Follow Me

 # FollowMe

Dear Beloved in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! I pray this letter finds you in good health and high spirits, walking steadfastly in the path of righteousness. Today, I want to draw your attention to a powerful and thought-provoking passage from the Gospel of Luke that challenges us to reflect on our commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

In Luke 9:57-62, we encounter three individuals who, despite their initial expressions of willingness, ultimately fail to meet the expectations of discipleship that Jesus sets before them. Let us delve into this passage and examine the lessons it holds for us as followers of Christ.

Scripture: Luke 9:57-62 (NIV)"As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, 'I will follow you wherever you go.'

Jesus replied, 'Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.'

He said to another man, 'Follow me.'

But he replied, 'Lord, first let me go and bury my father.'

 Jesus said to him, 'Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.'

Still another said, 'I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.'

Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'"

In these verses, we see three distinct interactions between Jesus and those who express a desire to follow Him. Each of these men represents different challenges and obstacles that can hinder our commitment to Christ.

1. The Enthusiastic Follower (Luke 9:57-58)

The first man boldly declares, "I will follow you wherever you go." His enthusiasm is commendable, but Jesus' response highlights the reality of discipleship. Following Jesus is not always comfortable or convenient. It requires a willingness to embrace a life of sacrifice and uncertainty. Jesus points out that even He, the Son of Man, has no permanent home. This serves as a reminder that true discipleship means prioritizing the spiritual journey over worldly comforts.

2. The Hesitant Follower (Luke 9:59-60)

To the second man, Jesus extends a direct invitation, "Follow me." However, this man hesitates, requesting permission to first bury his father. Jesus' response, "Let the dead bury their own dead," may seem harsh at first glance, but it underscores the urgency and priority of the kingdom of God. Our commitment to Christ must take precedence over even the most important earthly obligations. The call to proclaim the kingdom of God demands immediate and unwavering dedication.

3. The Distracted Follower (Luke 9:61-62)

The third man expresses a desire to follow Jesus but insists on saying goodbye to his family first. Jesus' reply, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God," emphasizes the importance of single-minded devotion. Just as a farmer must keep their eyes forward while plowing, a disciple must remain focused on Christ without being distracted by past attachments or worldly concerns. True discipleship requires undivided loyalty and a forward-looking faith.

Reflection and Application

As we reflect on these three interactions, let us examine our own hearts and commitment to following Jesus. Are we willing to embrace the sacrifices and uncertainties of discipleship? Are we prioritizing the kingdom of God above all else? Are we fully devoted to Christ without looking back?

Jesus calls each of us to a life of radical discipleship. He invites us to follow Him with wholehearted devotion, unwavering commitment, and single-minded focus. Let us respond to His call with the same enthusiasm, but with a deeper understanding of the cost and the unwavering determination to follow Him wherever He leads.

Prayer Point:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the call to follow Your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray for the strength and courage to embrace the sacrifices and uncertainties that come with true discipleship. Help us to prioritize Your kingdom above all else and to remain steadfast in our commitment to You. Remove any distractions or hesitations from our hearts, and fill us with a single-minded devotion to follow You wholeheartedly. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

May the Holy Spirit empower us to live out this calling, and may we find strength and encouragement in the words of our Savior: "Follow me."

In Christ's Love,

Pst. JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia 

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