April 11
Josh 3:1-4:24 | PS 80:1-19 | Prov 12:27-28 | Luke 14:7-35
Often that which we lift up as most important in our lives will be the cause of our not following God as we should. These things might not necessarily be bad things. In fact, they could be very good things. The problem is that of prioritization. We read in Luke 10:27, Jesus' response to that which is to be most important in our lives, "...‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’...". This is what is most important, but rather than steps of faith, all too often there are excuses, procrastination, and exaltation of something or someone else. Today, that which is lifted up most is self. Most people can't get out of their own way. "Will this make me happy" is the ultimate question for most. Following close behind are spouses, children, families, careers, education, actvities, etc. These, though good, are idols. They are worshipped and often elevated above the One True God. Unless we are aware of this, one can go through life feeling really good about oneself, not realizing they failed to ever take the necessary steps to follow God.
In Joshua 3:14-17, the people were instructed, then sanctified themselves before the Lord. but one thing remained to be done. They actually had to step out into the Jordan River in faith. In Luke 14:16-24, we read the Parable of the Great Supper. So many were invited to the feast. But when the servant was sent out to give the invitations, we read of one excuse after another. These were not bad excuses, in fact, they were good things. The problem is they were not better things. They allowed that which was less important to take precedence over that which was more important. This marriage supper of the Lamb of God, was then offered to those others, as we read in 14:24, "For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’ ” He then goes on to lift up following Christ above that of the love of their own family members, concluding this thought in 14:33, "So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple."
Jesus gave His all. He didn't procrastinate. We are to model Him. That is what a Christian means. It is not about being "good", going to church, etc. Originally the term was coined in Antioch meaning "little Christs". He was perfect in His walk on earth. Our walk will not be perfect. The question is "Will we sanctify ourselves this day?" "Will we take that step of faith?" "Will we place Him above anything and everything else?" It is time for us to stop making excuses and using others as our source of comparison. We need not worry about everything else which is important to us, as Jesus said in Matthew 16:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." It is the principle of what is first. May we make Him first in our lives.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: