Rachel Whisman

Recently, I have been reading through the book of Luke, and I notice myself trying to justify the disciples’ and the people’s unbelief. Their questions and responses seem valid, but Jesus does not waver. The disciples were storm-tossed and in the midst of danger, crying out to Jesus, “Master, master, we are perishing!” (Luke 8:24). Yet Jesus responds, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25), after the waves had submitted to his command. Jesus does not allow complacency with their unbelief. In lovingkindness, he points it out rather than sweeping it under the rug. 

One chapter later, the people respond to Jesus’ command to “follow me” with slow obedience, a lack of faith, by uttering, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father,” as well as “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at home.” (Luke 9:59,61). The repetitive phrase, “But let me…” pierces me with its familiarity, but Jesus does not tolerate, nor condone it. Rather, he responds with, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). 

The reluctance and hesitation to take the Lord at who He is, and trust Him, bleeds throughout these verses and into our lives as well. We may not have the same sentences, but the same sentiments, “Jesus, Jesus, we are  _______!” or, “But Lord let me first ______.” Our questions and remarks vary, but Jesus’ response to all is the same. He does not change, but we change unto him and what he calls us to. He is the standard, not our rebuttals. Sometimes we get too comfortable with our unbelief and our remark, “But let me first ______,” when we should be questioning them as Christ did. He silenced the storm and their requests with himself. Can he still not do the same with us? 

The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
if we are faithless, he remains faithful—
for he cannot deny himself.

-2 Timothy 2:11-13