Luke 9:57-62: ‘First’.(please click here for todays passage)

The first voice in this short section expresses a superficial, perhaps careless,                        ill-considered promise to follow Jesus. Do they really understand what they are getting into? It’s not been thought through.

In listening to the second and third voices we are brought face to face with the matter of priorities: Who or what comes first? Jesus does not encourage ‘easy-believism’; a shallow approach to follower-ship. We preachers should not do so either. Let would be disciples count the cost ( see 14:25-33). I am reminded that someone said, ‘Entrance to the Kingdom of God is free, but the annual subscription is all that you’ve got.’

Compare these words with the wonderful story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16). Note especially Elijah’s words: ‘But first…’ (13), and see how God blessed her when her priorities were aligned with God’s (Matthew 6:33).

Prayer: Help me Lord to always put you first.