“Worship of Jesus is rather harmless and risk-free; actually following Jesus changes everything.” – Richard Rohr

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Listen to my song “I Want to Follow You” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

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Luke 9:59-60

To another Jesus said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

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Jesus wanted followers, not fans.

This requires action, courage, and dedication.

It also requires that a person make the proclamation of the kingdom of God his or her number one priority.

My opinion is that Jesus is exaggerating in today’s scripture passage to make a point.

It would seem a bit harsh to order this man whom Jesus called to ignore the death of his father.

But this type of story would certainly grab the listener’s attention.

Jesus urgently wanted people to hear the message that the kingdom of God, the experience of God’s compassionate acceptance and empowerment, is available now in this time and place.

Too many people are sleep-walking through their lives under the spell of materialism, consumerism, and other delusional human constructs.

They are unaware of the purpose of their lives here on Earth.

People need to wake-up to their responsibility in caring for the least of these as well as in caring for the hurting environment.

As Jesus said in the first statement of his ministry in the Gospel of Mark: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent (or change your direction!), and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).

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Listen to the song of the day “I Want to Follow You” on the Listen to Your Heart album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!