Follow the Master (Part One)

Daily Scripture Threshing for Saturday, March 12, 2022

Today’s Text: Matthew 8:18-22

Key Verse: Matthew 8:22 (ESV): “And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”

Let the dead bury the dead is Jesus’ declaration to tell and teach us that we cannot put traditions, personal gains, interests, and desires ahead of following the Master. Following Jesus requires being alive to the things of God. Rejecting or refusing to follow Him is a mark of being dead in sin and/or to the things of God. Therefore, the Lord uses the words, “let the dead bury their dead” as a paradox to express why and how material or biological affinity should not influence us. When a man is dead to the law, the law no longer influences him; and when he is dead to sin, it (sin) no longer has control over him. It is therefore a reversed truth that anyone who rejects or fails to follow the Master is alive to the world and makes himself dead to Him. They take care of matters that are not consistent with life. They are therefore likened to the dead burning the dead.

By implication or application, people in our lives, work, clubs, neighborhoods, and families, who do not follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are dead to Him. They must not be allowed to drag us down or deter us from seeing the beauty of Christ, nor prevent us from hearing His voice or desiring to follow Him. Being spiritually dead in sin, they are overwhelmed by physical hindrances. They take care of dead works of unrighteousness. But you, O child of light, never let their shadow cast upon your duty to your Savior. Love your family. Honor your patents. Provide for your household. But seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness. Rise up now and always, put Christ first, and follow Him.

Quote for the Day: “Men who pursue God’s kingdom must give up or deny sensual distractions. They are weights that pull men back from the narrow way.” (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: Dear Lord, Jesus Christ, help me to follow You and put aside distractions each day. I ask for the power to change and overcome anything that contradicts Your love — in Jesus’ name. Amen.

With all my Love and Prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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[Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA distributed for free use by individuals, small groups, families, and Christian churches]

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