The first will be last ∙∙

The first will be last ∙∙

Many who are first will be last. – Matthew 19:30

Matthew 19:23-30

 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

 24 I’ll say it again – it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!

 25 The disciples were astounded. Then who in the world can be saved? they asked.

 26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God, everything is possible.

 27 Then Peter said to him, We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?

 28 Jesus replied I assure you that when the world is made new, and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

 29 And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.

 30 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.

We are driven by a strong personal drive to feel good about ourselves and to seek meaning and significance in our lives. As we grow, we often look up to those closest to us and those we admire, adopting their values and aspirations almost like catching a cold.

In worldly terms, we know the rules. What we want, we strive to get. What really matters most? Is it success, possessions, or status? These factors contribute to our sense of satisfaction, but there’s a catch. They can offer a measure of comfort, yet potentially, they block us from achieving what is of lasting importance.

Jesus taught that it is difficult for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:23). But why is this so?

When we become self-reliant and achieve worldly success, the question arises: why would we feel the need for God? If our confidence lies in our own identity, achievements, or possessions, why would we need to put our trust in God?

This struggle isn’t unique to the wealthy; it applies equally to the strong, intelligent, influential, or politically connected. They tend to rely on their own resources; pride keeps them from placing their trust in God and His resources (Stanley).

REFLECT & PRAY

In the kingdom of God, the Father has turned things upside down. Losing is winning; winning is losing.

Father, I recognize that I have caught my values and priorities from the world. Encourage and strengthen me to abandon my earthly, soulish values in exchange for Your heavenly values.

INSIGHT

In the kingdom of God, things seem backward. They are turned upside down from what we expected. Jesus stated, “Many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Matthew 19:30).

We gain by losing. Jim Elliot wrote: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.”

Matthew 10:39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it, but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

Human DNA seems to harbor a natural sense of competitiveness. As individuals, we are driven to seek the best for ourselves and work tirelessly to achieve it. However, this inclination is contrary to the dream that the Father has for us and is more in line with the values and priorities of the world rather than those of the kingdom of God.

The Last Supper was a momentous occasion that took place the evening before the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ. During this pivotal time, the disciples were present, yet they did not fully comprehend the gravity of what was to unfold the following day. Despite having devoted the last 3 1/2 years of their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, they were not fully aware that He was on the verge of enduring a gruesome, brutal, and horrid death to atone for the sins of the world.

Their attention was fixated entirely on themselves and their own status and importance, rendering them indifferent to the profound significance of that moment for the Lord Jesus Christ. They were so occupied with themselves that they were oblivious to Him. They totally failed to recognize the magnitude of the situation surrounding Him.

Luke 22:24-26

 24 Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.

 25 Jesus told them, In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people . . .

 26 But among you, it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.

In a poignant and emotionally charged moment in the gospel story, the disciples became embroiled in a heated discussion about status and privilege, all while in the very shadow of the cross. The seating arrangement at Jewish feasts adhered to a strict protocol, with the table set in a U-shape, leaving one side open. The host occupied the central position at the top, with the most esteemed guest to his right and the second most esteemed to his left, and this alternating pattern continued around the table.

Entangled in their own worldly ambitions, the disciples became ensnared in an argument about their respective positions, holding fast to the vision of a kingdom based on worldly principles. However, the Lord Jesus Christ imparted a stark lesson, drawing a sharp contrast between the values of His kingdom and those of the world. Worldly kings were evaluated based on the power and authority they wielded.

The Greek word for “dispute,” philoneikia, occurring only here in the NT, is a hapax legomenon. It is a compound word literally meaning love of victory or desire for glory. Here, it has the sense of rivalry, contention, or insidiousness in a pejorative sense. It has the general sense of readiness to quarrel, eagerness to dispute, inclination to strife, love of strife, and eagerness to contend. “When you are interested in promoting yourself, it doesn’t take much to start an argument” (Wiersbe).

Lord Jesus Christ interrupts their vanity with a warning. “Jesus told them bluntly that the standards of his kingdom were not the standards of this world” (Barclay). He explains that they were thinking like the unsaved Gentiles and not like children of the King. The Romans, in particular, vied for honors and did all they could, legally and illegally, to win promotion and recognition, but they are not examples for us to follow. “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves benefactors” (Luke 22:25).

