Jesus goes from rebuker to challenger at the close of Luke 9:

Jesus then turned to another and said, “Come be my disciple.” He replied, “Someday I will, Lord, but allow me first to fulfill my duty as a good son and wait until my father passes away.” Jesus told him, “Don’t wait for your father’s burial. Let those who are already dead wait for death. But as for you, go and proclaim everywhere that God’s kingdom has arrived.” Still another said to him, “Lord, I want to follow you too. But first let me go home and say good-bye to my entire family.” Jesus responded, “Why do you keep looking backward to your past and have second thoughts about following me? When you turn back you are useless to God’s kingdom realm.” (Luke 9.59 – 62, Passion Translation)

What does Jesus challenge in both cases? “But first…” I’ll do it, just not right now this minute. I called this but first attitude Labanizing back in 2016. These guys could be putting Jesus off indefinitely – don’t say no, but never get around to following Jesus.

OR, they could have every good intention. Just like I do some mornings. I’ll have my time with God. But first let me….

• Check my email
• Catch up on the news
• Finish this crossword puzzle

And some days, after I’ve done the but firsts, there’s no time left. Oops.

You always have time for that which you put first. -Debbie Friley, The Navigators

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up. (Psalm 5.3, ESV)