Luke 9:61-62 And another also said, Lord, I will follow you; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.… A noble resolution frustrated by a "but"! A life full of promise and of hope broken off by a "but"! A crown lost, a kingdom forfeited, an eternity marred by a "but"! A "but" was this man's ruin, and it may be also yours. I take it in this way, that each one present who is not following Christ may write in his or her own objection. 1. It is possible that with some of you the worldly life seems preferable on the score of pleasure. 2. Or you perhaps say: "At present I am so absorbed in business that I have no time to follow Christ." 3. Or perhaps that which has kept you back is fear of the reproach or the scorn of others. 4. Or you have formed an intention to follow Christ, but not now. "Let me first go," dec. Any excuse that will save you from immediate decision! What, think you, is peopling the regions of the lost? Is it crime? No. It is simple neglect of the gospel. Satan asks no more than that you should neglect it. He seeks not that you shall blaspheme it, or that you shall disbelieve it, or that you shall neglect and despise it. He only asks that you will neglect it. If you will only say, "Lord, I will follow Thee, but " that is all he wants. (H. Wonnacott.) Parallel Verses KJV: And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. |
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