True greatness means to be like Jesus, and that means being a servant to others. A servant does not argue over who is the greatest because he knows that he is the least, and he accepts this from the hand of a Father. Since all children of the King are to be servants, there is no reason for us to compete with one another for honors and recognition.

In the Middle Eastern context, rulers were frequently referred to as Euergetes, a title meaning “Benefactor” in Greek. Nevertheless, Jesus profoundly redefined the concept of greatness, asserting that in His kingdom, it is not the king who holds this title but the servant who embodies it in its truest sense (Barclay).

Sadly, fallen humanity chases after recognition and prominence. As we look within, we may recognize, to our chagrin, that we probably have done the same thing.

To become great in God’s kingdom, you must become the servant of all.

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© Dr. H 2024

Our guardian angels ∙∙

Our guardian angels ∙∙

For he will order his angels to protect you in all you do. – Psalms 91:11

Matthew 18:10 Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven, their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.

Hebrews 1:14 Therefore, angels are only servants, ministering spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.

Guardian Angels, a non-profit organization founded by Carol Borden in 2010 and located in Williston, FL, is on a mission to empower individuals with disabilities, particularly veterans suffering from combat-related injuries. They achieve this by harnessing the therapeutic influence of service dogs, inspiring hope, fostering independence, and enhancing the quality of life for those they serve.

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs are dedicated to rescuing, nurturing, and training top-tier service dogs. Applicants in need undergo a meticulous selection process, ensuring that only the best match is made. Once chosen, recipients receive the necessary support and resources to thrive with their service dog.

Each service dog is thoughtfully paired with a recipient to ensure the best possible match, regardless of the type of disability. Guardian Angels has successfully linked over 200 dogs with deserving recipients.

In the intricate tapestry of biblical stories, angels emerge as captivating and essential figures. Although the Bible doesn’t specifically mention “guardian angels,” their existence is seamlessly embedded in its narratives and teachings. Angels are portrayed as both protectors and messengers throughout the scriptures. As protectors, they act as advocates of God’s will, shielding people from harm. As messengers, they deliver God’s directives, exemplified by Gabriel’s announcements to Mary and Zechariah in the Gospel of Luke.

Guardian angels in these stories highlight God’s active role and intervention in the world. They embody His presence and protection, serving as powerful reminders of the Father’s constant proximity. Their appearances affirm the enduring bond between the Father and His people, providing comfort and hope to the children of the King.

Guardian angels bring good news (Judges 13:3, Luke 2:8-15), issue warnings of danger (Genesis 19:15), offer protection from danger (Daniel 3:28; 6:22), provide guidance (Exodus 14:19), nurture (Genesis 21:14-20; 1 Kings 19:4-7), or instruct and impart wisdom (Acts 7:38; Galatians 3:19) (Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible).

The Father appoints these angels to guard individuals (particularly children and children of the King), groups, or nations (Daniel 10:5-21).

Though their actions might be unseen, God tasks His angels with our care, bringing His message, grace, and protection. We may never recognize in this life how often an angel has safeguarded us from harm or guided us to success. They are part of the Father’s perfect provision, and all praise belongs to Him, not the angels (Stanley).

Psalms 91:11 assures us, “For he will order his angels to protect you in all you do.”

The Father appoints angels to protect and watch over His own. They are primarily behind the scenes, akin to Secret Service agents that protect Presidents of the United States. They are all around yet invisible to us most of the time. Occasionally, the Father allows people to see them (Numbers 22:31, 2 Kings 6:17, Luke 2:1). Sometimes, they take bodily form (Matthew 28:5; Hebrews 13:2). But these occurrences are infrequent, the exception rather than the rule.

The heavenly Father uses angels to care for little children.

Matthew 18:10 underscores, “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven, their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.”

Each child is appointed a guardian angel at birth. They watch over us right from the start. This notion can be both incredibly reassuring and perhaps simultaneously a bit unsettling.

These heavenly guardians extend their protection to all of us, the needy children of the King. Constantly in the Father’s presence, they act as our personal emissaries, awaiting His directives. Ever prepared, they stand ready to fulfill their heavenly assignments.

Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

REFLECT & PRAY

Angels vigilantly watch over humanity, serving as the Father’s envoys and protectors.

Father, thank You for the strength and tools You provide to fulfill Your will and accomplish the assignments You have set before us. You alone deserve all praise and glory.

