“And He said to them, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.’” Luke 13:32 NKJV
Reflection: how much do you live in the future versus for today?
Have to admit, I tend to push out the tasks that I am not too excited about doing. I therefore prioritize things that I enjoy working on. But at some point, I eventually have to also do those things I have pushed out. And it feels pretty good to clear those things off my to-do list. And the reality is that most of us have to organize ourselves to get things done, and we use different methods to do that. To keep busy. But in our effort to keep busy, are we able to keep the right priorities?
For my 60th birthday, my wife proposed as a gift for me to travel by myself to Norway to celebrate this milestone with my parents and family there. And little did I know that this would be the last time I saw my mom as she passed away a few months later.. While there are so many other ways I could have used the time and money to celebrate, I am very thankful to my wife for encouraging me to prioritize and do this.
Jesus was told by the Pharisees that Herod was after him, wanting to kill him. They proposed for Jesus to run away, to essentially go into hiding. And in the focus verse today, we see his response. He knew at this time that his end was drawing near, that his suffering and death was only days away. But notice how he prioritized his remaining days, “I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.” While he knew so very well what was coming, he kept his focus on the people, spreading the good news, healing and casting out demons. He was not going to run away from his mission, and
not waste a single day.
He also said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” John 9:4 NKJV. And it really made me think about how we use this precious little time we have in the world. How we use this day that we have been given as a gift. Are we keeping the right priority, spreading truth? Doing good towards those around us? Helping the sick and those in need? Bringing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Let’s reevaluate our priorities today, what is driving us to do what we do each day. Are those things aligned with God’s priorities and purpose for your life? For today? Let’s not assume we have tomorrow, pushing off what we have been given for today. Not to waste and regret a single day. Then someday, we will hear “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:21 NKJV