Chapter Thirteen Friday, December 10, 2010
“What is the Kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew, became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches. What shall I compare the Kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.” Luke 13:18-12
It is Friday! I hope your week has been wonderful as we begin to look to the weekend and another opportunity to gather for worship as the Wilson family of faith. Breathe deep; good things are on the horizon because we have been invited to live as Kingdom people.
In many ways the Kingdom of God was the primary focus for Jesus during his brief time on earth. It was the central theme of his preaching, and he unfolded parable after parable to help the people of his day capture some insights into the nature of the Kingdom.
When it comes to an explanation of the Kingdom, I am so thankful that Jesus chose to use parables rather than deep theological language. What if he had said, “The Kingdom of God is a transcendent yet eminent and invisible universe that is realized when the grace of God is activated by the faith expression of an individual believer who is then radically and universally transformed through the concomitant gifts of a Trinitarian God who happens to be my divine parent while I stand in my authoritative position as the second person of the triune divinity.” Oh, really?
I am so thankful that he spoke about mustard seeds that start small and then grow to a magnificent size. I rejoice that he said the Kingdom of God is like yeast that works throughout the loaf. I can get my head around that kind of Kingdom language.
Personally, I actually find the Kingdom parables to be very challenging. Here we are, just two weeks away from the celebration of Christmas. The neighbors have decorated their home, the stores are full to overflowing, the air is crisp, and the tree has been prepared to receive brightly colored gifts. But I thought the Kingdom was about yeast and mustard seeds? Maybe we should stop and take a second look at our preparation.
Have our lives and activities taken the form of yeast that allows our faith to work its way into the whole loaf of our life experience? Are we demonstrating faith that takes the mustard seed approach when we develop relationships with others? Are we living this Advent season as intentional Kingdom people?
Maybe it is time to get started on a Kingdom journey!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Gospel of Luke Thursday December 9, 2010
Chapter Twelve Thursday, December 9, 2010
“But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” Luke 12:31
This is a long chapter. Fifty-nine verses flow forth to share some profound teachings from the life and ministry of Jesus. Even though the chapter is filled to overflowing, I want to highlight two small verses that carry a really big message.
Luke 12:22 and 32 share a potent word that applies directly to my heart. It may even speak to your life situation. “Do not worry” and “Do not be afraid” are words of instruction and challenge that can be applied directly to our personal journeys.
Have you discovered that there are times when the spiritual journey of faith seems to take us down a road that seems contrary to our human nature? This is one of those places where the instructions of Jesus seem to be the opposite of what we actually do in everyday life. That is where the challenges come into play. Would I be willing to set aside my ability to worry? Is it possible to never be afraid?
I hear it all the time, I am worried about … you name it, we worry about it! Or I hear people saying that they are afraid, intimidated, scared, or uncomfortable with the current conversation. We worry about our families, about money, about an uncertain future. You name it, someone is worried about it right now!
And then there are the times when we find ourselves living in some form of fear. In some ways fear is an extension of the fruitless activity we call worry. The two processes have their roots in the same garden of uncertainty. From that garden we grow anxiety, anger, animosity, and often a healthy crop of antagonism.
While we are planting this unproductive garden, Jesus is speaking about ravens that do not sow or reap. He speaks about the lilies of the field that grow in splendor. And then he draws our attention to the heart of the message in verse 34, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
So the focus is really not about worry or fear, it is really about the potential positive spiritual direction of our lives. It is about the treasure of faith in God! As a result the question seems to be, will worry and fear become our ‘treasure,’ or will our faith in God become our wealth?
Lord, make us wise and wealthy with eyes that see your Kingdom!
