This past week I was delighted to have another person in our church's pulpit. Don't get me wrong - I love preaching. And most times when someone else preaches, I think of how I would have done it differently. This week was no exception - except that I realize if I had preached like Lakeysha did (you can see it here) it would have been an act, a facade. I just can't bring the energy and the cadence and the rhythm like she did.
Nonetheless, as I was looking at the passage, and listening to her message, I couldn't help but be drawn to the excuses the original 'invited' gave (v18-20). A field. Five yoke of oxen. A spouse. There's probably a creative connection between all three. A field that is unplowed, the animals to plow the field, a spouse that the animals and field are providing for.
But without unnecessary pressing of the texts original intent - these three excuses are just that - excuses. Perhaps you're reading this and you're far more mature, so you'd never turn down this invitation because of some property, or some animals, or even a wife. But the underlying premise is applicable for all.
What is that which you hold of higher value than Christ and His Kingdom?
I remember when I was younger I desperately prayed God wouldn't return before I got married and had kids. Thanks for holding off for me, Jesus.
Now I'm hopeful I get to meet my grandkids some day.
But once I meet them, I'll probably have another thing I'd like to experience... first.
There's a natural inclination in our humanity to prioritize temporary, tangible, and physical over the eternal, intangible, and spiritual.
When Jesus calls you - will you bring an excuse, or your self?
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