I Have Decided to Follow Jesus—No Turning Back, No Turning Back

My father spent more than 60 years singing in a men’s church choir. Ten years after his death, his choir is Tik-Tok famous. Someone posted a video of the choir singing in a huge stadium, and bringing the crowd to their feet with their famous dance moves and resolute decision to follow Jesus.

Dressed in fine suits and bow ties, you’d think you were watching the famous Temptations, Four Tops, or any of the iconic Motown men’s singing groups which have given us the classic legacy of beautiful music. Dad and his choir would dance, swing, and turn around to accompany each of their songs, bringing ecstatic crowds to their feet with joy. I believe their musical legacy contributed to the phenomenal growth of his congregation.

I am reminded of some songs of my father and his famous choir whenever I read such scriptures as Luke 12:49-56, where Jesus says he has come to bring division. In this case, the song that comes to mind is, “I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back.” I can see them turn around and round wagging their index fingers at the words, “No turning back, no turning back.”

In this part of Luke’s Gospel, we walk with and follow Jesus and his disciples on the long road to Jerusalem. But this isn’t just a physical path—it’s a journey of the heart and soul. At each step, Jesus invites his followers to discover what it truly means to say, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.”

To follow Jesus is to put him first, above every other commitment. “Though none go with me, still I will follow,” we are called to sing with our lives. He sends disciples out into the world, just as he sends us—to be both called and sent, never turning back. 

Following Jesus means showing compassion, like the Good Samaritan, and allowing his words to shape us, like Mary sitting at his feet. It means choosing prayer, readiness, and letting go of attachment to wealth, trusting that Jesus leads every step.

Today’s Gospel speaks a hard truth: following Jesus may not always bring peace. Sometimes, choosing Jesus means standing apart, even from those we love deeply. His message can divide families and unsettle communities. 

Yet, like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who chose Jesus’ path over comfort and security, we are summoned to follow truth—even when it leads to conflict with unjust systems or calls us to take a lonely stand for justice. Modern disciples, too, may find themselves opposed or isolated, paying a heavy price for their decision. Opposing some of the unjust policies would make Thanksgiving Dinner uncomfortable as you sit next to family whose views are diametrically opposed to yours. The moral imperative which comes with following Jesus means we must stay the course to go where Jesus leads us, even to the cross.

Choosing Jesus means there is no turning back, even if the road is hard and friends or family turn away. Our loyalty to Jesus is greater than any other bond. This is the cost of discipleship: the road may be tough, but when we decide to follow Jesus, we commit with our whole lives. “No turning back, no turning back.”

My father would have smiled had he known that he had become Tik-Tok famous in 2025 for following Jesus. Yet, the road had not been easy for him and his church choir members, nor will it be for us today. However, we rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus has promised to be with us always, to the end of the age.

Hang in there, dear friends!

Rev. Bobby Musengwa

Transitional General Presbyter