Picked For A Purpose Two: Reasons For Seasons预览

Looking Back

Despite the fact that the Bible has plenty to say about not looking back, digging deeper we find that this is in a negative manner. In stating that, "No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62), Jesus is suggesting that the plough-man is looking back with regret for what he has left behind. In other words, he is less than wholehearted in his commitment going forward. Likewise, Paul, when he talks about forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, means that he must let go of the negative religious rituals that governed his past, in order that he might embrace the future and the freedoms offered in Christ.

I’m convinced that periodically and prayerfully, it is no bad thing to look back; but only when prompted to do so with a view to improving our understanding for the way ahead. Indeed, the Bible urges us to remember.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."

Likewise, we speak negatively about ‘rainy days,’ but the fact is that rain is a necessary element of life. Without it, nothing is nourished. We see only drought and famine. With the rain comes growth, a green mantle, blossom and fruitfulness.

Are you aware of negative thoughts or emotions from the past that are polluting your present-day life?

If you are too afraid to clear these out, could they, like a blocked nose, be preventing you from breathing more easily and thence moving on?

If you have already allowed the Holy Spirit to bring harmful pollutants to the fore, has this brought to your attention skills in your adult life that you perceive as having been sown in childhood; precisely because of the negatives?

In other words, how have the heavens dripped down upon you, and the clouds poured out righteousness upon you in such a way that you are able to bear fruit for the Lord?