INSIGHT

The Hebrew word, which is translated as “angel,” is malak, which means messenger. The name of the prophet “Malachi” translates to “my messenger.” The Greek equivalent is aggelos, which also signifies messenger, envoy, or emissary. It is the source for the English term “angel.”.

Scripture identifies two angels by name: Gabriel and Michael. Angels are often depicted as a celestial army with ranks. Michael is an archangel, while Gabriel acts as the Father’s emissary, delivering messages. Despite this, the commander-in-chief is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Psalms 24:10 Who is the King of Glory? The LORD of Heaven’s Armies – he is the King of Glory.

I often find myself in trouble, whether it’s small or large. I imagine my guardian angel manages the minor issues, and for greater challenges, I envision more powerful angels stepping in (Daniel 10:13).

Despite my frequent misadventures that likely demand extra vigilance, true security doesn’t rest with these created beings but with the Father. He deploys bigger guns and assigns an angel of a higher rank with more power and authority. Sometimes, I suppose myself to be a real bother, quite a handful, perhaps causing angels to work overtime. I can almost hear one exclaim, “Did you see that? I can’t believe he did that again!”  

Guardian angels vividly demonstrate God’s nurturing presence and care. As both protectors and messengers, they fulfill God’s promise to watch over us. Through grand acts or subtle guidance, these angels inspire trust in God’s unseen yet constant protection.

Ultimately, our wisdom, guidance, power, and security come from the Spirit of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. While guardian angels play significant roles, their importance pales compared to the supreme authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns at the right hand of Majesty (Hebrews 1:3).

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© Dr. H 2024

Our expiration date ∙∙

Our expiration date ∙∙

John grew up and became strong in spirit. He lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel. – Luke 1:80

1 Corinthians 15:54-55

 54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

As we grow older, most of our physical abilities and strengths tend to decline. However, there is one notable exception: the human spirit, which has the potential to grow stronger over time. This was true for John the Baptist; he grew ever stronger in his spirit (Luke 1:80).

Satchel Paige wisely asked, “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you was?”

The wiser mind mourns less for what age takes away than what it leaves behind (Wordsworth).

When you are eighty years old, you have learned almost everything. The problem is being able to remember it (George Burns).

Typically, our “long-term memory” remains intact, but as Burns humorously pointed out, the challenge for some older adults is recalling the information they’ve already acquired. For many of us, the real issue might be something as simple as forgetting where we parked the car. An old adage reminds us, “It’s okay to forget your keys; it’s not okay to forget what the keys are for.”

Too often, we let age define us when, instead, we should let our identity shape how we perceive our age. As people age, particularly those who choose not to dwell on loss, their thoughts naturally shift to what truly matters. By focusing on what’s important, they can maximize their mental and spiritual potential.

One of the inevitable sorrows of aging is losing dear friends and family. We also begin to reflect on our own eventual departure to our eternal home. However, the apostle Paul offers guidance on facing these challenges.

While we grieve the loss of loved ones, our sorrow is not permanent. As children of the King, our hope extends beyond this world. Death is not the final chapter; resurrection is. All children of the King have a sure hope of resurrection and eternity with Him. In our later years, the Father may even introduce new friends and loved ones into our lives.

Paul provides a roadmap for dealing with these concerns. Paul did not fear death and eagerly anticipated being with the Father, yet he understood that he still had important work to accomplish.

Philippians 1:21-25

 21 For me, living means living for Christ and dying is even better.

 22 But I can do more fruitful work for Christ if I live. So, I really don’t know which is better.

 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.

 24 But for your sake, it is better that I continue to live.

 25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.

Being strong in spirit and embracing our purpose, we can face aging with hope and wisdom.

REFLECT & PRAY

Each of us has an expiration date. The Father has a plan and purpose for every child of the King. When our time of service is finished, the Father calls us home. We live to serve at His pleasure.

Father, I am thankful for the beloved friends you’ve taken away and for those new ones you’ve brought into my life. My life and destiny are securely in Your hands.

INSIGHT

During the era of the Judges, around 1200 BC to 1020 BC, a severe famine struck the land of Judah, prompting Elimelech and his wife, Naomi, along with their two sons, to seek refuge in Moab. Sadly, Elimelech passed away, and Naomi’s sons married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah (fun fact: Oprah Winfrey’s name was meant to be Orpah, but the name on her birth certificate was misspelled). Then, tragedy struck again as Naomi’s sons also died, creating a scenario that could rival any soap opera.

