But First

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

“And He said to another, ‘Follow Me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, 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.’ Another also said, ‘I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye 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.’  Luke 9:59-62

How easily distracted I can be. My mind is full, sometimes, from the moment my feet hit the floor until I lay back down in bed at night. Even when I end up ready for a good night’s sleep, I have to get up and write myself a reminder of something I forgot to do that day or need to do the next.  Then there are the sad times my husband will ask me if I heard him. Ouch! I was distracted, not giving him my full attention. Poor Dave, he repeats his schedule to me over again because I was not listening fully and can’t remember when he is working. Yes, it is hard to keep track of what others are doing when you have your own full plate. However, do you and I find ourselves so distracted by what is on our plate that we ignore what should be first? When obedience is required to what Jesus asks us to do, is our answer “But first__________.” It is so easy to think the cares of this world are so important and let Jesus take second, third or fourth place in our hearts and minds. You and I must fight the distractions of our day to keep Him at the forefront of all we do.  When you hear yourself say, “But first____” check to see if your response is,  “But first Jesus_____.” Today, may you say wholeheartedly say, “But first I must follow Jesus.”

Blessings,
Kathy

Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves as Acting Director of Partner Care. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 30 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and teaches a Bible Study for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.