Chapter Twenty-Two Sunday, December 19, 2010 The Fourth Sunday of Advent
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” Luke 22:14-16
The table was set. The deed was about to be done. Jesus was on the verge of betrayal as he came to the Passover meal in the upper room. He was eager to eat with his followers and to spend this sacred time together.
In a moment he would take the cup and give thanks to God. Then he would offer a word of thanksgiving for the bread and share it with the disciples. Within minutes of that sacred moment, the disciples would quarrel about their own personal importance. Then Peter would declare his undying loyalty only to learn about his own betrayal of Christ. Then, the meal was over.
Ultimately, Jesus would return to the Mount of Olives ‘as usual’ to rest and pray. He asked his closest friends to wait and watch. They chose to fall asleep. Then the soldiers came with swords drawn. Judas betrayed the identity of Jesus with a kiss, and Peter denied that he ever knew the Lord. At daybreak Jesus was standing before the chief priests as he revealed his true identity as the Son of God.
From sundown to dawn, it had been day that would not soon be forgotten.
As we wait and watch for the celebration of Christmas, I wonder, can you see yourself in this ten- hour snapshot? Has Jesus ever invited you to the table? Have you ever been bold in your faith? Have you ever denied that you know him? Did you fall asleep when the Lord invited you to wait and watch? Where are you in the story of the Living Lord? Take some time to reflect on one of the days that shook the world for eternity!
It is a joy to share worship with you on this day!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Gospel of Luke Saturday December 17, 2010
Chapter Twenty-One Saturday, December 18, 2010
Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple. Luke 21:37-38
The teaching ministry of Jesus became more intense and directive while he was in Jerusalem during his last earthly days. He was blessed at the temple gate by the offering of a widow who gave generously out of her poverty. He also began to teach about the last days or the signs of the end of the age.
People were coming each day to hear him speak in the temple courts. It was a mysterious time for many of his disciples and followers as he spoke about the temple being torn down and the persecution that would take place in the lives of believers. Everyone was a bit baffled, but they also hung on each word as he spoke to them about the sun, the moon, and the Son of Man.
It must have been a time of struggle for Jesus himself. He knew the reason he was present in Jerusalem. I don’t know if he had a clear image of every step that would unfold, but he knew that he was about to offer himself for all of humanity. As a result, he taught with intensity and then withdrew to the Mount of Olives to be refreshed each night.
I don’t know what you did today, but somewhere in this season we all end up at the mall! It is not a place of persecution (at least not intentional persecution!) but it is often a place of confusion. We go, accomplish our task and then retreat to that safety zone we know as home. It is a ritual that has become intertwined into our Christmas experience.
Aren’t you glad you have a safety zone! You have a home, a place to withdraw, a location where you can shut the door and be yourself. Not everyone has that, but we all need it. We must find a place of sanity in the middle of confusing times. Don’t you wonder what these days must have been like for Jesus? The child, born in the manger, has now been baptized, equipped, sent forth, and is now facing his inevitable death. And yet, he stood his ground, taught the people, and generously offered himself out of his own poverty. Thanks be to God!
Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple. Luke 21:37-38
The teaching ministry of Jesus became more intense and directive while he was in Jerusalem during his last earthly days. He was blessed at the temple gate by the offering of a widow who gave generously out of her poverty. He also began to teach about the last days or the signs of the end of the age.
People were coming each day to hear him speak in the temple courts. It was a mysterious time for many of his disciples and followers as he spoke about the temple being torn down and the persecution that would take place in the lives of believers. Everyone was a bit baffled, but they also hung on each word as he spoke to them about the sun, the moon, and the Son of Man.
It must have been a time of struggle for Jesus himself. He knew the reason he was present in Jerusalem. I don’t know if he had a clear image of every step that would unfold, but he knew that he was about to offer himself for all of humanity. As a result, he taught with intensity and then withdrew to the Mount of Olives to be refreshed each night.
I don’t know what you did today, but somewhere in this season we all end up at the mall! It is not a place of persecution (at least not intentional persecution!) but it is often a place of confusion. We go, accomplish our task and then retreat to that safety zone we know as home. It is a ritual that has become intertwined into our Christmas experience.
Aren’t you glad you have a safety zone! You have a home, a place to withdraw, a location where you can shut the door and be yourself. Not everyone has that, but we all need it. We must find a place of sanity in the middle of confusing times. Don’t you wonder what these days must have been like for Jesus? The child, born in the manger, has now been baptized, equipped, sent forth, and is now facing his inevitable death. And yet, he stood his ground, taught the people, and generously offered himself out of his own poverty. Thanks be to God!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Gospel of Luke Friday December 17, 2010
Chapter Twenty Friday, December 17, 2010
Be sure to join us for worship on Sunday. Choose 8:45 or 11:00...but be sure you are there to celebrate with your sisters and brothers. Remember, our new worship schedule (8:00 ~ 9:30 ~ 11:00) starts on January 9, 2011.
Don't forget, this is the week to invite someone to join you for Christmas Eve worship. 5:00 ~ 7:00 ~ 9:00 ~ 11:00... offer to pick them up! Be sure to host them while they are at the church and then follow up with a post-Christmas conversation to see how they are doing. Don't miss this unique opportunity!
Then the owner of the vineyard said, “What shall I do? I will send my son whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.” But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. “This is the heir,” they said. “Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Luke 20:13-15
This particular chapter is filled with teaching that arrives in a culture of conflict and struggle. Jesus has now made his way into Jerusalem where he overturns the table sin the temple court. Then he begins to encounter questions, opposition, and outright threats upon his life. From this side of the cross we know the outcome is going to be difficult. But for now, let’s glean all we can from the teaching.
The Parable of the Tenants is one of those troubling, brutal, and challenging teachings that causes us to squirm just a bit. One by one the servants are beaten and thrown off the property. Finally the owner decides to solve the problem by sending one who has a different kind of authority. He sends his own son to settle the conflict. But the desired resolution does not take hold. There is no respect for the son. He is received with harshness and even death.
Jesus is directing this teaching at some of the religious leaders of the day. We clearly see a fairly direct reference to the way the life of Christ has been received and the response that is waiting for him in Jerusalem. There are difficult days on the horizon, but that does not stop the Lord.
If we take a ‘back door’ look at this parable, we can see a number of views. We can even see ourselves. Where would you be in this awkward picture? Would you be one of the spiritual leaders? Would you be one of the servants? Could you be the owner who sends his son? Perhaps you are waiting for Jesus in Jerusalem? Or would you be one of the disciples who overheard this conversation and wondered what was going to happen next?
This is the nature of Advent! Four weeks set aside to ask the kind of questions that we typically would simply avoid. The effectiveness of our time of preparation will depend on the depth of the questions we are willing to ask.
Be sure to join us for worship on Sunday. Choose 8:45 or 11:00...but be sure you are there to celebrate with your sisters and brothers. Remember, our new worship schedule (8:00 ~ 9:30 ~ 11:00) starts on January 9, 2011.
Don't forget, this is the week to invite someone to join you for Christmas Eve worship. 5:00 ~ 7:00 ~ 9:00 ~ 11:00... offer to pick them up! Be sure to host them while they are at the church and then follow up with a post-Christmas conversation to see how they are doing. Don't miss this unique opportunity!
Then the owner of the vineyard said, “What shall I do? I will send my son whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.” But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. “This is the heir,” they said. “Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Luke 20:13-15
This particular chapter is filled with teaching that arrives in a culture of conflict and struggle. Jesus has now made his way into Jerusalem where he overturns the table sin the temple court. Then he begins to encounter questions, opposition, and outright threats upon his life. From this side of the cross we know the outcome is going to be difficult. But for now, let’s glean all we can from the teaching.
The Parable of the Tenants is one of those troubling, brutal, and challenging teachings that causes us to squirm just a bit. One by one the servants are beaten and thrown off the property. Finally the owner decides to solve the problem by sending one who has a different kind of authority. He sends his own son to settle the conflict. But the desired resolution does not take hold. There is no respect for the son. He is received with harshness and even death.
Jesus is directing this teaching at some of the religious leaders of the day. We clearly see a fairly direct reference to the way the life of Christ has been received and the response that is waiting for him in Jerusalem. There are difficult days on the horizon, but that does not stop the Lord.
If we take a ‘back door’ look at this parable, we can see a number of views. We can even see ourselves. Where would you be in this awkward picture? Would you be one of the spiritual leaders? Would you be one of the servants? Could you be the owner who sends his son? Perhaps you are waiting for Jesus in Jerusalem? Or would you be one of the disciples who overheard this conversation and wondered what was going to happen next?
