But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
Matthew 8:22
Jesus encountered a disciple who wanted to follow Him but needed to go home and take care of some business first. Regardless of the situation, Jesus commanded an immediate response and obedience. Jesus knew the heart of this man and what was happening in his personal life.
The man had good intentions but wanted to collect his inheritance. Jesus was basically saying you can’t have one foot in the mission field and one foot in the world. Jesus wants His followers to be all in.
Jesus is not saying that we are to neglect our families and friends but instead He is prompting immediate action. Either this man was being greedy and waiting for his part of the inheritance or this man valued his family more than Christ. Regardless, Jesus instructed the disciple to follow Him right then.
Many of us have excuses of why we can’t serve the Lord to the fullest right now. We may only get one opportunity for certain tasks and if we don’t immediately obey we will miss out on a great blessing. The Lord wants us to be available to be used by Him on His timing. Don’t get caught up in the luxury and power of this world only to miss an opportunity to serve the Lord.
What excuses are you using to keep from whole-heartily serving Christ? What would Jesus say about your excuses?
Pray
Lord, You have my heart and soul. Show me where I need to be in complete obedience to your plans for my life. Help me to not use any excuses for not serving You.
