[22] “But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” — Matthew 8:22 (NKJV)
Day in and day out, God is calling people unto His service. Sometimes, He doesn’t do it by taking them through special trances or visions but through simple but powerful messages preached in churches. However, as sovereign as God is, what amazes me is that He neither rushes nor forces anybody to answer His call unto fellowship and kingdom service. The response time has always been on man, not God.
One time, a scribe came to Jesus and said he wanted to follow Him everywhere He went. Then Jesus replied to him,
“… Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”
Matthew 8:20 (NKJV)
Another one also told Jesus that before he follows Him, he would like to bury his deceased father first. And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” – Matthew 8:22 (NKJV). Interesting!
My question is, was Jesus indirectly demoralising these people from following Him? No! Instead, He was telling them two profound things to note in order to become a labourer in God’s kingdom.
- God doesn’t need your excuses when He calls you.
- Following Jesus is sacrificial. You’d have to lay aside everything and anything that will become a standing block to your relationship with Him.
However, for the latter (second) part, Jesus doesn’t really stress it. You’ll realise that as you follow Him, there are some attitudes, possessions and behaviours you can’t carry with you anymore. That’s when you’ll start laying them aside.
Dear friend, are you giving excuses for following Jesus? Have you allowed your busyness to cloud your spiritual hearing ear from getting God’s direction? If true, then it’s time to get back on course. Go deeper in knowing God.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, help me lay aside every weight that is becoming a stumbling block in pursuing to know You deeper each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 105
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