This is the nature of Advent! Four weeks set aside to ask the kind of questions that we typically would simply avoid. The effectiveness of our time of preparation will depend on the depth of the questions we are willing to ask.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Gospel of Luke Thursday December 16, 2010
Yesterday I was late...but today I am LATE! Thanks for you patience.
Chapter Nineteen Thursday, December 16, 2010
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
Luke 19:5-6
Don’t you just love Zacchaeus? Do you know that “wee little man” song from Sunday School? There he is, high overhead in the sycamore tree. Jesus is passing by so Zacchaeus climbs the tree to gain a better line of sight. He doesn’t want to miss a thing. He has heard about Jesus but now he has the chance of a lifetime to catch a glimpse of the teacher.
We know that Jesus and the disciples are on the way to Jerusalem. They pass through Jericho and draw quite a crowd. It won’t be long before they arrive at the edge of the holy city at Bethphage and prepare to enter Jerusalem. But now, all eyes are on Zacchaeus because Jesus has just invited himself for a meal. Here’s the rub…Zach was a well-known sinner! What in the world is the famous rabbi doing with a man like that?
I mean, who was going to really believe that Zacchaeus the cheating tax collector was really serious when he repented of his sin? So what if he says he will pay everything (and more!) back to the people! Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice…!
We don’t know all the follow-up details but we do know this: Jesus has a reputation for changing lives! And it isn’t limited to folks outside of Jerusalem in the first century! Jesus loves to transform lives from night to day. You have seen it happen. You may even hold tight to a testimony of how your life was changed. Here is the Good News, it still happens today. And it happens because people prepare, are open, and sometimes they even climb a tree!
Have you been out on a limb lately? Watch and wait because Jesus is coming your way.
Chapter Nineteen Thursday, December 16, 2010
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
Luke 19:5-6
Don’t you just love Zacchaeus? Do you know that “wee little man” song from Sunday School? There he is, high overhead in the sycamore tree. Jesus is passing by so Zacchaeus climbs the tree to gain a better line of sight. He doesn’t want to miss a thing. He has heard about Jesus but now he has the chance of a lifetime to catch a glimpse of the teacher.
We know that Jesus and the disciples are on the way to Jerusalem. They pass through Jericho and draw quite a crowd. It won’t be long before they arrive at the edge of the holy city at Bethphage and prepare to enter Jerusalem. But now, all eyes are on Zacchaeus because Jesus has just invited himself for a meal. Here’s the rub…Zach was a well-known sinner! What in the world is the famous rabbi doing with a man like that?
I mean, who was going to really believe that Zacchaeus the cheating tax collector was really serious when he repented of his sin? So what if he says he will pay everything (and more!) back to the people! Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice…!
We don’t know all the follow-up details but we do know this: Jesus has a reputation for changing lives! And it isn’t limited to folks outside of Jerusalem in the first century! Jesus loves to transform lives from night to day. You have seen it happen. You may even hold tight to a testimony of how your life was changed. Here is the Good News, it still happens today. And it happens because people prepare, are open, and sometimes they even climb a tree!
Have you been out on a limb lately? Watch and wait because Jesus is coming your way.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Chapter Eighteen Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”
The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about. Luke 18:31-34
In only nine days we will gather in the Wilson worship center for Christmas Eve candlelight services. We are only ten days away from the celebration of Christmas. Time is moving fast! And yet, we are in the time of Advent, so we wait. We prepare. We read, pray, and open our hearts for the arrival of the Christ Child.
The early disciples missed the birth scene in the manger of Bethlehem. None of the Twelve were there. But they did have the unique privilege of walking with an adult Jesus as he taught throughout the countryside. They heard him teach when he changed the world with the Sermon on the Mount. They watched him heal the sick and they were present when a blind man recovered his sight.
Day by day they were blessed by their time with the Lord but now they are at a turning point. He is telling them that this particular trip to Jerusalem will be his last. In fact, he is quite clear that he will die to fulfillment the words of the Old Testament prophets. Jesus is not only clear that he is about to give his life, he is also unambiguous about the fact that he will rise again on the third day.
From this side of the cross in the year 2010, we see history in the rear view mirror. The disciples were hearing a projection of what was about to happen. But they could not understand. Matthew records their lack of insight and says that the meaning was even intentionally hidden from them. Like most important messages of life, there would be a right time for the fullness of the information to be revealed.
