Title: No Excuses/Topic: Discipleship

Today’s Reading: Genesis 23; Genesis 24; Luke 9

Scripture: Luke 9:57-62
57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."
58 Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."
59 He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."
60 Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
61 Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good bye to my family."
62 Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

Observation: Two men tell Jesus they want to follow him and anoth3er is invited by the Lord to do so, yet they all have other priorities that interfere with a total commitment. The first doesn't want to give up comfort. He wants to follow God only when it's convenient and doesn't involve discomfort. The second wants to stay home until he can collect his inheritance. The third loves family more than God. He needs their approval more than the Lord.

Application: God doesn't take excuses. He has to be the first priority in my life. He forgives my flaws and failings, but he won't take second place in my life. Do I ever put comfort ahead of God? Or the approval of others, especially family? Are material things more important to me than obeying what God says? Most of the time, no. But i have had times when I didn't put God and his will first in my life. This scripture is a reminder to me to examine my life and repent where it is in order. Discipleship is an all or nothing deal.

Prayer: Father,I give you my life; all of it. I know sometimes I have not been the follower that I long to be. Forgive me for that Lord. You are the most important thing in my life. I thank you for your faithfulness, goodness, forgiveness and blessing in my life. Ou love me like no one else.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.