Bible Pathways Daily Bible Reading Devotional

Get guidance on Bible study from C.S. Lewis - Free Course!
<< Bible Pathway

Bible Pathways 10/24/2001



October 24



Read Luke 8 -- 9

Jesus put the sincerity of would-be disciples to the test when a certain man said to Him, Lord, I will follow You wherever You go. And Jesus said to him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head (Luke 9:57-58). The foxes illustrate the clever ones and the birds of the air illustrate the worldly. Jesus pointed out to this man that if he chose to follow Him he could expect hardships. Jesus was also saying that He was not attached to earthly possessions, nor could His followers expect any guarantee of earthly resources.

Through Matthew's account, we learn that this "certain man" held the position of a Scribe (Matthew 8:18-22). His moral and religious life were above reproach. Yet, he is just another example of how being too involved in "good" activities keep some from allowing Christ to be Lord of their lives.

Another also said, Lord, I will follow You; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are . . . at my house. And Jesus said to him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back (to the things left behind or to other attractions), is fit for the Kingdom of God (Luke 9:61-62). Our Lord did not welcome volunteers who were only willing to join Him on their own terms; serving Christ is a lifetime commitment. Love dictated the seriousness of following Him. He was not in the midst of a membership drive, nor counting converts to establish His success.

Self-seekers and compromisers are deceived into believing that there will be a more convenient time when they can choose to follow the Lord. Their excuses reveal divided hearts, while other things are given higher priority than serving Christ. Some lack the "single eye" of devotion to Christ where, by comparison, all else in this world is of little importance. But others thoughtlessly fail to put Christ first in their daily decisions. And yet all who do discover that the satisfaction of self-denial far exceeds fleeting earthly rewards. Each of us needs to consider if there is someone in our life, or something in our heart, that keeps us from giving first place to Christ, His Word, and His will.

The more carefully we read God's Word and listen to the Holy Spirit, the more worldly ambitions fade into insignificance.

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things the world seek). Your Heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. But seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:31-33).

Word Studies: 8:23 jeopardy means exposed to injury or death; 8:44 stanched means to stop the flow of; 8:46 virtue means power from a supernatural being; 9:3 scrip means small bag for money or food; staves means staffs; 9:29 glistering means shining with brilliance.

Cross Reference:

For Luke 8:10: See Isa. 6:9.

Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Rep. Mary Bono (CA), Rep. JosÚ Serrano (NY), and Rep. Bradley Sherman (CA) · BPM Staff: Ken Sharp · Pray for all Bible Reading Marathon Coordinators · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in honor of Dr. John A. Hash and Family · Country: Croatia (5 million) in southeastern Europe · Major language: Serbo-Croatian · Religious freedom · 73% Roman Catholic; 15% Serbian Orthodox; 5% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to enable you to endure temptation (James 1:12).

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 13:2



More Bible Pathway Articles