The Prophets and the Teachings of Jesus: Following Jesus
1 Kings 19:19–20 • So he set out from there, and found Elisha son of Shaphat, who was plowing. There were twelve yoke of oxen ahead of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle over him. He left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” Then Elijah said to him, “Go back again; for what have I done to you?”
Luke 9:61–62 • 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 his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
To follow Jesus can mean a different experience, depending upon your call. What it does not mean is to hesitate in accepting the call to discipleship. A key element of faith is a determination to follow the Lord without delay or indecision. The hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” originated in India as the last words of a Christian martyr who was executed while singing. No turning back.
Lord, keep me steady and determined in the call to discipleship. Amen.