No Going Back

Daily Scripture Threshing for Friday, June 3, 2022

Today’s Text: John 6:60-71

Key Verse: John 6:66 (ESV): “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him”

When I was in the Baptist Seminary in Ògbómòsó, the statement: “Burning the boats, crossing the rubicon and no going back” was used with some degree of frequency by Dr. Simeon Kolawole. But it was reading Sun Tzu’s Art of War that gave me the history behind that statement. Tzu explained that in the 1500s, once a military leader lands or arrives at a new frontier, or a new conquering point, they must burn the boats that they arrived in and focus with maniacal adherence on winning as there is no method for going back.

When God called Elisha, he broke all yokes, slaughtered all livestock, cooked and served them to his friends. No going back. Following Jesus is a personal life commitment to a life of “never looking or going back.” It a journey in which you are not even permitted to look at others and want to follow their viewpoints. They may appear to be better of prosperous, but we are called to follow only the Master, who authored and perfects our faith. You can’t look at those drawing back and say you want to do the same. No one who lays his hands on the plough and looks back is fit for God’s kingdom. We must continue to walk in the light of the vision that has been given to us.

We must never judge others or compare ourselves with/to them. We all have one call: to continue to walk in the light of our Lord’s teachings. From that, we are not permitted to go back. Even when we feel we don’t measure up, we cannot begin to slide back. Peter faced that moment in which he felt empty and wanted to be like others; but he chose to stay with the source of eternal life. Brethren, let us go forward as sincere disciples, not deserters, of Jesus Christ: Never looking, turning, or going back.

Quote for the Day: “Winning-at-all-costs mentality may be easily misleading except perceived from the mindset of genuine discipleship: from a heart yielded to follow Jesus Christ.” (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me never to give up despite any odd. Help me never to be tempted to stop praying even when I don't see answers. Help me to follow You with obedient spirit — in Jesus’ name. Amen.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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[Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA distributed for free use by individuals, small groups, families, and Christian churches]

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