Note: On Sunday of this week we will be reading Luke chapter 15. It contains three parables about being lost...including the Parable of the Prodigal Son. That will be the focus for our class time and for the Sunday message in worship. Join us, discover, seek God's grace and blessing! See you then!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Gospel of Luke Wednesday December 8, 2010
Chapter Eleven Wednesday, December 8, 2010
“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say:…” Luke 11:1-2a
The season of Advent is a time of waiting, being prepared, creating new openness to the Spirit, and developing a mindset of anticipation. We are waiting for the celebration! Not just the celebration of Christmas that involves wrapping paper, family gatherings, abundant food, and a spirit of good cheer. We are waiting for the Christ child to be born anew in our hearts. We wait with anticipation, we prepare our hearts through a season of prayer, and we become open to God’s grace as we remember the child born in Bethlehem.
That same child grew to be a man. He invited people to follow him. And he taught his followers how to pray with a spirit of anticipation. Have you ever asked Jesus to teach you to pray? What do you think he would say? Would he give you the prayerful prose that we recite on Sunday mornings?
I think he might shift to a more declarative style of personal prayer. It might be a prayer style that includes outcomes, opportunities, and the power of transformation. I think it would likely sound a lot like Luke 11:9-10. Take a look!
So, what happens when we ask? And what is the result of faithful seeking? How about the outcomes of a solid knock on the door of life?
The Lord’s Prayer invites us to present our basic needs before God with the full knowledge that the Lord will provide. But the activity of asking, seeking, and knocking is to be done in full expectation that the response has already arrived. The two go hand in hand so our faith can be complete.
Please take a moment right now to recite the Lord’s Prayer out loud or in your heart. Then take a few minutes to commit Luke 11:9-10 to memory. The time will be well spent!
Don't forget to join your friends for dinner tonight at 5:30. Call or email the church office so we know how much food to prepare. 6:00 to 7:00 is the second session of the Gospel of Luke study. Youth and children's groups also meet to think about Christmas Presents that Don't Break!
“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say:…” Luke 11:1-2a
The season of Advent is a time of waiting, being prepared, creating new openness to the Spirit, and developing a mindset of anticipation. We are waiting for the celebration! Not just the celebration of Christmas that involves wrapping paper, family gatherings, abundant food, and a spirit of good cheer. We are waiting for the Christ child to be born anew in our hearts. We wait with anticipation, we prepare our hearts through a season of prayer, and we become open to God’s grace as we remember the child born in Bethlehem.
That same child grew to be a man. He invited people to follow him. And he taught his followers how to pray with a spirit of anticipation. Have you ever asked Jesus to teach you to pray? What do you think he would say? Would he give you the prayerful prose that we recite on Sunday mornings?
I think he might shift to a more declarative style of personal prayer. It might be a prayer style that includes outcomes, opportunities, and the power of transformation. I think it would likely sound a lot like Luke 11:9-10. Take a look!
So, what happens when we ask? And what is the result of faithful seeking? How about the outcomes of a solid knock on the door of life?
The Lord’s Prayer invites us to present our basic needs before God with the full knowledge that the Lord will provide. But the activity of asking, seeking, and knocking is to be done in full expectation that the response has already arrived. The two go hand in hand so our faith can be complete.
Please take a moment right now to recite the Lord’s Prayer out loud or in your heart. Then take a few minutes to commit Luke 11:9-10 to memory. The time will be well spent!
Don't forget to join your friends for dinner tonight at 5:30. Call or email the church office so we know how much food to prepare. 6:00 to 7:00 is the second session of the Gospel of Luke study. Youth and children's groups also meet to think about Christmas Presents that Don't Break!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Gospel of Luke Tuesday December 7
Chapter Ten Tuesday, December 7, 2010
[For many this date will be a reminder of Sunday December 7, 1941 when the invasion of Pearl Harbor changed the world forever. We pause to give thanks, to remember those who served, and to pray for those who are currently serving for the cause of freedom.]
“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’
‘What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?’
He answered: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’
‘You have answered correctly.’ Jesus replied. ‘Do this and you will live.’” Luke 10:5-28
Do you know any ‘experts’ in religious life? Not professional Christians but folks who believe they have all the answers? The expert who brought the test question to Jesus was trying to create a stumbling block. Maybe Jesus would answer wrong so the expert could rightfully say, “A-ha! Got ya!”
