Today I will follow Christ more fully and pray for the commitment, strength, and endurance to do so. Unworthy as I am, Christ still beckons me. His call to follow is beyond my grasp, and so I must seek His supernatural help.
Luke 9:57-62
Three People Who Wanted To Be Followers: But Did They Follow?
Along the way someone said to Jesus, “I’ll go anywhere with you!” Jesus said, “Foxes have dens, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man doesn’t have a place to call his own.”
Jesus told someone else to come with him. But the man said, “Lord, let me wait until I bury my father.” Jesus answered, “Let the dead take care of the dead, while you go and tell about God’s kingdom.”
Then someone said to Jesus, “I want to go with you, Lord, but first let me go back and take care of things at home.” Jesus answered, “Anyone who starts plowing and keeps looking back isn’t worth a thing to God’s kingdom!”
Contemporary English Version
(NB: It is critical to employ a commentary to understand this passage with its expectations and the setting of priorities. At first glance, Jesus’ responses seem harsh. In contrast, they were words of love. Jesus knew about human weakness, the lack of resolve, and conflicting priories. For example, the act of burying a father often involved many days and following Him would not be realistic. So, His words were reality checks to prevent others from making commitments that they were not prepared to honor.)
Today I will follow Christ to His Father’s altar as best I can and not be diverted by important but secondary considerations.
First posted November 27, 2023
