I will follow you, Lord; but first . . .
—Luke 9:61
When Jesus says, “Follow me,” he is met with one of three responses: I will; I won’t; I will, but not yet.
“Follow me,” Jesus said to Matthew. Matthew’s response was immediate: He “got up, left everything and followed him” (Lk 5:27, 28).
“Follow me,” Jesus said to a rich ruler. He went away sad because the cost of following Jesus was too high (Mt 19:16–22).
“Follow me,” Jesus said to two would-be disciples. Each said, “I will—but not yet.” They had unfinished business to take care of. After that, they would follow him (Lk 9:59, 61).
“Follow me,” Jesus says to us.
Our response is: I will; I won’t; or I will, but not yet.
Delayed obedience is disobedience.