In fact, when you read the rest of the story you discover that the expert was not really satisfied with the answer Jesus provided. The probing test was extended with a follow up question. So who is our neighbor? It may be the folks next door. Perhaps the people down the street. Or even the citizens of the next community or country. Who is our neighbor?
In response, Jesus shared a parable. We call it the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Does it ring a bell? Read it once again and then ask yourself, who is my neighbor and how shall I respond? Will I be satisfied to drop a few coins in the Salvation Army kettle? Is there some other way to make myself available? Do I really need to go the extra mile? In what areas of my life do I demonstrate mercy?
Here is the key question…do we demonstrate mercy because it is the ‘Christmas’ thing to do or because it is the Christian way of life that has captured our soul?
[For many this date will be a reminder of Sunday December 7, 1941 when the invasion of Pearl Harbor changed the world forever. We pause to give thanks, to remember those who served, and to pray for those who are currently serving for the cause of freedom.]
“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’
‘What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?’
He answered: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’
‘You have answered correctly.’ Jesus replied. ‘Do this and you will live.’” Luke 10:5-28
Do you know any ‘experts’ in religious life? Not professional Christians but folks who believe they have all the answers? The expert who brought the test question to Jesus was trying to create a stumbling block. Maybe Jesus would answer wrong so the expert could rightfully say, “A-ha! Got ya!”
In fact, when you read the rest of the story you discover that the expert was not really satisfied with the answer Jesus provided. The probing test was extended with a follow up question. So who is our neighbor? It may be the folks next door. Perhaps the people down the street. Or even the citizens of the next community or country. Who is our neighbor?
In response, Jesus shared a parable. We call it the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Does it ring a bell? Read it once again and then ask yourself, who is my neighbor and how shall I respond? Will I be satisfied to drop a few coins in the Salvation Army kettle? Is there some other way to make myself available? Do I really need to go the extra mile? In what areas of my life do I demonstrate mercy?
Here is the key question…do we demonstrate mercy because it is the ‘Christmas’ thing to do or because it is the Christian way of life that has captured our soul?
Monday, December 6, 2010
Gospel of Luke Monday December 6, 2010
Chapter Nine Monday, December 6, 2010
Before we get started with today's post...let me just say thanks to all for a great day in worship on Sunday! I pray that it means as much to you as it does to me. I love being a part of the Wilson family! Now, let's discover more from Luke!
“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people. They all ate and were satisfied and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” Luke 9:16-17
Have you ever noticed the three primary activities related to the hands of Jesus? He tends to beckon, bless, or break. As he is calling the early disciples to ‘come follow me,’ he beckons with his hand to invite them on a journey of radical faith. When he gathers the children, he places his hands on them and blesses them where they stand. In the passage above he breaks the loaves and fish to feed the 5000 who are gathered on the hillside. In the Gospel of John he breaks the bread at the Passover table. In Luke he walks with the disciples on the Road to Emmaus and breaks bread with them at the end of the day.
Each of these spiritual movements has incredible meaning for us as we approach the experience of Christmas and the manger scene. The shepherds came to bless him. The Wise Men arrived as the star beckoned them to follow. And in just 18 days we will gather in the worship center to remember the Christ Child through the lighting of candles and the breaking of bread.
When Jesus beckons it is our task to follow. When he blesses it is up to us to receive so we can pass it along to others. And when he breaks the bread it is our responsive heart that is fed by the grace of God present in that offering of his own life. In the act of breaking we discover the beauty of multiplication. Many are fed, many are freed, and many are found.
I wonder if you would be willing to join me in an act of faith during this Advent season. Would you join other sisters and brothers in the faith by simply allowing your heart to be open to the beckoning hand of Jesus? Would you willingly allow his hand to bless your life? Would you be available to the grace of God in a new and fresh way as we break bread together? If we do, many will be fed, all will be satisfied, and there will be an abundance left for others.
Before we get started with today's post...let me just say thanks to all for a great day in worship on Sunday! I pray that it means as much to you as it does to me. I love being a part of the Wilson family! Now, let's discover more from Luke!