Faced with such heartache, Naomi decided to return to Judah. She advised her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab and remarry. Orpah took her advice, but Ruth, in a display of remarkable loyalty and devotion, chose to stay with Naomi. Ruth’s pledge of loyalty and dedication is delightful and charming and has resonated through the ages. Ruth’s words are among the most memorable in all of Scripture. Few utterances in the Bible match her speech for sheer poetic beauty and extraordinary courage and spirituality (Block).

Ruth 1:16-17

 16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

 17 Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!”

Ruth 1:20-21

 20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty, has made life very bitter for me.”

 21 “I went away full, but the LORD has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the LORD has caused me to suffer, and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?”

Naomi was overwhelmed with bitterness and regret, feeling as though life had drained her completely. Ruth 1:20-21 captures her despair:

Yet unbeknownst to Naomi, her story was far from over. It had only begun; great chapters lie ahead for the childless widow. The journey leads her to Bethlehem, a name that hints at what is to come. It is an old-fashioned love story with a twist. Ruth meets Boaz, who falls in love with her. They marry and have a son named Obed. Obed became the father of Jesse, and Jesse became the father of King David.

Naomi finds herself blessed with a new family. Her story shifts from sorrow to joy. The Father orchestrated Ruth’s entrance into Naomi’s life, bringing love and loyalty at just the right time to begin the restoration process. The Father provides Naomi with generous compensation and removes her bitterness. Naomi, once a childless widow, becomes the grandmother of Obed and the great-great-grandmother of King David.

Ultimately, however, godly loyalty tends to pay big dividends. True loyalty is demanding, requiring patience and a willingness to face challenges. Loyal individuals adjust their lives to support those they serve, often at a personal cost. Ruth exemplified this by leaving her own family to be at Naomi’s side.

The Father recognized Ruth’s unwavering loyalty and blessed her with a loving husband, a cherished son, and the honor of being part of the lineage of Jesus Christ (Stanley).

Continue to grow in spirit and serve at His pleasure. Only He knows the end of your days on earth.

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© Dr. H 2024

Nephilim ∙∙

Nephilim ∙∙

The Nephilim were on the earth in those days (and also after this) when the sons of God were having sexual relations with the daughters of man, who gave birth to their children. They were the mighty heroes of old, the famous men. – Genesis 6:4

Numbers 13:33 There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim), and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.

Numbers 13:33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Numbers 13:25-33

 25 After exploring the land for forty days, the men returned

 26 to Moses, Aaron, and the whole Israel community at Kadesh in Paran’s wilderness. They reported to the entire community what they had seen and showed them the fruit they had taken from the land.

 27 This was their report to Moses: We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country – a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces.

 28 But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak!

 30 But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. Let’s go at once to take the land, he said. We can certainly conquer it!

 31 But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!

 32 So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge.

 33 We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them, we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!

Greek and Roman mythology, along with folklore from the Ancient Near East, feature stories of beings who were part human, part divine, such as Hercules and the Titans like Cyclops and Atlas. Hercules stands out as the most prominent Greek hero, known for his extraordinary strength as the son of Zeus and Alcmene, making him a demigod.

Have giants indeed existed on Earth? Some translations of the Old Testament suggest this possibility. Enter the Nephilim. Who were they, and where did they originate? Could they be the legendary giants of ancient lore? The term “Nephilim” appears only twice in the Old Testament, in Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33. Although the exact meaning is unclear, Nephilim were described as large, powerful, and aggressive men, with the name meaning “rebels” or “fallen ones.”

In Hebrew, the word used is “Nephilim,” which has been transliterated into English the same way. When the Old Testament was translated into Greek as the Septuagint, “Nephilim” became “gigantes,” giving rise to the English word “giants.” In the King James Version, “Nephilim” is translated as “giants,” a term still used in many modern translations of Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33.

However, the Scriptures do not label them as giants in the modern sense. What do the Scriptures actually say?

Genesis 6:4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and afterward, when the sons of God had sexual relations with the daughters of men, and they gave birth to the children. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

According to Genesis 6:4, the Nephilim became mighty, fierce, and violent warriors. They were well-known and famous in the antediluvian world.

