Keeping the Lord Jesus First

24 June, 2014

In Luke 14, Jesus tells a parable about a wealthy man hosting a banquet. The rich man sent his servants to invite his closest friends, but each of them had an excuse why they couldn't come. One man had to inspect a field, another had recently bought five pairs of oxen, and the last replied "I now have a wife, so I cannot come."

Reading this, I was confused why "having a wife" would be an acceptable excuse. Couldn't he simply ask his wife if he could go? Or better yet, why couldn't she tag along to party? The more the merrier, right?

Then, I realized that Jesus was using this parable as an analogy for life. Like the man hosting the banquet, God invites us to join his holy family, yet people often use marriage as an easy opt-out from giving God what He deserves. Although I'm not married, many of my married friends have confided that marriage doesn't automatically equate a perfect spiritual life. In fact, it often dampens their faith because they spend less alone time with their Lord, shifting their focus from God to their partner.

Are you turning down the RSVP for a feast with Jesus? Is your marriage creating a stronger bond between you and your King, or is it an excuse to ignore Him?

In the end, fixing our eyes on the Lord is the best thing we could ever say yes to! As long as we trust Him, everything else will fall into place, especially a marriage. No one can take away the special place for Him in our hearts, husbands included.

Daily devotionals in the Word, prayer walks, and worship time is essential no matter what season you're in. Better yet, ask your husband to join you!

Wait quietly for Jesus to open your eyes. Sit with Him. Learn from Him. Cast your worries into His lap. Say yes to Him, every time.