“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people. They all ate and were satisfied and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” Luke 9:16-17
Have you ever noticed the three primary activities related to the hands of Jesus? He tends to beckon, bless, or break. As he is calling the early disciples to ‘come follow me,’ he beckons with his hand to invite them on a journey of radical faith. When he gathers the children, he places his hands on them and blesses them where they stand. In the passage above he breaks the loaves and fish to feed the 5000 who are gathered on the hillside. In the Gospel of John he breaks the bread at the Passover table. In Luke he walks with the disciples on the Road to Emmaus and breaks bread with them at the end of the day.
Each of these spiritual movements has incredible meaning for us as we approach the experience of Christmas and the manger scene. The shepherds came to bless him. The Wise Men arrived as the star beckoned them to follow. And in just 18 days we will gather in the worship center to remember the Christ Child through the lighting of candles and the breaking of bread.
When Jesus beckons it is our task to follow. When he blesses it is up to us to receive so we can pass it along to others. And when he breaks the bread it is our responsive heart that is fed by the grace of God present in that offering of his own life. In the act of breaking we discover the beauty of multiplication. Many are fed, many are freed, and many are found.
I wonder if you would be willing to join me in an act of faith during this Advent season. Would you join other sisters and brothers in the faith by simply allowing your heart to be open to the beckoning hand of Jesus? Would you willingly allow his hand to bless your life? Would you be available to the grace of God in a new and fresh way as we break bread together? If we do, many will be fed, all will be satisfied, and there will be an abundance left for others.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Gospel of Luke Sunday December 5, 2010
Chapter Eight Sunday, December 5, 2010 Second Sunday of Advent
Have you ever planted a crop? Maybe you have real life farm experience where a large acreage is planted, tended and harvested. Or your crop may be a single tomato plant well placed on the patio each spring. Either way, you know the joy of moving from the initial investment to the final product.
If that is the case, you will be easily captured by the parable of the sower. It is one of the best known parables of Jesus. Some seed fell on the path and was trampled. Other seed fell on rock and withered. Still other seed fell among the thorns. But (here is the Good News!) some fell on good soil and the yield was one hundred fold. Isn’t that what we all want for our lives…good soil and a plentiful crop?
The problem arrives when we are faced with rocky surfaces, trampled paths, and thorns aplenty. All of a sudden life can look a bit grim. It can even feel out of control. You might think you are about to drown when suddenly Jesus comes along and calms the raging storm and heals our spirits.
I don’t think I know a single person who has no need for healing on some level. We all long for solid steadfast health, a positive spirit, peace of mind, and wonderful relationships. Even though that is our deepest desire, we discover places in our lives where we recognize the need for healing.
Here is the really Good News: Jesus is in the healing and wholeness business! He loves good soil, strong seed, calm waters, and lives that have been transformed by the touch of his hand and the sound of his voice.
Take a moment today to reflect on your life. Identify the areas that need to be stronger. Then turn them over to the Lord. Tell someone about your prayer, for “no one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed.”
It has been a blessing to experience worship with you and the Wilson Family on this day!
Have you ever planted a crop? Maybe you have real life farm experience where a large acreage is planted, tended and harvested. Or your crop may be a single tomato plant well placed on the patio each spring. Either way, you know the joy of moving from the initial investment to the final product.
If that is the case, you will be easily captured by the parable of the sower. It is one of the best known parables of Jesus. Some seed fell on the path and was trampled. Other seed fell on rock and withered. Still other seed fell among the thorns. But (here is the Good News!) some fell on good soil and the yield was one hundred fold. Isn’t that what we all want for our lives…good soil and a plentiful crop?
The problem arrives when we are faced with rocky surfaces, trampled paths, and thorns aplenty. All of a sudden life can look a bit grim. It can even feel out of control. You might think you are about to drown when suddenly Jesus comes along and calms the raging storm and heals our spirits.
I don’t think I know a single person who has no need for healing on some level. We all long for solid steadfast health, a positive spirit, peace of mind, and wonderful relationships. Even though that is our deepest desire, we discover places in our lives where we recognize the need for healing.
