Key Passage: Luke 9: 59-60

Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”

A playboy-turned-preacher met one of his old girlfriends in a park and spoke to her to turn her life around and surrender to Jesus, but she would not. The preacher spoke until he was weeping, but the lady pushed him aside saying that she wanted to enjoy her life first before thinking of religion. As she hurried out of the park to escape the persuasion of the preacher, a cab ran into her and killed her. She did not have a second chance.

In the above passage, Jesus called a disciple to follow him, but he was not ready. He had a family tradition to keep, and following Jesus at that time would put him against his family and community. His excuse seemed genuine, but it revealed where God was in his life. God is either first or he is not there at all. Whatever cares you may have, be it in your family, marriage, business or career, none must supersede the place of God in your life.

Jesus replied the disciple, “Let the dead bury their own dead.” Dead works have no rewards, so also are works done to the dead. The dead will never rise to recognize what honor was given to him; but you will be greatly rewarded if you live your life for God and draw people to His Kingdom. The choice is between doing what will make you approved by God or by the world. Jesus said to him, “Go and preach the kingdom of God.” Soul winning should take the prime place in your life if you are a true disciple. No matter how busy you may be, you must make out time to bring souls to God. If a tree does not bear fruit, it is not worthy to stand and use up the ground.

You must make up your mind to set your priorities right. Remember that what will count at the end will be what you did for God, and you will not have the chance to live your life over again. Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” (Jn 9:4). That should be your resolve. Do not give God any excuse. Serve Him with full commitment. Give Him your all, and He will take glory in your life.

Pray: Lord, I surrender; take Your place in my life and use me for Your glory.

Written by – Evangelist Oguazi Onyemobi