-September 4, 2023-
Good morning, happy Monday, happy Labor Day,
“Then He said to another, ‘Follow Me.’ But he said, Lord, me first go and bury my father.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.’”
(Luke 9:59-60).
It may seem at first reading that Jesus required too much and was very hard on this man. But we we notice this man said, “Let me first…” Putting anything or anyone ahead of the Lord never works. Our society today is saturated with the “me first” mentality. Discipleship requires our utmost for His highest, as Oswald Chamber used to say. When Jesus calls, we must answer Him and follow Him. He called Matthew at the tax office, Andrew, Peter, James, and John at the seashore, and so many others who left all to follow Him.
Jesus sees into the heart. He knows when we are making excuses. We have to make the willing choice to follow Christ each day of our lives. Jesus said, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter is not worthy of Me. And who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37-38).
Are we willing to follow Jesus without compromise. The Lord can use one committed person more than many casual, half-hearted people. Let us follow Christ with all hearts. Have a blessed day. Stay safe and healthy.
Being a follower of Christ and putting Him first,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 