Here is the really Good News: Jesus is in the healing and wholeness business! He loves good soil, strong seed, calm waters, and lives that have been transformed by the touch of his hand and the sound of his voice.
Take a moment today to reflect on your life. Identify the areas that need to be stronger. Then turn them over to the Lord. Tell someone about your prayer, for “no one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed.”
It has been a blessing to experience worship with you and the Wilson Family on this day!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Gospel of Luke Saturday December 4, 2010
Chapter Seven Saturday, December 4, 2010
Jesus is now well engaged in his ongoing ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing. He encounters the most interesting people as he becomes open to the broad possibilities of ministry. He builds relationships, changes lives, and teaches through the use of parables.
There are actually 16 parables of Jesus that are found exclusively in the Gospel of Luke. In addition, there are many more that are also recorded in Matthew, Mark, or John. It is a great way to teach. Just take a common every day experience, put it into context, and tell the story so others can see the answer and get the point.
Even though the parable is the key way Jesus teaches spiritual principles, it is really through relationship building that he transforms the lives of individuals. In this chapter he encounters a military leader, a grieving widow, and a woman with an alabaster jar of perfume. These are three very different situations but all with a common theme. It all comes down to trust and faith.
We are now one week into our journey of discovering the message of Luke. It is a great time to stop for a moment of reflection and evaluation. John Wesley (our Methodist founder) would say, “How is it with your soul?” I just want to ask, “How is it with your faith in God and trust of Jesus?” Take a moment to look at the military leader, the pain of the widow, and the commitment of the woman with the perfume. Then consider your own faith and ask this question: “What is the next step for me on my journey of faith?”
Be sure to prepare your heart for worship tomorrow. Communion will be served and received as we are open to the next steps in our journey of faith.
Jesus is now well engaged in his ongoing ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing. He encounters the most interesting people as he becomes open to the broad possibilities of ministry. He builds relationships, changes lives, and teaches through the use of parables.
There are actually 16 parables of Jesus that are found exclusively in the Gospel of Luke. In addition, there are many more that are also recorded in Matthew, Mark, or John. It is a great way to teach. Just take a common every day experience, put it into context, and tell the story so others can see the answer and get the point.
Even though the parable is the key way Jesus teaches spiritual principles, it is really through relationship building that he transforms the lives of individuals. In this chapter he encounters a military leader, a grieving widow, and a woman with an alabaster jar of perfume. These are three very different situations but all with a common theme. It all comes down to trust and faith.
We are now one week into our journey of discovering the message of Luke. It is a great time to stop for a moment of reflection and evaluation. John Wesley (our Methodist founder) would say, “How is it with your soul?” I just want to ask, “How is it with your faith in God and trust of Jesus?” Take a moment to look at the military leader, the pain of the widow, and the commitment of the woman with the perfume. Then consider your own faith and ask this question: “What is the next step for me on my journey of faith?”
Be sure to prepare your heart for worship tomorrow. Communion will be served and received as we are open to the next steps in our journey of faith.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Gospel of Luke Friday December 3, 2010
Welcome to the Gospel of Luke. If you are just signing in our catching up a bit...there is Good News! There is plenty of time to get on board with our plan to read the entire Gospel during the season of Advent. Remember, Advent simply means 'coming'...we are waiting and preparing for the coming of Christmas. More specially, we are waiting for the Christ Child, Jesus. It is a wonderful time to discover the presence of God in our lives. Get ready, here we go!
.Chapter Six Friday, December 3, 2010
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27
It happens all the time. People end up in conflict. Sometimes it is over simple things that really don’t matter. Other times it is a philosophical difference or a world view issue. We all know that conflict can be resolved to a degree that relationships are much stronger. We also know that it can become infected and never reach any degree of healing.
It happens all the time, and it happens to everyone. Relationships that were once warm and wonderful turn cold and sour. People are hurt and emotions can run high. We all know that feeling that says, ‘this is not going well and I don’t know what to do next.’
