May 31

WE WILL NOT DRAW BACK

“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” (Heb. 10:38-39)

Jesus had expounded some very deep truths, that “except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.” There were many who had followed Him up to that point, who could not receive and believe these things, and thus “from that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him.” (John 6:66). He had given them rare words of wisdom, speaking truth which the carnal mind could not receive, and they left.

Went back – a combination of three words in the Greek, eis ta opiso, or literally, into the things behind. Williams gives, “they went to the things behind Him.” Things that they had left earlier now seemed more convenient, more suited to their personal ease and comfort, so they left off following Him and returned to those things.

Young’s Literal Translation, “They went away backward.” This signifies a facing frontwards but slipping back, or lagging behind, following afar off, losing the vibrant action of the front line offensive, with its progressive thrust onward. They could still talk the language of going on, they know the terminology, and still seem to face forwards, but actually they are slipping back into those things which are behind.

It was when Peter “followed Him afar off” and just “warmed himself at the fire,” that he denied the Lord during his sifting process. Peter did not intend to backslide, but as Christ moved forward, Peter lagged too far behind, and could not face the time of testing.

“No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62). Therefore, “this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13-14). Onward, in daily overcoming!