Luke 9:57-62
Light Your Lamps
And as they were going along the road, someone said to Him (Jesus), “I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “the foxes have holes and the birds of the air have their nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Permit me first to go and bury my father.” But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” And another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say goodbye to those at home.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
All these examples speak of the seriousness we need to have with regard to our walk with Jesus. The first man says, “I will follow you.” And Jesus says – count the cost. For you will no longer have a place to live. The second man is invited by Jesus who says, “Come follow Me.” But the man has responsibilities that weigh on him which he cannot shake and the job is not a sinful one – going to bury his father. But Jesus says, - any distraction no matter how important will keep you from ever going down the road of truly committing to follow Him. The third man says, “I will follow You but let me go home and say goodbye.” Nothing seems wrong with this request but to Jesus it seems to be one of the most fearful setbacks for a man and He says, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Jesus knows the seduction of our old life and that if we go back we are letting go of what is Holy and Righteous for what is worthless and the worthless will consume us before we ever get another chance to answer the call to follow Christ.
So the question is, “Where are you today?” Do you desire to have Jesus and still hold on to your old ways? Scary! Have you counted the cost that a commitment to Jesus truly requires? Are your obligations to the world more pressing then going out and proclaiming the Kingdom of God?
We are all guilty of looking back! We are all unfit and have turned back from the plow. This is indeed scary! Which one of us can honestly say that there is nothing that we love in this present world anymore, for our hearts are in heaven with Christ? I can’t remember at the moment but I believe it was Charles Wesley who said, “I have long ago lost interest in the world, and it has lost interest in me.” Can we say the same? Are we One hundred percent sold out for Jesus Christ? We have all been called to be disciples. We are not called to be Christians, but disciples of Christ. A disciple works for Christ and lives for Christ and knows everything about Christ that can be learned here on earth. A disciple is one who is devoted to his teacher. We have been called to be “On Fire” for our dear Savior not merely asking to be saved and then going about life as usual. We are to be transformed and glowing with the light and love of Jesus Himself!
Let us no longer mix with our old lives but let us come out and be lights set on a hill! Rise up Christian brothers and sisters – Rise Up! Light your lamps! Refill your oil! Wake your neighbor! Behold the Bridegroom is coming let us go out to meet Him! Jesus does not want a dead church, but one that is alive and desires Him more then life itself! Let the old pass away! Let the dead in your life bury their own dead – But You – Come and follow Him! We are all in this together and must wake each other up! Be on the alert and be found in readiness for His return!
God bless you all and may He give each of you His oil in abundance this day!
This week's passage, again, hits home very closely. I thought I WAS doing what - most of the time, yet not each day, overcoming my past indescretions, etc., & getting "fire" in my soul, life for Christ, but these words you spoke today, unless read too literally, I am not in Jesus' 'favor' (can't think of better word). I do still sin, though so much, so much less than b-4 I began my journey with Christ.
ReplyDelete. Now I do not think that Christ will accept me as His-since I have not devoted everypart of my life.I know that I believe strongly in Him, but I was not aware that to really honor Him that I should be giving my entire daily life to Him. I do not know if I am wording this OK, but, I am more like last 2 people He asked to follow Him, & still needed to live or take care of earthly business in my life. Am I understandingtopic OK? A bit depressed over this, thought I was beginning to be accepted? for what I am trying & have been doing, which is to live my life the way Christ & GOD wants. I will not give up,, just I don't know what more I ammentally able to do right now. I am not ready to give everything up & become someone who's total purpose on earth is to give all earthly life up & to follow Him. Sorry if this offends people, but this is all I have to give rright now &I can't believe thatJesus wants me to stop living my life, (in a good way), & devote the remainder of my time here on earth without any people, friends, etc., around me I do hope I read this topic wrong, because I still need to live my life, but with Jesus walking beside me & for me to continue to try & not sin-which is very hard- almost anything u do, etc is some form of sinning. Laurie 3
Hi Laurie, this message is not so much about being in Jesus' favor as you put it, but in moving us forward as Christians, and encouraging one another to not get sidetracked by the things of this world that cause our love and zeal for serving Jesus to fade away and be lost. The heart of all of this is that we really would love Jesus more than anything else in this world. We all struggle with letting go of this present world which is why we need to remind each other that Jesus really does need to be our first love. And when He is our first love everything else suddenly doesn't have the hold on our hearts like it used to and we find letting everything else go, not as hard as we thought it was going to be.
DeleteYour fear of living without people and a life devoid of everything you love or that brings you comfort is not true. That is actually as far from the truth as anything could ever be. The truth is, as you begin to spend time with Jesus every day, in prayer and reading your Bible, you will find real joy, not only in His friendship but in a new song in your heart and cheerfulness when you wake up that you never experienced before. And far from having no friends, you will find you have a love for everyone around you and a desire to help people and suddenly you will be surrounded with friends. Anything that you are afraid of losing for the sake of following Christ, you will find the opposite is true because He so quickly gives back to you far more than you ever gave up for Him, only it will be something better than you ever knew existed because of being so busy holding on to the old things of this world.
