Bible

day230
first let me. . .
another disciple
said to him, “Lord,
first let me go and
bury my father.”
Matthew 8:21
More Verses
to explore:
Matthew 6:33
Luke 9:57 – 62
Luke 14:15 – 24
1106
by Luann praTer
Have you ever said: “Once I get _____ done, then my life will calm
down”? You are not alone. It’s an easy habit to develop, but a hard
one to break!
The man Jesus called to follow him here in Matthew 8 said basically
the same thing to Jesus: “Uh, master, hold that thought. Love
what you’re doing here, want to be a part of it, really I do. Just need
to step over here and handle this task first. You understand, right?”
Understand though, that if the man’s father had already died, he
would have been off burying him already. But it seems he wanted
to wait until after his father’s death, which might have been years
away!
The three telling words in this passage are “First let me . . .” When
I am at my busiest, I am also the most self-absorbed. It’s then that
the most important things get pushed aside or don’t make the list
at all.
“Hi, my name is Luann, and I’m addicted to activity.” Though I’m
embarrassed to admit this, I’ve got to be real with you. God makes
a simple request in my life and yours: “Follow me.” But all too often
those three words, “First let me . . .” slip past my lips.
Maybe Jesus is saying to us:
“Follow me, and let the kids wait a minute.”
“Follow me, and let the phone ring.”
“Follow me, and reschedule the appointment.”
“Follow me, and put everything else on your to-do list after me.”
It’s easy to get carried away with our busyness and neglect God.
But God is asking that we put him first. It’s a habit that’s worth developing.
Instead of an excuse, perhaps we should be saying, “First
let me spend time with you, Jesus.”
Turn To page 1110 for your nexT devoTion.