I would like to address a popular verse from a slightly different perspective in this blog (a shocker, I know). Take a look at the verse.
I have often heard this taught as a rebuke to two different individuals regarding their hesitation to follow Jesus in light of some pressing, inferior duty or desire. Now, for the second guy, I believe that's true. It sounds like he's asking for a little party time before he "gives up his old life" and heads out on the open road. Jesus has no room for those who want one last "hoorah" before they follow Him. "Don't do Me any favors," He says, "Come back when your ready to go 'all in.'"
While it is true that, in both cases, the disciple asks for a little time to handle some family business, I'd like to give a fresh take on Jesus' handling of the first guy. Notice the situation - the death of the family's patriarch. The man's verbiage indicates a responsibility of honor and tradition, perhaps that of the first born. His desire is linked directly to the fifth commandment. He would return to make not only burial arrangements, but decisions regarding the estate and provisions for his remaining family members. Rather than seeing Jesus' response as a rebuke, I hear it as a realignment of the man's thinking. "Don't go back just to bury your father in order to fulfill an old covenant duty. Don't wait to start following Me. Do it now. You got your wish, friend...you're in! Your job isn't to simply perpetuate tradition. Go there in the authority of My Name, with the message of My Kingdom. Turn that dirge into destiny! If you really want to follow Me, burn with a desire to bless and go back in the power of the Messiah. Live what you have been listening to. Capitalize on the authority you have in this moment." Jesus has already conscripted this man into His team of disciples. He tells him that preaching the Kingdom is his present tense duty. It could even be inferred that Jesus was encouraging a resurrection, as the Kingdom message is linked to the raising of the dead (see Matthew 10:7-8). "Don't go back to put him down - go raise him up. Show your family just who I AM!"
And such is His word to us. We mustn't muddle through our earthly assignments out of stale duty or obligation. Let's not view our agenda through the eyes of an old covenant. Every incremental opening of our eyes to His Kingdom is to be instantly employed in our current circumstances. The moment we realize a new level and layer of who we are in Him, we have the opportunity to engage that revelation into whatever we are holding in our hands. Go back to work tomorrow - but in the power of the Kingdom. Go volunteer for that PTO event - in the power of the Kingdom. Go to that high school reunion - in the power of the Kingdom. Let's live what we've been listening to. We got our wish, friends...we're in!
Forever panning for gold,
Chris Liotta
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