Priorities

Verse: Matthew 8:21-22
Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Devotion:
This verse has always bothered me, it seems so cold and unfeeling. Isn’t the grieving process important, and supporting your family members through it Important as well? Doesn’t Jesus care about how this man is feeling? But I know that Jesus knew the heart of the person who was requesting extra time. Maybe he knew that it was just an excuse. Perhaps Jesus’ instruction was hyperbole. Maybe Jesus knew that he would not be committed enough. But what it speaks to is our priorities. The thing that we place as the highest in importance. What kind of excuses do we make to put off following Jesus with our whole hearts? I know that I can sometimes find reasons to not do the thing that I know I should do. I’ll put it off and make some other task more important, more often than not forgetting about what it was that I knew I should be doing. And maybe I’m missing something important when that happens.

When God prompts me to do something, shouldn’t I jump at the chance to be a part of his work? To be his hands and feet? It’s not often glamorous but it is so beautiful. When we step out in obedience the experience may not be perfect, but often there is a sweetness knowing that you obeyed, even if it wasn’t seen by anyone. And I have found that many times, it is well received, because the Holy Spirit knows all about timing. When We are prompted to take action, it could just be to practice walking in obedience. But also it could be for someone else to have an experience of who God is, through us. That’s wild to think about, but we truly are emissaries of Christ. And the way that we represent Him and obey Him should truly be our highest priority.

Author: Emily Costa