The legendary comedy team of Abbott and Costello became national celebrities for their skit entitled Who’s On First. Abbott, the straight guy of the duo, tries to explain to Costello that the first baseman of the baseball team is a man named Who. Unable to grasp what Abbott is telling him, Costello is determined to find out the first baseman’s name. “Who’s on first?” he asks. “Yes,” Abbott responds acknowledging that Who is the name of the first baseman. Abbott’s response seemingly does not answer the question, so the dialog between the slapstick comedians continues and the misunderstanding grows to even greater heights. Abbott tries to be very clear about the first baseman’s’ name and Costello tries just as diligently to get a simple answer to his question. The banter between the two is rapid fire leaving the audience in a state of total hilarity.

Abbott and Costello had no connection with baseball prior to the introduction of the comic routine they made famous. Yet in 1957 they were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame because of the humor they brought to the game.

But the question, “Who’s on first?” may not always produce such humor. If we ask ourselves that question about the priorities we set for ourselves each day, we may be startled to discover where Jesus fits into them.

Each morning when I arise I pass through the kitchen to turn on the coffee, and then I stop at my computer to read overnight email messages. From there I continue my way to the place for my daily devotional time. So, who’s on first? I might argue that the coffee is incidental, but while I stop to read email messages, I leave my Lord waiting.

And there are other priorities of daily life like getting the bills paid before setting aside funds for God; or dedicating the day’s work to personal gain; or choosing a recreational activity above helping a person in need. For Jesus to be first in our lives, nothing may be placed ahead of Him. In the passage above, a would-be disciple says, “I will follow you Lord; but first let me go back and say good-bye to my family.” (Italics added.) So, who’s on first? The answer should make us think.

Most of us have some displaced priorities in our lives, but when we get them straight—well who knows what joy will come from it.