Moses sent 12 spies into Canaan on a reconnaissance mission to find out if it was indeed a land flowing with milk and honey, how well it was fortified, and what kind of people lived there (Numbers 13:33). The Scriptures state that Nephilim were present. It adds a detail that is not present in Genesis 6:4. Further, they were large men. The spies declared that compared to the Nephilim, they were as tiny as grasshoppers in their own sight (Numbers 13:33). Could this fearful exaggeration be a rationalization to attempt to halt the invasion of Canaan?

The most famous of the Nephilim was Goliath of Gath, a Philistine, who was six cubits and a span, that is, about 9 feet 9 inches in height (1 Samuel 17:4).

If all human life on earth was destroyed except for Noah and those that accompanied him on the ark, the Nephilim were part of the human gene pool of the humans that survived. They were the descendants of Adam and Eve.

In modern times, very tall humans are frequently seen on basketball teams. Many are over seven feet tall. In addition, there are real giants among us in modern times. Many of whom are 8-9 feet tall. In childhood, their pituitary gland makes too much growth hormone (somatotropin), producing gigantism.

REFLECT & PRAY

Grasping the meaning of the Scriptures can be challenging, yet we delve into them not because they are simple but because they are complex.

Father, thank You for the gift of reasoning and the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, guiding us to comprehend the vastness and depth of Your magnificent Word (Ephesians 3:18).

INSIGHT

The Golden Rule of Interpretation states: “When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, give it no other sense.” To understand the Scriptures, we must allow them to express their own meaning within their intended context, employing a literal, grammatical, and historical approach. This method seeks to uncover what the text meant to the original writer or speaker and to its initial audience.

Applying the Golden Rule of Interpretation to Genesis 6:1-4 involves examining the genealogies of Seth and Cain outlined in Genesis 4. Seth’s lineage is noted for its piety (Genesis 4:25-26, Genesis 5), whereas Cain’s descendants are characterized by their lack of godliness (Genesis 4:11-15).

Genesis 6:1-4

 1 Now it came about when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them,

 2 that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.

 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God had sexual relations, the daughters of men, and they gave birth to the children. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

Without incorporating concepts from other Scriptural texts or Jewish and Christian traditions, the simplest, most straightforward interpretation is that the “sons of God” represent the godly lineage of Seth. At the same time, the “daughters of men” refer to the ungodly lineage of Cain. These groups intermarried, resulting in some of their descendants being Nephilim.

The world quickly became filled with wickedness and immorality. Consequently, God chose Noah, a righteous man, to save pairs of animals and eight human beings from the impending global flood.

Genesis 6:1-4 makes no mention of fallen angels. Additionally, Genesis 1 states that living beings reproduce “after their kind.” If, as some propose, fallen angels turned into human males, married human females, and bore children, the question arises: where did the genetic material originate for such offspring?

The noncanonical Apocrypha from the intertestamental period presents a different perspective. In Sirach 16:7 (also known as Ecclesiasticus), the “ancient giants” are depicted as rebellious beings deserving of divine retribution. Wisdom 14:6 (also known as the Wisdom of Solomon)and Baruch 3:26-28 go further, suggesting these giants were eradicated by the Flood.

If so, the Nephilim mentioned later were not direct descendants but rather shared the same name as their predecessors. However, they were equally fearsome. The Israelite spies admitted, “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them” (Numbers 13:33).

Scripture can often be perplexing, leaving us puzzled. Even the apostle Peter experienced such challenges.

2 Peter 3:15-16

 15 This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him

 16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.

It is incumbent upon each child of the King to study and research for themselves and find the best resources to help them better understand the Word of God. The King James Version puts it like this.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who must not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

This reflection is a bit different, but it comes in response to a question I was asked.

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© Dr. H 2024

Seductive subordinate loyalties ∙  

Seductive subordinate loyalties ∙  

Who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? – Luke 14:28

Luke 9:57-62

 57 Someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

 58 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

 59 He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, saying, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”

 60 But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! You must go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”

 61 Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”

 62 But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”

“Smart leaders understand that their job requires them to identify trade-offs, choosing what not to do as much as what to do. Grading the importance of various initiatives in an environment of finite resources is a primary test of leadership” (HBR).