You will find that Jesus really is better than anything of this world, and why wouldn't He be? He created it all to begin with and He knows how to bless the hearts of those He created. :) We are His creation and He loves us dearly, and it is our greatest pleasure to love Him back, just as dearly. :)
Hi...
DeleteAm a Christian person and I really believe in Jesus and on his enourmous power to make us feel good and cozy. Everything you mensioned above is true. Anytime you need to feel better and look for a better way just look for Him and you will get it. Ann 26
I love your reply. Your word cozy caught my attention. It reminded me how I have told people in my past how I love to snug up to the bible. God bless.
DeleteThis passage was very interesting, I know understand a little more. I was surprised that the text explained si much.
Deleteivette 17, CT
Hi Seth,
ReplyDeleteThank you forclarifying this topic up for me. I believe that Jesus is my 1st love, I have no other like it-my love for Him is stronger than I have for anyone else any longer. But, if my mom & dad, especially my mom (she was not working as much as dad), but I would have to admit that she would be my 1st & strongest love. So,(no answer needed), am I REALLY where I thought I was - as far as loving the Lord 1st as far as loving the Lord 1st & foremost, though I do now, but what about what I know if my mom were here? That is why I wrote what I did yesterday. Maybe I haven't come far enough yet to experience all the joy, commaradarie of people around me, though I have become closer to my neighbor, Claudette. I do spend time with Jesus each day,but I do not read the Bible-I've asked the Lord for forgiveness-I do not understand the Bible & am ashamed to say that the Bible is too deep? for me & unable to grasp all in it even the "Everyday Bible". That is why I really enjoy my "Daily Devotional" which takes excerpts from Bible & then explains it in an everday story, then prayer at the end of each day's passage. I also tend to gravitate toward "Matthew" in the Bible, as well as "Psalms".but that is really all that interests me - which I know is so wrong, but I am only being honest, & Jesus knows how I feel-as said, I have asked for forgiveness & to help me overcome this obstacle? As I said before, I am still going to pray & continue to try and do the positive things, the right things to do in my life to make it better, & to do this for Jesus & myself as best as I can as I am entering into Christ's flock. God Bless you Seth, I really enjoy your weekly 'talks' -they also pull me up & reaffirm my beliefs. Laurie 3
Hi Laurie3
DeleteI know what you mean about reading the Bible but don't give up reading it because that is talking away of getting to know Jesus more and more each day. He is are only chance and hope we have to lay down our lives for him. Carmella
Laurie....You are accepted.You are Jesus beloved child.He created you for his purpose and glory. He loves you because you are his, even with your flaws.He sees you as spotless before him even though you struggle with sin
Deleteas we all do .No one is without sin.Its a process.....a life time. You are at the beggining. You made a commitment . now just keep going and follow through.Jesus will honor that. How wonderful that you can grab ahold of the concept of Jesus first....BEFORE ANYTHING.some people still haven<t gotten it yet. How we all come short of the glory of God.....Keep going..Keep trying....I say trying is TRUSTING in the RELATIONSHIP of JESUS and you. Faith and worksgotogether. He knows where you are at this moment anyway. He can work it all out for your good anyway.No need to worry,just pray and ask Jesus will help you.It,s between you and him anyway. God bless you......
C's friend, Sandy - CT
I remember the first time I considered turning my whole life over to God. I remember thinking, that would mean no more x in my life (was single, good looking, never had a problem getting men )...... No man would want me if that wasn't going to be part of the deal. As for friends, what kind of friends would want to hang around with me if I didn't use profane words... for example when I was mad. Or, how could I live without going to a bar, and doing my kind of dancing...which I thought was drawing men to me. I thought...give all this stuff up for God....Where would that leave me?
ReplyDeleteHere I am today. I love my Savior.I stopped doing all the things I thought I could never live without....and I'm LOVING my relationship with The Lord.
He is # 1. No bluffing with me.
My name is Lisa Scott and I feel privalidged to be able to put a comment in. First of all i woulld like to say that years ago decided that my only higher power is the Lord. I was having problems in my life .I did not have anyone or anything for me too look up to. as time went by I realized that that was not true. I do love the Lord more than anything else in my life. I am not well versed in the bible, but continue to read it daily. I agree with Seths comment and it really gives me food for thought. I hope some day I will be able to discuss these things with more of an open mind. I love the Lord and am proud to say he is already a part of my daily life..
DeleteClaudette's friend, Lisa - CT
I deeply feel that what took place in Claudette life is what the Lord means about loving him and putting him first in our lives. When we put him first, he then takes control and slowly he changes our sinful nature with his love. Just as Paul writes in Act’s the first Adam brought death, the Second Adam gives life. We cannot change our sinful nature, only The Lord can do that. We see that thru the whole Bible starting with Abraham, Moses, David, Peter and even Paul.
ReplyDeleteI met Claudette after she accepted the Lord, and over the years I’ve known Claudette I can see how much he’s been working on and in her and how much she’s loves the Lord. From the first day we met Claudette was like a sponge soaking up the Word every chance she could. The Lord has done a great work in her and I believe he’s not finished.
A friend of Claudette
Our hearts always need to be pointed toward the heavenlies.It is a process.... daily...with its twists a nd turns,
ReplyDeletein this world for out of the heart a man speaks and does.,but our hearts can be decietful so we need to keep Jesus as number one in our lives daily....
Sandy -CT
Hi Everyone, It is a prevlidge to be in the family of our Lord Jesus Christ. When I came to know God and study the scriptures it was challenging to let some of the old ways go. But I would not change anything to know my eternal Father and His ways. C's friend, Jeri - CT
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone, I am very honored to have read this great experience. I myself am not a very good christian or other religion but i did learn alot when i read this. To be honest i am very greatful to be a part of gods children because without him i would be lost and this has taught me that nomatter how bad things go i know i will atleast have god or jesus to help get through it. This is a very good inspearation to others who want to know more about him and want to follow in his heart. I enjoyed this and hope to read more in the future. Jamylec Velez- 18 years old- CT
ReplyDeletethis is a very inspirational message... actually pertaining to similar events going on in my current life... not really a saved person but i believe in the word strongly and i know hes here with us at all times... Monique, 29 CT
ReplyDeleteI bileave what this message is saying, in life we sometimes forget what is important, what is true. I do bileave in GOD and I think if we continue to put GOD first in life all things that we truly need in life will be given to us, wejust have to have faith and know that GOD is the only ANSWER. EWART45 CT
DeleteHi everyone!
ReplyDeleteAll the comments I read (even if they were comments to Seth), have really helped me in my 'journey' to enrich my life ever more by understanding Jesus word & more of the Bible.
Thank you Carmella & by the way- HI Sandy! Your words of encouragement are right for me. They fit in with my frustration, feeling that I 'm not doing the proper things or ways that Jesus speaks of. But, I thank you so much for your direct answer (& Seth also!) You helped me more than you'll ever know. My mind is much clearer now than b-4. And Carmella, I do try read the Bible, & though I do not think it is Satan that is keeping me from reading it -I still recall my mom reading me the
Children's Bible each night, & there is still quite a lot that I retained. But the New Testament, is what I haven't gotten to yet-it is more of the Old Testament that I can't quite grasp in many places. All I know is, that my Lord, Jesus, & God are now the greatest love I have. Just 'baby steps' & some questions - but the more I read, my Daily Devotional or when I try & get more of the Bible-at least I know I am finally moving forward in my life & not looking back at all of the BIG mistakes I've made-but stopped pretty much all my biggest sins due to finding,accepting & loving, believing that the Lord really IS here for those who seek Him. God Bless you all.
Oh, & Seth, please continue on with this website -since Claudette showed me this, my faith has become even stronger than before. You, to me, are definitely someone the Lord gave at least one purpose to & I'm sure there are many other great qualities in you - just for spreading the Word & helping others like me open their eyes to all the wonders & miracles that go on each day! Thank you. Laurie 3
Monique
ReplyDeleteAs I read your comments, it reminded me of myself. I was 32 yrs old married with 3 children and I was a heavy drinker. But I thought I was a Christian but my life showed otherwise, I also believed in the word and knew that Jesus was around. It was until one Friday night (I heard of a Jesus Rally) that I went to this rally. There were a lot of testimonies of how the Lord helps them from drugs, drinking and more. But what touched me was this teenage girl and all she said is I love Jesus. At that point I Prayed Lord if you’re real, please take over my life. He did I wish I could say it’s been all a mountain top experience but it wasn’t. Had some real bad time, two girls on Drugs then their having babies at 15 and 17 and finally a divorce. My love did waiver at times but out of all that I saw his Love for me and that he never left me.
I read somewhere that the meaning of believe is give over, to entrust; then he’ll take over and his love will always be there guiding, changing and removing those things that keep us from him.
I think i have alitte diffrent opinion then the others here. I believe full heartedly to follow which ever faith and god you choose, but this passage is saying that in order to do that you can't have a past that you remember. I don't agree one bit, you can have all the faith in the world and still be concerned with other things then your god, it doesn't make you a bad person, nor does it mean your damned to hell. to think that a man can not go back to say goodbye to his family before leaving with christ without being cincidered faithless is ridiculous! - Beth 24 ct
ReplyDeleteHi do you NOT think that Jesus was trying to tell us how serious He is about walking with him (Seth is mainly quoting what Jesus himself said). If Jesus was standing right in front of you and He looked you in the eye and said He died for you, and hugged you , what would you do?
DeleteHi everyone It's so good to no thats Jesus is our refuge and our strength and gives us the chance to go on. I to Seth thank you for this bible study and seeing all the comments and replies. Laurie keep on reading the word because Jesus is the word and the and the life in john 14:6 is where you will find it. So be of good cheer for Jesus overcame the world. Jesus said that we are overcomers, just look up and see the glory of the Lord.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you all
Carmella Ct.
Hi Beth your saying that you think its rediculous about not having the faith of one God who new you before the very foundation of the world. And then sent his Son to die for you and still loves you and cares for you. There is no other God who would care for and love you so think about it.
ReplyDelete