"Another disciple said to him, 'Lord, first let me go and bury my father.'" Matthew 8:21 (NIV)

In the movie Bolt, a self-centered Hollywood agent constantly tells his child star, "We'll just stick a pin in that." He holds an imaginary push pin in the air and pretends to shove it into an invisible cork board as he says it. He's claiming he'll save that thought/question/request until later and revisit it. But what he really means is, "Get out of here with that request! Not happening!"

The disciple in today's key verse says basically the same thing to Jesus, "Uh, master, hold that thought. Love what you're doing here, want to be a part of it, really I do. Just need to step over here and handle this task first. You understand, right?" The three telling words in this passage are "first let me…"

We are busy, aren't we? If I tell you how busy I am maybe you won't ask me to do something else. Maybe you will think I'm super spiritual because I have so much going on in my life. Don't.

When I am the busiest I really am the most self-absorbed. I'm just being honest here. When there is so much to do often the most important things get shoved to the side or don't make the list at all.

Have you ever said this, "Once I get _____ done, then my life will calm down"? You are not alone. It's an easy habit to develop, but a hard one to break!

Hi, my name is Luann and I'm addicted to activity. Embarrassed to admit it, but got to have a real moment with you. God makes a simple request in my life and yours: "Follow Me." But all too often those four words, "first let me _______," slip past my lips. You can fill in the blank with whatever you put before what Jesus is calling you to. Instead of Jesus telling you, 'let the dead bury their own dead,' maybe He's saying:

"Follow Me, and let the kids wait a minute."

"Follow Me, and let the phone ring."

"Follow Me, and let the dishes sit."

"Follow Me, and reschedule the appointment."

"Follow Me, and let the Facebook and Twitter friends wonder where you are."

"Follow Me, and put everything else on your to-do list after Me. Deal?"

It's time to stop putting God on hold. It's time to stop using everything in our life as an excuse not to do "first things first."

Hold that thought …first let me drop to my knees and pray that God will give me a yearning to put Him first.

Dear Lord, I'm sorry that anything has taken first place in my life besides You. Forgive me and teach me this day to begin with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

When a Woman Meets Jesus: Finding the Love Every Woman Longs For by Dorothy Valcarcel

His Princess: Prayers to My King by Sheri Rose Shepherd

Spend Saturday afternoons with Luann on Encouragement Café



Intimacy with God: Establishing a Vibrant Quiet Time and Prayer Time by Tara Furman

Application Steps:

Get in the habit of putting Jesus first by spending quiet time with Him before anything else happens in the morning. Beginning in John, read one verse a day and ask God to reveal something new to you. Then write down the first thing that comes to mind.

Reflections:

What is the most important thing in my life?

When do I put Jesus on the list?

How can I stop putting Jesus on hold?

Power Verses:

Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NIV)

Luke 9:62, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (NIV)

© 2010 by Luann Prater. All rights reserved.