And another of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Matt 8:21

Tug of war is a sport to test the strength of two opposing teaming. The object is to overpower the opposing team and pull the rope a determined distance toward the home team side. The competition begins with the teams aligned at opposite ends of the rope, facing the ground and away from a rope. Upon hearing the command, the teams immediately turn to the rope, take hold of it and pull towards their home with all their energy. So often the victor is determined by the initial advantage gained at the start to be ready, with a quick response, and commitment of all their might and strength. This is also true for success and victory in Christian living. Be ready, respond immediately and be fully committed. The scripture passage illustrates an example of one who came to Jesus with a sincere request, yet not ready to respond and follow Jesus. The man had a responsibility to care for his elderly father until his father’s death. It seemed an honorable delay to care for his father and return to follow Jesus at a more appropriate time. The man was drawn to Jesus for his greater gain rather than God’s glory. He allowed his priority of responsibilities hinder him from following Jesus. Jesus knew the man, his responsibilities and the man’s father. Jesus cared for the man and his father, and He would have cared for the man’s father had he chosen to follow Him immediately and completely. The man had an opportunity to walk with the Son of God, but the cares of life competed for his obedience. My friend, priorities of life constantly compete for devotion to Christ and challenge our obedience to follow God’s word. When God reveals His will, the opportunity to respond is limited. Occasions to minister to others may pass quickly. When impressed to pray, stop immediately and pray. When impressed to go to a neighbor or friend, go immediately and not at a more convenient time. Timing of obedience is crucial. What shall we say when we hear the Master’s call? “Suffer me first go and” care for a matter of great concern or will He hear us say “Here am I! Send me” (Isa 6:8). “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Gal 5:16). Be ready, respond immediately, and commit to follow the Spirit. “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). Father, teach me Your ways that I may be ready to hear Your call and respond immediately, obediently and without hesitation. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.