PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 9:57-62
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I will follow you, Lord; BUT…” (Luke 9:61)
Each of these people were willing to follow Jesus, BUT…
There were things holding them back; how about me?
Jesus is calling me to proclaim the kingdom of God.
To show and to share the good news of God’s grace in daily life.
To live out the love of God in every part of my life in this world.
Talking about it is less hard for me; showing it is harder.
I do enjoy being comfortable, and loving people is hard work.
“I will follow you wherever you go.” (Luke 9:57)
Jesus goes places and does things that I not so ready for.
Honestly, I’m not yet “fit for service in the kingdom of God” (9:62)
Jesus does not judge or reject me for this, but he does remind me.
I can’t be judging others, I have my own BUT holding me back.
The question for me is, ‘do I want to want to follow Jesus better?’
What small step in the right direction can I take today?
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for gently reminding me that I cannot judge others for their weakness in following you. I do want to want to follow you better. Help me get off my BUT.
I need to be open to God’s leading- unconditionally! “Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” I can’ let my life be encumbered by the striving for things that do not last – for an earthly position etc. What matters is the kingdom and I need to be faithful to the call – even in retirement. Go where Jesus wants me to go! But I also must no look back and think what ‘could have been’ – and have regret – no I have no regret – just thanksgiving for what God has enabled me to do by His Grace! Even now I aim to continue to serve – it is my desire and hope. Lord keep that within me and enable me!
What is my excuse.?
A new day and new opportunities for me to serve Him. In all things, Jesus needs to be first. Not my will but His will be done. I need to be in tune with the Lord and not insist on my way. Today is the day which the Lord has made and I need to serve Him. I need to put Jesus first in all my thinking and doing. My His Light shine in me and through me as I live each day in His presence.
1 All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed pow’rs,
all my thoughts and words and doings,
all my days and all my hours.
2 Let my hands perform his bidding,
let my feet run in his ways;
let my eyes see Jesus only,
let my lips speak forth his praise.
3 Worldlings prize their gems of beauty,
cling to gilded toys of dust,
boast of wealth and fame and pleasure;
only Jesus will I trust.
4 Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside;
so enchained my spirit’s vision,
looking at the Crucified.
5 O what wonder! How amazing!
Jesus, glorious King of kings,
deigns to call me his beloved,
lets me rest beneath his wings.