3 Things About Following God

Another man, one of His disciples, said to Him, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.”

But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Matthew 8:21-22

First, the word disciple here does not at all refer to one of the twelve apostles; those who had followed the Lord Jesus and heard His teaching were also called disciples, like those who withdrew in John 6:66. That means that even a person who has already become a disciple of Jesus is not automatically someone who is totally committed to the Teacher. Problems like this still happen to this day.

Second, this man’s father was not necessarily dead and in need of immediate burial; it may also be that this man’s father was already old and drawing near to death. The Jews gave dispensation to people in situations like this. They were allowed to focus on caring for their parents first and only afterward do their spiritual work.

But the Lord Jesus did not allow it! For Him, the Lord comes first. Jesus said this for several reasons:

1. Following the Lord Jesus is for now, not later

Classic reasons like this are still popular even today. Many people answer “Later” to every call to spiritual duty; they say, “Now is not the time.” The Lord Jesus opposes people like this. At heart, they are not holding to commitment; they do not know what will happen if they delay. Even though the Lord has already given time, they are still waiting for some other moment. They think they are wiser and know everything better than God Himself.

For believers, this must be seen clearly. The Lord wants us to follow Him right now, not later or whenever, but NOW!

2. Let the dead bury the dead

Some are dead physically, and some are dead spiritually. The Lord Jesus says that we should let those who are spiritually dead bury those who are physically dead. We have a calling that is far greater and far more important. This does not at all dismiss the importance of going to a house of mourning, but the point is that the dead are finished; there is nothing more we can do for them. But those who are still living, they are our responsibility to help toward salvation.

3. Go and do the more important task.

The task God has given us is already waiting to be done and to keep being done. That calling is more important than anything else. In fact, everything else in our lives is a tool and functions only as support for the task He has given us. So everything we have is not merely to be possessed and displayed, but to make us more effective in carrying out our spiritual duty. Go and give priority to the more important task over the others, and be careful of the trap of urgent things; they are always there, trying to push aside the things that truly matter.

Taken from Pastor Togar Sianturi’s blog article

*Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

Related article: 3 Things We Can Learn from the Work of the Lord Jesus