.

When a farmer puts his hand to the plow he farms with all strength as long as the weather is favorable.

When a farmer puts his hand to the plow he does not get into other people’s business, otherwise the furrows will go sideways.

When a farmer puts his hand to the plow he works hard and fixes whatever needs to be fixed in order that the work can be done.

When a farmer puts his hand to the plow, he is doing what he loves and hard work is a pleasure.

Mighty God of planting and harvest, blessed is Your great Name. Thank You for the kingdom work You give us to do. Thank You for the hard, but joy-filled, work of declaring Jesus’ Name in all we say and do. Spirit of the Living God, renew in us a holy zeal to put our hands to the plow and so work out our faith with fear and trembling until that great day when Jesus Christ is revealed with all His holy ones. Triune God, as You empower us for the faithful service to which you call us, and we do as You command, may many friends and neighbours, co-workers and family members be brought into a living relationship with You. Destroy the work of the devil. May the knowledge of the glory of God and the radiance of Christ fill this land. Amen.

https://youtu.be/LlD3CtJb7Qg