It makes me wonder, what message from the Lord have I missed? What is the next important thing that I need to understand? And when will be the right time for me to receive and act on that information? Will I be ready? Will I be spiritually aware so I can fully receive? These are the questions of Advent. The answers are on the horizon. In fact, some of the answers are only ten days away. Will you be ready?
Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”
The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about. Luke 18:31-34
In only nine days we will gather in the Wilson worship center for Christmas Eve candlelight services. We are only ten days away from the celebration of Christmas. Time is moving fast! And yet, we are in the time of Advent, so we wait. We prepare. We read, pray, and open our hearts for the arrival of the Christ Child.
The early disciples missed the birth scene in the manger of Bethlehem. None of the Twelve were there. But they did have the unique privilege of walking with an adult Jesus as he taught throughout the countryside. They heard him teach when he changed the world with the Sermon on the Mount. They watched him heal the sick and they were present when a blind man recovered his sight.
Day by day they were blessed by their time with the Lord but now they are at a turning point. He is telling them that this particular trip to Jerusalem will be his last. In fact, he is quite clear that he will die to fulfillment the words of the Old Testament prophets. Jesus is not only clear that he is about to give his life, he is also unambiguous about the fact that he will rise again on the third day.
From this side of the cross in the year 2010, we see history in the rear view mirror. The disciples were hearing a projection of what was about to happen. But they could not understand. Matthew records their lack of insight and says that the meaning was even intentionally hidden from them. Like most important messages of life, there would be a right time for the fullness of the information to be revealed.
It makes me wonder, what message from the Lord have I missed? What is the next important thing that I need to understand? And when will be the right time for me to receive and act on that information? Will I be ready? Will I be spiritually aware so I can fully receive? These are the questions of Advent. The answers are on the horizon. In fact, some of the answers are only ten days away. Will you be ready?
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Gospel of Luke Tuesday December 14
Chapter Seventeen Tuesday, December 14, 2010
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘be uprooted, and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”
Note...Sorry this is late getting posted today, it has been a day!
The Kingdom of God comes to the great and the small. It is received and has impact in accordance with the degree of faith upon which it is received. So it was for the disciples and for a group of 10 lepers.
You know the event. Ten lepers approached Jesus as he made his way to Jerusalem. They stood a safe distance away and called out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus heard their cries, had compassion on them, and sent them off fully healed.
Then, as Jesus continued his journey, one of the lepers returned to pour out his spirit of thanksgiving for being healed. It was a time of great joy and serious questions. “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?”
Is 10% good enough? Do you ever get lost in yourself by failing to give thanks for the grace you have received? In this Advent season we want to be fully connected to the heart of God as we long for more of his gracious gift. We get more when we give something in return! Something as simple as ‘thank you’ can strengthen your faith and reaffirm your relationship with Jesus.
“Come thou long expected Jesus. Come to set your people free.”
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘be uprooted, and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”
Note...Sorry this is late getting posted today, it has been a day!
The Kingdom of God comes to the great and the small. It is received and has impact in accordance with the degree of faith upon which it is received. So it was for the disciples and for a group of 10 lepers.
You know the event. Ten lepers approached Jesus as he made his way to Jerusalem. They stood a safe distance away and called out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus heard their cries, had compassion on them, and sent them off fully healed.
Then, as Jesus continued his journey, one of the lepers returned to pour out his spirit of thanksgiving for being healed. It was a time of great joy and serious questions. “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?”
Is 10% good enough? Do you ever get lost in yourself by failing to give thanks for the grace you have received? In this Advent season we want to be fully connected to the heart of God as we long for more of his gracious gift. We get more when we give something in return! Something as simple as ‘thank you’ can strengthen your faith and reaffirm your relationship with Jesus.
“Come thou long expected Jesus. Come to set your people free.”
Monday, December 13, 2010
Gospel of Luke Monday December 13, 2010
Chapter Sixteen Monday, December 13, 2010
The overall denominational mission of the United Methodist Church is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” That, my friends, is a lofty but essential task!
It all comes down to personal discipleship that is lived out by individuals who are connected to a common purpose. But sometimes the discipleship journey can become a bit fuzzy. We lose track, get confused, wander away, you name it…we do it.
