“Casting behind our back” is a figure of speech meaning that something is forgotten, set aside, or left in the past. It suggests that we no longer dwell on it but move forward from that point on. There are indeed some things that should be cast behind our back—mistakes and failures, for example. We cannot erase them, but we must not live in them. Paul wrote, “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead” (Phil. 3:13). Jesus added, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). But there are also things that must never be cast behind our back.
We Must Not Cast God Behind Our Back.
When Israel was divided, Jeroboam led the people into idolatry. God said to him, “…you have gone and made for yourself other gods and molded images to provoke Me to anger, and have cast Me behind your back” (1 Kings 14:9). His rebellion did not affect him alone; it carried the people with him. Later, God pleaded with His people through Jeremiah: “Ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls.” But they stubbornly replied, “We will not walk in it” (Jer. 6:16). The result was seventy years of captivity. Again, through Ezekiel God said, “Because you have forgotten Me and cast Me behind your back, therefore you shall bear the penalty of your lewdness and your harlotry” (Ezek. 23:35). The lesson is plain: when God is forgotten, eternal consequences follow.
We Must Not Cast God’s Word Behind Our Back.
When the captives returned to their land, the Levites reminded the people of their history: “Nevertheless they were disobedient and rebelled against You, cast Your law behind their backs, and killed Your prophets who testified against them…” (Neh. 9:26). To cast God behind us is to do the same with His Word. The psalmist rebuked those who “hate instruction and cast My words behind you” (Ps. 50:17). We too may be guilty of this:
- When we have no time or interest in study (2 Tim. 2:15).
- When we refuse to listen with open hearts (Matt. 13:15).
- When we are hearers but not doers (James 1:22).
- When we refuse to obey His will (Matt. 7:21).
- It is tragic to see some who once served faithfully now turned away—whether through sin, indifference, false teaching, or neglect—casting God and His Word behind them.
Let us instead determine never to forget Him, nor to set aside His Word. Rather, may we humbly study it, obey it, and submit our lives to Him and His cause. To keep God always before us will be eternally worth the effort.
0 Comments