No More Excuses
No More Excuses
Grace, mercy and peace to you in the name of Jesus – Amen!
How many times have you asked someone to help you with something and they give you an excuse? Or, how many times in the past you were asked for a favor and all you have to offer is an excuse?
If you think some of the excuses today are unique, the first followers of Jesus probably had the first edition of excuses – some mastered the course “Excuses 101” – see Luke 9:57-62.
To such excuses, Jesus replies, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (v. 62) In other words, no one who after making a promise and does not fulfill it is fit for the kingdom of God.
You heard these before, “It’s too hot, it’s too cold” but Jesus is saying no excuses – no ifs or buts! No one with regrets about serving God or following Jesus is fit for the Kingdom of God.
Now, as summer heats up and, as the first half of 2025 comes to an end, we come before Jesus, seeking to follow him… We may have done so much – in the name of good works. But Jesus asking, “Are you ready to follow?” – Are you, really?
I don’t want to make light of the role as follower – Because the reality following Jesus is not easy – It never was, and never will be. Hanging out with someone who was proclaiming a new message of hope – someone who preached freedom to all was and always be risky business.
Sometimes the choices Jesus asks of us are tough and for the most part contradict traditions or popular beliefs. At other times, the cost seems very high. Like in the case of with pastor and teacher Dietrich Bonhoeffer or the civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. who died for what they believed – justice and equality for all…by the way, neither reached the age of 40.
How will you follow Jesus from here on? It's not easy, but you are not alone on the journey - Jesus is with you as promised! Amen
How many times have you asked someone to help you with something and they give you an excuse? Or, how many times in the past you were asked for a favor and all you have to offer is an excuse?
If you think some of the excuses today are unique, the first followers of Jesus probably had the first edition of excuses – some mastered the course “Excuses 101” – see Luke 9:57-62.
To such excuses, Jesus replies, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (v. 62) In other words, no one who after making a promise and does not fulfill it is fit for the kingdom of God.
You heard these before, “It’s too hot, it’s too cold” but Jesus is saying no excuses – no ifs or buts! No one with regrets about serving God or following Jesus is fit for the Kingdom of God.
Now, as summer heats up and, as the first half of 2025 comes to an end, we come before Jesus, seeking to follow him… We may have done so much – in the name of good works. But Jesus asking, “Are you ready to follow?” – Are you, really?
I don’t want to make light of the role as follower – Because the reality following Jesus is not easy – It never was, and never will be. Hanging out with someone who was proclaiming a new message of hope – someone who preached freedom to all was and always be risky business.
Sometimes the choices Jesus asks of us are tough and for the most part contradict traditions or popular beliefs. At other times, the cost seems very high. Like in the case of with pastor and teacher Dietrich Bonhoeffer or the civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. who died for what they believed – justice and equality for all…by the way, neither reached the age of 40.
How will you follow Jesus from here on? It's not easy, but you are not alone on the journey - Jesus is with you as promised! Amen
The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Minister/Chaplain
JFK Airport Minister/Chaplain
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