July 27 🌿 "FOLLOW ME" — THE JOURNEY OF A DISCIPLE FOLLOW ME...WITHOUT DELAY 📖 Matthew 8:21–22 (LLV) — “Another of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’” At first, Jesus' words may sound surprisingly harsh. But many believe this disciple was not speaking of a father who had just died. He was saying, “Let me wait until my father has lived his life. After I have fulfilled my family duties, then I will follow You.” It was not a request for a few days. It was an indefinite delay. “I will follow... but first...” How often those words find their way into our own lives. Lord, let me first finish school. Build my career. Raise my family. Retire. Solve my problems. Then I will give You my full attention. Jesus did not dismiss the importance of family. He simply refused to accept that anything should take first place ahead of Him. His invitation was immediate. “Follow Me.” Discipleship does not begin when life becomes convenient. It begins the moment we decide that Jesus is worthy of first place. There will always be another reason to wait. Another responsibility. Another excuse. Another "but first." But every day we postpone following Christ, we miss the joy of walking with Him today. A new beginning starts here: choosing to follow Jesus today instead of waiting for a more convenient tomorrow. Reflection: What "but first" might be keeping me from following Jesus more wholeheartedly today? Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have allowed other priorities to delay my response to You. Help me place You first above every plan, every fear, and every excuse. Give me a willing heart that responds to Your call today, trusting that Your way is always the best path. Amen.