What comes to mind when you read that phrase? “First let me.” It’s certainly a self-centered remark. Regardless of the situation, to say “first let me” is a statement which indicates that “me” comes first. Maybe a person comes to mind, someone in your life who always seems to put themselves first. There were once two men to whom Jesus said “come, follow me” and they replied with this self-centered phrase.

“He said to another person, ‘Come, follow me.’

The man agreed, but he said, ‘Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.’

But Jesus told him, ‘Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.’

Another said, ‘Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.’

But Jesus told him, ‘Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.’” (Luke 9:59-62)

You see, “First let me” isn’t that far off from, “Me first.” There’s been plenty of research into the culture context of what these two men were wanting to do, but all that aside, their response to Jesus is that they come first. Can you imagine putting yourself first when Jesus calls you? Have you ever said to Jesus, “first let me”? Has there been a call on your life that you are delaying? Do you come first over Jesus? When you hear that still small voice or when God speaks so loud your soul shakes, don’t put yourself first—put the One who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.