IN the last verse of the ninth chapter of Luke's gospel there is a saying of the Master which has a lesson for his would-be followers today, even as it had for those to whom it was first spoken, namely, the necessity of steadfastness in seeking the kingdom of God.
Impressed, doubtless, with the marvelous works of healing he had wrought in exemplification of the truths he sought to impress upon his hearers, there were many— perhaps those who had themselves experienced "the healing of the seamless dress"—who sought to ally themselves with the great Teacher; but when he bade them come, to leave all and follow him, few there were who could meet the test. Like the Israelites of old, brought out from the house of bondage, they were unwilling to give up the "fleshpots of Egypt" to follow him who had "not where to lay his head;" but they must have quailed under that stinging denunciation: "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
There is perhaps no one characteristic of the apostle Paul which so commands our admiration as the steadfastness with which he pursued the course upon which he entered after that wonderful awakening on the road to Damascus. There had been no lack of enthusiasm in his previous career, but, having been healed of the pride and self-will which had led him to persecute the followers of the Master, there was no quibbling, no hesitation, when the call came to him to preach the coming of the kingdom; no looking back, no vain regrets for the family, friends, and social position he must relinquish; there was only the simple, humble response, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"
