20150911 FIRST THINGS FIRST

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Matthew 8:19-22 Then one of the teachers of religious law said to Him, "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go."  (20)  But Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay His head."  (21)  Another of His disciples said, "Lord, first let me return home and bury my father."  (22)  But Jesus told him, "Follow Me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead. "

Jesus always knows what is in the heart of man. Perhaps His response to the first man is to do with the man’s hope of financial gain. The Lord points out to him that He has no place even to lay His head. Many who truly follow Christ have little of this life’s comforts. If you goal in following Him is to further your own gain or fame then you may be sorely disappointed.

The second man wanted to put off following Christ for a time. His reasoning is the burial of his father. Many believe that his father had not died yet and may not have even been ill at this point. His reasoning may have been to wait until he had his inheritance to follow Christ.

Before surrendering to follow Jesus count the cost. It may be very high. And be ready to leave all behind if called to do so.

Father in heaven, You know our hearts and by the power of Your Holy Spirit You can make them right and pure. Please do so. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!