Blinders
“No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62
Looking – Jesus is hard to take. If I stop sugar-coating His words, I find a demanding severity that could lead me to utter despair. His blade cuts too deeply for me. His thought drives me to the brink. In order to deflect the intensity of His spiritual calling, I let these difficult statements pass into oblivion while I place my bets on the Jesus of sweetness and light. I much prefer the oatmeal Jesus – the One Who is easy to digest.
Unfortunately, the Bible does not present me with the Jesus I want but rather with the Jesus I need. I do not get a vote about His proclamation. I can either accept it or reject it, but it is what it is and cannot be ignored.
“Looking back” uses the Greek verb blepo. There are several Greek words for “looking” or “seeing.” Why choose blepo? Because blepo denotes the physical ability to see while the other words are used for mental perception or contemplation. Blepo is the opposite of being blind. Here is means “to physically take heed of.” No one who starts in the right direction can stay in a straight line if he continues looking at the things behind him. He must keep his compass by alignment with what lies ahead of him. As soon as he looks back, his aim is compromised. The imagery is clear and direct. You cannot plow the field if you turn your head to look back over your shoulder.
Why is this verse so difficult? Its logic is obvious. But logic is not the problem. The problem is a matter of the will. Of course I know that I cannot maintain my course according to God’s will if I take my eyes off of Jesus. But I also know that I often look away. I know that I am seduced by what lies behind. I know that the old habits exert enormous pressure on me to just take one more glance. The biggest struggle of my life is simply head-turning. That’s why this verse is so frightening. Jesus tells me that if I turn my head to cast longing gazes at what has been left behind, I am not fit for the kingdom. Oh, the sting of those words! The wound they cause. I want to be fit for the kingdom. I long to be in His presence. But I am caught in a neck battle. I am no better a servant than that unruly horse who must wear blinders in order to stay on track. I can only pray, “Lord, give me blinders. Restrict my vision by any means necessary so that I will be true to the straight path ahead.”
This world is filled with enticing head-turning invitations. They seem so harmless – and so hidden. Jesus says, “Don’t you see? The kingdom requires discipline of the eyes.”
