Sometimes, what Jesus says takes us back a bit. Matthew 8:21, 22 is one of those times. A man, wanting to follow Jesus, said, "Let me first bury my father and then I'll follow you." To which Jesus replied, "Follow me and let the dead bury their own dead." Wow! Really Lord? Sounds callous and harsh. And, it doesn't seem to jive with the apostle Paul's warning, "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" (1 Tim 5:8). Sup??
What's up with that seems rather non-Jesus like until we understand His words in their cultural and kingdom context. In ancient times, it was expected that a son would provide for his elderly father until his death. This man was asking Jesus for a temporary pass until such time as his father died and he was relieved of that duty. Sounds reasonable and even honorable from a cultural and ethical point of view.
However, we must also view this from a kingdom context. Jesus was not telling this man that he could not be saved unless he turned his back on his responsibility. This man was identified as "a disciple." He was already saved. Jesus was extending an invitation to join him in the kingdom work that he was about at that point in time. If the man did not come then, if he waited until some unknown point in the future, after his father had died, the time for this opportunity would have passed. The man would have to choose between his father and Jesus' call to action. He would either have to entrust others to provide for his father or miss out on this opportunity.
When the Lord calls us to a ministry opportunity, the time to obey is now, not some convenient time in the future. That person who is open to hear as you share your faith may no longer be available to you. The person who needed the financial help you could have provided may be beyond that help. The mission trip your heart felt pulled to joined may be over. Do you see the point? The only time to say yes to kingdom opportunities is when they are open to you. To put them off is often to pass them up.
And, as the disciple in this passage found out, there are even times when doing good (taking care of Dad) competes with a greater good (accepting a call from the Lord). That disciple likely had other opportunities to serve in the kingdom but he would never again have that opportunity. Jesus knew there were others to provide for this disciple's father. And, he knew that God had opened the door for the work to which he was calling him. It was not an easy call, but it was a clear one and one that would not wait for a more convenient time.
Perhaps your heart is being pulled toward a ministry opportunity but you have other things you want to do first or even feel it's your responsibility to do first. However, understand, to put off saying yes to that ministry opportunity may well be to pass it by. Choose prayerfully and carefully.
Jus' Sayn.
No comments:
Post a Comment