In this chapter, we have two major narratives that come to us from Jesus himself. One is about a servant, a master, and a tricky business deal. The other account involves a rich man and a fellow named Lazarus. If you give them a quick reading, they might come up sounding a bit baffling.
I want to invite you to look a little closer and to ask some important questions. Does my life fit anywhere in either of these accounts? Have I ever struggled with relationships that seem to be similar? What is the primary message God wants to share with me today from this passage of Scripture?
Gracious God, you alone are the source of our peace, and you look mercifully upon your people in their moments of need. Bring us into the dignity that distinguishes the poor in spirit, and show us how great is the call to serve. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
The overall denominational mission of the United Methodist Church is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” That, my friends, is a lofty but essential task!
It all comes down to personal discipleship that is lived out by individuals who are connected to a common purpose. But sometimes the discipleship journey can become a bit fuzzy. We lose track, get confused, wander away, you name it…we do it.
In this chapter, we have two major narratives that come to us from Jesus himself. One is about a servant, a master, and a tricky business deal. The other account involves a rich man and a fellow named Lazarus. If you give them a quick reading, they might come up sounding a bit baffling.
I want to invite you to look a little closer and to ask some important questions. Does my life fit anywhere in either of these accounts? Have I ever struggled with relationships that seem to be similar? What is the primary message God wants to share with me today from this passage of Scripture?
Gracious God, you alone are the source of our peace, and you look mercifully upon your people in their moments of need. Bring us into the dignity that distinguishes the poor in spirit, and show us how great is the call to serve. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Gospel of Luke Sunday December 12, 2010
Chapter Fifteen Sunday, December 12, 2010 The Third Sunday of Advent
“But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Luke 15:32
Have you ever misplaced your keys? Lost your checkbook? Left your credit card at some unknown location? Or maybe you have been lost yourself.
It is an uncomfortable feeling to lose something important. First there is the anxiety of not knowing. Then a state of confusion begins to set in as you wonder what in the world might have happened. Before long (depending on the value of the object) some level of panic might even set in.
I was leading a team of American preachers who had been traveling through Eastern Europe on a preaching mission. We had been traveling for about two weeks but now it was finally time to head home. We were packing and getting ready to travel to the airport when one of our team members could not find his passport. At first, he shuffled through all the reasonable places where it might have been misplaced. Then he started retracing his steps. It didn’t take long for the severity of the situation to set in. He began to panic. He dug through everything, his voice became stressed, his face was flushed, and his heart was pounding fast. Everyone pitched in to help. We found it fifteen minutes later after a lot of anxiety. Guess where it was. It was in his back pocket all the time!
We celebrated, took a deep breath, and loaded the car for our trip home. Isn’t it good when the lost is found!
Jesus shares three parables in this chapter of the lost and found. There is a lamb, a coin, and a member of the family. All are lost, and all are found. Every situation calls for a time of celebration that engages the joy of heaven.
Let me simply ask this question: Where are you in these parables? Do you see yourself in the reflection? Take a moment to re-read and reflect on your desire to be ‘found’ by God.
I celebrate the opportunity to share worship with you on this third Sunday of Advent!
“But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Luke 15:32
Have you ever misplaced your keys? Lost your checkbook? Left your credit card at some unknown location? Or maybe you have been lost yourself.
It is an uncomfortable feeling to lose something important. First there is the anxiety of not knowing. Then a state of confusion begins to set in as you wonder what in the world might have happened. Before long (depending on the value of the object) some level of panic might even set in.
I was leading a team of American preachers who had been traveling through Eastern Europe on a preaching mission. We had been traveling for about two weeks but now it was finally time to head home. We were packing and getting ready to travel to the airport when one of our team members could not find his passport. At first, he shuffled through all the reasonable places where it might have been misplaced. Then he started retracing his steps. It didn’t take long for the severity of the situation to set in. He began to panic. He dug through everything, his voice became stressed, his face was flushed, and his heart was pounding fast. Everyone pitched in to help. We found it fifteen minutes later after a lot of anxiety. Guess where it was. It was in his back pocket all the time!
We celebrated, took a deep breath, and loaded the car for our trip home. Isn’t it good when the lost is found!
Jesus shares three parables in this chapter of the lost and found. There is a lamb, a coin, and a member of the family. All are lost, and all are found. Every situation calls for a time of celebration that engages the joy of heaven.
Let me simply ask this question: Where are you in these parables? Do you see yourself in the reflection? Take a moment to re-read and reflect on your desire to be ‘found’ by God.
I celebrate the opportunity to share worship with you on this third Sunday of Advent!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Leadership Lessons from the Saddle #5
Friends, here is another leadership / life lesson that I learned while riding my bike through the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Like most lessons, it dawned on me as I was making my way up a small hill while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Here is the lesson: Get off your butt and ride! Oops, my apology for the typo. It should be get off your but and ride!
Here's what I mean. Have you ever known someone who talked a good game but always had an excuse? They are forever living in the land of "but" or settling for a world that is full of "if only".
They may really want to ride, jump, talk, walk, serve...(you name it)...but it never seems to happen because they have a "but" that stops them in their tracks. We all know people like that. Sometimes, we even are people like that!
Let me invite you to get off your but and ride! Or do whatever it is that you know you need to do but are afraid, hypersensitive, or overly anxious. Like the folks at Nike say...just do it.
So how 'bout it? Are you ready to get off your but? You will be glad you did! Peace.
Gospel of Luke Saturday December 11, 2010
Chapter Fourteen Saturday, December 11, 2010
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11
I hope you have been enjoying the readings. Have you found some to be comfortable and familiar while others are a bit cloudy and maybe even a bit confusing? That is par for the course. No matter what your approach, have faith! Isaiah 55:11 affirms that the Word of God will not return empty but will achieve the purpose for which it was sent. God is working!
Now, back to Chapter fourteen! Be sure to focus a bit on the cost of being a disciple. It is not easy to be fully faithful to the call of Christ in your life. However, the process of discipleship always carries a challenge of personal growth and movement toward maturity. It is a good journey!
I want to call your attention to the teaching of Jesus regarding humility. Do you remember the ‘first shall be last’ teaching? Or ‘do not think of yourself more highly than you ought?’ Christian discipleship is all about humility. That was the central nature of Jesus to be humble.
Centuries ago St Benedict wrote a little instruction book for a life style of discipleship. He wrote a whole section about humility. In fact, he identified the 12 Steps of Humility. It was the original 12 Step program! Look for the Rule of St Benedict online for more detail.
Isn’t it interesting how humble people have a stronger impact than those who are proud? But you remember the recent political campaign, don’t you? In that leadership arena pride, boasting, arrogance along with speaking poorly of your opponent really wins the day. We actually reward those folks with public office! But the Christian disciple is invited to behave in a different way.
Think for a moment about this day. What will you do this weekend that will demonstrate humility? How will you prepare your heart so it is a natural act and not a pre-packaged expression of a humble spirit? Start today, it is never too late!
Note: tomorrow in worship we will be exploring the Prodigal Son from Luke 15. Check it out in advance to get the picture!
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11
I hope you have been enjoying the readings. Have you found some to be comfortable and familiar while others are a bit cloudy and maybe even a bit confusing? That is par for the course. No matter what your approach, have faith! Isaiah 55:11 affirms that the Word of God will not return empty but will achieve the purpose for which it was sent. God is working!
Now, back to Chapter fourteen! Be sure to focus a bit on the cost of being a disciple. It is not easy to be fully faithful to the call of Christ in your life. However, the process of discipleship always carries a challenge of personal growth and movement toward maturity. It is a good journey!
I want to call your attention to the teaching of Jesus regarding humility. Do you remember the ‘first shall be last’ teaching? Or ‘do not think of yourself more highly than you ought?’ Christian discipleship is all about humility. That was the central nature of Jesus to be humble.
Centuries ago St Benedict wrote a little instruction book for a life style of discipleship. He wrote a whole section about humility. In fact, he identified the 12 Steps of Humility. It was the original 12 Step program! Look for the Rule of St Benedict online for more detail.
Isn’t it interesting how humble people have a stronger impact than those who are proud? But you remember the recent political campaign, don’t you? In that leadership arena pride, boasting, arrogance along with speaking poorly of your opponent really wins the day. We actually reward those folks with public office! But the Christian disciple is invited to behave in a different way.
Think for a moment about this day. What will you do this weekend that will demonstrate humility? How will you prepare your heart so it is a natural act and not a pre-packaged expression of a humble spirit? Start today, it is never too late!
Note: tomorrow in worship we will be exploring the Prodigal Son from Luke 15. Check it out in advance to get the picture!
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