Devotion for Friday, June 14, 2024

“ Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”  But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead” (Matthew 8:12-22).

Funerals are big business.  We want to celebrate the life of the one gone, even if they were not decent people in life.  It is much more understandable when they were decent people.  But this misses the point.  We are called to look to Jesus, and He is calling us to the eternity for which we are heading.  Yes, honor the dead, but do not let your focus remain there.  Be guided to live into the life to which you have been called.

Holy Spirit, you know how much my inner life conflicts with my life in this world.  It is not that You are calling me to go into seclusion, but that You are calling me to live a balanced life.  Guide me, Lord, so that I may always walk humbly with You.  Lead me to become the person I am being made to be by grace through faith.  Guide me to see that in You alone is my future.

Lord Jesus, You are not being harsh, but truthful.  Lead me according to Your goodness to live this day with my eyes always upon You.  No matter what I do, let it be with the heavenly kingdom in mind.  May my actions on this day be faithful.  Help me so that nothing gets in the way of me living faithfully with You.  Let me be obedient in doing what You give me to do.  Help me to always follow You.  Amen.