The Cure for Missing Someone
Jesus replied, No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:62)
I hate saying good-bye. When we dropped our daughter off at college and said “good-bye,” I cried. I was missing the blessing that she is. This is similar to when a loved one dies. I will grieve over how I will miss the blessings that person gave me.
In the verse above, a man told Jesus that he will follow Him, but only after he said good-bye to his family. Jesus says he is not fit for service in the kingdom of God.
It is helpful to look at the original. Jesus wanted to plant the seed of God’s word in this man. If this man were always looking back while he plowed, would have very crooked rows. To plow straight rows, you need to focus on something ahead of you, like a tree, and plow toward that.
You need to be looking ahead, not back. Jesus says “the one who continually looks back” is not fit for service. When this man said that he would follow Jesus, he had already put his hand to the plow. It’s not wrong to miss a loved one who has passed away, but it is wrong to do it continually. We must look forward
Question: “Who would amaze me that I would not miss anyone because I am so thrilled to be in His presence?”
Answer: Jesus. Look ahead to Him. No one else has taken my place in dying for me, and then raised Himself from the dead so he could stay with me forever. By continually looking forward at Him, we plant His word straight so others may have His loving, amazing presence with them as well.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, when we miss loved ones, lead us to look at You and comprehend how You are the most amazing Loved One, and so let sadness recede because we are so awed and comforted by Your presence. Help us share You so You may be the same for them. Amen.