Daily Devotional
Me First?
December 20, 2016
Luke 9:57 begins the story of an encounter Jesus had with a man claiming to want to be His disciple. “And it came to pass that as they went in the way, a certain man said unto Him, ‘Lord, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest.’ And Jesus said unto him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head.’ And He said unto another, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, allow me first ‘…”
Notice that phrase: me first. I’m afraid that’s the religion we have in America. We have In God We Trust on our money, but me first on our hearts. We look out for “me first.” This man said, “…allow me first to go and bury my father.” But Jesus answered by saying, “Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” And another man said, “Lord, I will follow Thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. “ But Jesus replied to him, “No man having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
These would-be disciples said, “… Allow me first.” But may I tell you, if Jesus Christ doesn’t come first, He doesn’t come at all. No one can serve two masters (Luke 16:13). Jesus said that His Lordship means He is first.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
