Day 3: The Foolish Rancher

"I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please consider me excused." - Luke 14:19

Cowboy Wisdom: No cowboy in his right mind buys livestock without checking them out first. You want to know if that horse has been properly broke, if those cattle are healthy, and if that bull has any fight left in him. This rancher's excuse was about as smart as trying to rope a tornado.

Like the first man, this fellow had already made his purchase. Those oxen weren't going anywhere - he could test them tomorrow, next week, or next month. But he used them as an excuse to avoid the feast. His priorities were showing, and God's invitation wasn't at the top of his list.

How often do we put off God's call because we've got "livestock to check"? We fill our Sundays with activities we could do any other day of the week, then wonder why our spiritual life feels as dry as a creek bed in August.

Questions for Reflection

1. What "oxen" in your life tend to take priority over spiritual matters?
2. How do you decide what can wait and what can't when it comes to your schedule?
3. Are there good things in your life that have become barriers to the best things God has for you?

Prayer Focus: God, help me to see when I'm letting good things crowd out the best things You have for me. Give me wisdom to know what can wait and what deserves my immediate attention. Don't let my blessings become barriers to my relationship with You. Amen.