LINDA Gowland, lay leader at St Aidan’s URC, Hexham, comments on Luke 9 v51-62.

WE probably all know someone who is unable to commit to anything; the person who joins every new group, but never continues with attendance; the person who promises to help with something but doesn’t turn up ... and so on.

They nearly always have good excuses too – they slept in, they have to work late, the children had homework. They just show no commitment.

And commitment is the subject of this passage from Luke. Jesus meets three would-be disciples on the road to Jerusalem, but none of them can commit themselves to follow him.

One man will miss his home. Jesus says he himself has nowhere to lay his head for rest but he continues with his mission.

Another man asks if he can delay joining Jesus until his father has died. Jesus replies that spreading the gospel should come before any family duty.

Then a third wants only to say goodbye to his family, but Jesus says there’s no going back. If you want to become a disciple you must accept that in a disciple’s life sharing the Gospel must become your first priority.

He is explains this by saying you can’t plough a straight furrow if you keep looking behind you.

We must remember these words. We know we have families, jobs, appointments and all such everyday things to contend with, but if we declare our intention to follow God and his word then we need to use all these opportunities in our lives to show our God’s word. Remain committed at all times!