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Luke 9:61-62

Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

William Borden was a young man who had a passion to make an impact for Jesus Christ. So when God called him to ministry in China, he never hesitated. Borden was from a wealthy and privileged family. He was a graduate of Yale and of Princeton Seminary. His friends thought he was absolutely crazy. They thought he would waste his life overseas. But Borden heeded the call and headed for China.

Borden’s first stop was Egypt for training. Unfortunately he never left there. He contracted cerebral meningitis and died at the age of 25. It has been written that as he lay dying, a friend came to visit. Borden was too weak to talk, so he took out a piece of paper and scratched out these six words as somewhat of an epitaph. These words were also found in the back of his Bible: NO RESERVES. NO RETREATS. NO REGRETS.

The man in today’s passage was not quite as intent on following Jesus as Borden was. He had things he needed to tend to. He wanted to follow, but on his terms and in his timing. Jesus said that those who follow Him must do so wholeheartedly. They must follow with no reserves, no retreats, and no regrets.

Father, help me follow You on Your terms, not mine. Help me be willing to follow You in Your timing, not mine. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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