I originally posted this about a year ago, and I thought it might be fun to run again… and besides, my youngest hates that old picture now that she has her own daughter! 🙂
When my kids were teenagers, this was one of their favorite things to say when I would ask them to do something… and alas, I might have used the line myself a time or two.
Of course as responsible adults, we never say this when we are asked (or told) to do something, right? Well, let’s think about it for a moment…
“Go and make disciples”… Just a minute!
“Feed my sheep”… Just a minute!
“Repent and be Baptized”… Just a minute!
“Love your neighbor”… Just a minute!
I wonder how often we say “Just a minute!” to the commands of our Lord.
Is being a follower of Jesus Christ something we do at our leisure? I don’t think that’s what the Lord has in mind, do you? In spite of this, I’ve heard so many times over the years people say that they’re too busy, not ready, or not comfortable to things that have to do with being obedient to Jesus Christ; a sad business. Jesus was clear and concise in the matter when He said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15)
Since Jesus has made this so clear, where does convenience come into it? Where does being “ready” come into it?
OK, I know you get my drift, and yes, I have done this all too often myself. My He forgive us when we fall short of the mark…
Life Project Blog 
Ah, I know this feeling well. Now that my daughter has children, I’ve often said, “Being a grandparent is its best revenge.” But, nevermind about that…
Like you, I’ve often procrastinated upon instruction, but you know what I’ve figured out about that, (at least for myself?)…
You’re right, that the Lord forgives… in fact, I don’t think He even gets mad, as much as it saddens Him. Every time He’s asked me to do something, and I resist (for whatever reason seems more important to me at the time)… I’m missing the fact that He’s inviting me to do something WITH Him. So, when I decline the offer… I miss the time together, the fellowship and sharing of that in His presence, in His company…
He actually LIKES doing stuff WITH us, and when we say “Just a minute”, He sorta has to go on and get about His work, and we “catch up” when we get ready to. He misses us when we do that. And who knows what WE miss when we do it?
“As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the [ai]air have [aj]nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” 60 But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” [Luke 9:57-62]
File these under “Opportunities Missed”?
Grace — LM
Yes, exactly: that’s IT. We miss out, lost opportunity. This is like so many things, He calls us to do this or that…. because we NEED it, as much as for any other reason.
Thanks, Little Monk. Well said. There are two losers here–Jesus and me. How sad….
🙂
Love the sharing, the comments, the community. Thank you.
Amen! 🙂
Happy Father’s Day, Don!! May you have a wonderful day filled with blessings. 🙂
Thank you Skye!
Happy Father’s Day ~
Thank you!
Excellent illustration! I know I have been guilty of this. May I never be found again telling God ‘just a minute’.
We all have Tom, don’t feel nad!
Great post! Funny and absurd–because it’s too, too true!
Thanks, Don.
Elouise