Three interdependent elements are crucial for executing any project: objectives, resources, and timing. Achieving the desired outcome of a project requires clear goals, sufficient resources, and an appropriate timeline. If you alter one part of this triangle, the others must be adjusted accordingly.

While all three elements are vital, resources are the most crucial. They are what allow an objective to be met within a given timeframe; without adequate resources, any project remains a mere concept. Once a leader decides which resources will be allocated to specific objectives over certain periods, the need for ranking diminishes. This process naturally distinguishes three types of priorities: critical, important, and desirable (HBR).

The invitation from the Lord Jesus Christ to follow Him isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the most crucial and vital calling, surpassing all other loyalties. It is not merely desirable or important; it is essential and indispensable. It requires our unwavering commitment, and anything that hinders our complete dedication to Him must be set aside (ESV, Notes).

This requires a paradigm shift in our priorities, focusing solely on what truly matters. Sadly, less critical priorities can gradually blur our focus, drain our energy, and consume our efforts. We begin to struggle with the seductiveness of subordinate allegiances. Dr. Richard H. Seume describes it as “The lure of the lesser loyalty.” Often, it’s the minor distractions, the little things, not major crises, that steal our time from the Father. They nibble away on our commitments, and we lose our laser focus. We hardly notice the erosion of our determination and resolve to the Father’s prime directive for us.

Song of Solomon 2:15 Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!

Foxes, small animals that can damage vineyards, often dig around vines, loosening soil and destabilizing roots. They chew on trunks and roots, which can kill the vines or prevent fruit production. By eating tender shoots and grapes, they can destroy the crop for the season. 

This could easily be restated as: “It’s the little foxes, not the lions, that spoil the vineyard” or “The biggest threats come from the smallest sources.” The foxes symbolize the little things not effectively dealt with that add up and create hindrances that stand in the way of the fulfillment of objectives. In Song of Solomon 2:15, they threaten to spoil love relationships.

REFLECT & PRAY

“The path of Christianity is strewn with the litter of straying saints. Invariably, each who has strayed has chosen to be led by a lesser loyalty” (Swindoll).

Father, the poignant words “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the God I love” haunt me whenever I sing them. They bring tears to my eyes as I reflect on my tendency to stray from the God I cherish. Please take my heart and seal it for your courts above.

INSIGHT

Robert Robinson (1735-1790) may not be best remembered for his sermons, as they have been more or less lost to history. Yet, his hymn “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” has become immortalized. At the age of 20, Robinson was introduced to Christianity by George Whitfield in 1755. Just two years later, in 1757, he penned a hymn that reflected his newfound joy and confidence in his faith.

Sadly, over time, Robinson began to stray from his dedication and drifted away from his commitment to the truth of Scripture. He became “a great soul racked and rent by the clash of inward loyalties” (Graham W. Hughes). “The allurement and siren song of “intellectual” speculations loosed him from his theological moorings until he drifted far from shore and became shipwrecked in heresy” (Doug Kutilek). His spiritual turmoil robbed him of the joy his own words once brought him.

A popular, though unverifiable, anecdote recounts that during a stagecoach journey, a woman asked Robinson’s opinion on the hymn she was singing. He reportedly replied, “Madam, I am the poor unhappy man who wrote that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then” (christianity.com).

How tragic it is that the seductiveness of subordinate loyalties can lure away any child of the King.

How can we avoid drifting away?

To prevent such drifting, we must thoughtfully consider our priorities and ensure we have the resources to follow through and complete the Father’s assignment He has for each of us. We are called to be His disciples. True discipleship demands significant sacrifice and commitment.

Luke 14:28-32

 28 But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?

 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you.

 30 They would say, “There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!”

 31 Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him?

 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away.

These Scriptures reveal profound truths. They highlight that one can follow the Lord Jesus Christ without fully committing to discipleship. An anecdote tells of a conversation with a renowned scholar about a former student. The scholar remarked, “He may have attended my lectures, but he was not one of my students” (Barclay).

Tragically, there are many believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, but so few who are genuinely committed and faithful disciples.

It is crucial to count the cost of following Christ. While the demands may seem daunting, we are not expected to meet them alone. The One who calls us to this challenging path accompanies us every step of the way and awaits us at the journey’s end (Barclay).

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the God I love.

Take my heart; O take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above.

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© Dr. H 2024