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But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62 NKJV
In the classic 1944 sci-fi story “Desertion,” Clifford Simak envisioned attempts to mine Jupiter despite its ammonia rain, slashing wind, and immense atmospheric pressure. Since the giant planet was deadly to humans, workers were biologically converted into native “Loopers”—but the first five test subjects left their protective dome never to return. Project manager Kent Fowler feared a glitch in the conversion process.
Miss Stanley, the grim converter operator, disagreed. She accused Fowler of selfishly wasting lives and was incredulous when he requested two additional conversions—one being his loyal old dog, Towser. Fowler then explained that he would accompany Towser.
As a Loper, Fowler was surprised to find the atmosphere pleasant. The winds seemed mild, the air fresh, the crashing waterfalls musical. And he was enjoying deep telepathic conversations with Towder! They soon agreed to pursue a bigger, better, more beautiful life in the wild, abandoning their previous home. “They would turn me back into a dog,” Towser said. “And me back into a man,” Fowler replied.
“Desertion” dismisses God’s image in humanity. But Christian readers may sense a parallel to God’s own conversion process—of making lesser (sinful) beings into something far better (sanctified followers of Jesus).
Once you’ve been converted, never go back.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the bigger, better, more beautiful life You offer. Keep me on track!
In the classic 1944 sci-fi story “Desertion,” Clifford Simak envisioned attempts to mine Jupiter despite its ammonia rain, slashing wind, and immense atmospheric pressure. Since the giant planet was deadly to humans, workers were biologically converted into native “Loopers”—but the first five test subjects left their protective dome never to return. Project manager Kent Fowler feared a glitch in the conversion process.
Miss Stanley, the grim converter operator, disagreed. She accused Fowler of selfishly wasting lives and was incredulous when he requested two additional conversions—one being his loyal old dog, Towser. Fowler then explained that he would accompany Towser.
As a Loper, Fowler was surprised to find the atmosphere pleasant. The winds seemed mild, the air fresh, the crashing waterfalls musical. And he was enjoying deep telepathic conversations with Towder! They soon agreed to pursue a bigger, better, more beautiful life in the wild, abandoning their previous home. “They would turn me back into a dog,” Towser said. “And me back into a man,” Fowler replied.
“Desertion” dismisses God’s image in humanity. But Christian readers may sense a parallel to God’s own conversion process—of making lesser (sinful) beings into something far better (sanctified followers of Jesus).
Once you’ve been converted, never go back.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the bigger, better, more beautiful life You offer. Keep me on track!
