What is on your agenda for today? For me, I have grocery shopping, phone calls to return, dog medicines to administer, and laundry to do. What if Jesus came and said, “Follow me.” How would you respond to him?
The two people in our reading today needed to get their “to-do” list done first and say goodbye to family. But Jesus wanted followers immediately. He expected to be first priority and there was no time for excuses. I would happily leave my laundry behind, but not bidding farewell to family might be harder. For us today, it’s hard to imagine not being connected because of cell phones, the internet and even snail mail. Yet for this person, it could be goodbye forever.
But Jesus deserves to be our FIRST priority.
So what better reason could there be to leave everything than to follow Jesus? For us today, we can follow Jesus without physically leaving our homes and livelihoods. However, what does our devotion look like? Does Jesus just get our leftover time or does he get our best time? Are we true “followers” of Jesus?
For years when I was working full time, there were times when Jesus got none of my time. That is hard for me to admit being a pastor’s wife. I’m sure people thought I had a real good connection going. Between working, raising a family, supporting my husband, and volunteering at church to fill in all the gaps not otherwise filled, my relationship with Jesus was leftover time, at best. I was often jealous when I’d hear other folks talking about their quiet time or answered prayers, etc. I am so thankful that Jesus didn’t give up on me.
Thankfully, serving Jesus with my time as a volunteer all those years kept me connected. It is how I justified all my busyness. As long as I was serving him in ministry, I felt close to Jesus. But my relationship was not growing. My ears were clogged and my heart was not open wide. I missed so many opportunities to build the most important relationship of my life.
I think that is why in retirement I have made it a priority to spend as much time as I can in his presence, listening for his voice, and sharing my gifts. I want to give him my best, my all. I want to make up somehow for all the lost years.
Building a relationship is a two way street. God continued to pour into me, even though I was unaware. He was faithful and saw my potential. He sees your potential, too. Are you as connected as you’d like to be? Are you growing closer to God each day?
Jesus said, “Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God….Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” We need to open our hearts and follow Jesus. We should not look back on what we’ve missed, but only look to Jesus and what he has in store for us. We can’t change the past, but we can make the future our best years yet.
Let’s pray. Father forgive me for all the excuses and lost years. While I was serving you, I was not building the relationship you desired or I deserved. Thank you for not giving up on me. I am now back on track and look forward to a life with you as my personal guide and friend, not just my Lord and Savior. Forgive me still when I falter and your top priority position is crowded out by tasks or other responsibilities. Thank you for your patience and gentle reminders to get me back on track. I pray for others struggling like I have. Use me to help them return to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