As it turns out, we do know what to do next. Jesus said, at a minimum, we should pray for one another. Especially we should pray for those who stand in opposition to our way of thinking. They don’t have to be ‘enemies’ to deserve our prayers.
Can you name (right now) some folks who fall into the conflicted relationship category? Have you prayed for them today? Have you gone the extra step to become an agent of reconciliation? It is difficult, but the blessing is well worth the effort. Remember to re-read 6:37-38! It is all worth the effort!
.Chapter Six Friday, December 3, 2010
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27
It happens all the time. People end up in conflict. Sometimes it is over simple things that really don’t matter. Other times it is a philosophical difference or a world view issue. We all know that conflict can be resolved to a degree that relationships are much stronger. We also know that it can become infected and never reach any degree of healing.
It happens all the time, and it happens to everyone. Relationships that were once warm and wonderful turn cold and sour. People are hurt and emotions can run high. We all know that feeling that says, ‘this is not going well and I don’t know what to do next.’
As it turns out, we do know what to do next. Jesus said, at a minimum, we should pray for one another. Especially we should pray for those who stand in opposition to our way of thinking. They don’t have to be ‘enemies’ to deserve our prayers.
Can you name (right now) some folks who fall into the conflicted relationship category? Have you prayed for them today? Have you gone the extra step to become an agent of reconciliation? It is difficult, but the blessing is well worth the effort. Remember to re-read 6:37-38! It is all worth the effort!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Gospel of Luke Thursday December 2, 2010
Chapter Five Thursday, December 2, 2010
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32
Luke takes great care to introduce you and me to the original followers of Jesus. There is Simon (who will soon become Peter, the Rock) along with his fishing partners, James and John the sons of Zebedee. We will meet more soon. For now think about what it would be like to leave behind your job, your identity, your livelihood for a traveling preacher who simply says, “Come, follow me.”
These were regular people who were making radical decisions. I am glad they were regular folks. If they had been elite socialites, or wealthy business people, or famous athletes…I would have had a really hard time connecting to their journey. I connect better with people who live real lives, have real problems, but still make radical decisions.
I am so glad that Jesus came to restore health to the sick and not to walk among the well. I am blessed to know that he speaks to sinners and not the righteous. For the righteous may not need a savior. And those who are well do not need a physician. As a result, only sinners need apply.
From where I sit, that includes me. I think it also includes you. Am I correct? If so, even to a small degree, I am thankful that Jesus was faithful to his calling because I always find my life in need of the Great Physician.
Lord Jesus, thank you for your faithful walk among the sinners of this world. If you only walked among the righteous, we would miss you. We declare that we need you. Hear our prayer, restore our health. Grant us grace. Amen.
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32
Luke takes great care to introduce you and me to the original followers of Jesus. There is Simon (who will soon become Peter, the Rock) along with his fishing partners, James and John the sons of Zebedee. We will meet more soon. For now think about what it would be like to leave behind your job, your identity, your livelihood for a traveling preacher who simply says, “Come, follow me.”
These were regular people who were making radical decisions. I am glad they were regular folks. If they had been elite socialites, or wealthy business people, or famous athletes…I would have had a really hard time connecting to their journey. I connect better with people who live real lives, have real problems, but still make radical decisions.
I am so glad that Jesus came to restore health to the sick and not to walk among the well. I am blessed to know that he speaks to sinners and not the righteous. For the righteous may not need a savior. And those who are well do not need a physician. As a result, only sinners need apply.
From where I sit, that includes me. I think it also includes you. Am I correct? If so, even to a small degree, I am thankful that Jesus was faithful to his calling because I always find my life in need of the Great Physician.
Lord Jesus, thank you for your faithful walk among the sinners of this world. If you only walked among the righteous, we would miss you. We declare that we need you. Hear our prayer, restore our health. Grant us grace. Amen.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Gospel of Luke Wednesday December 1, 2010
Chapter Four Wednesday, December 1, 2010 World AIDS Day
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19
You may have noticed that Luke does not spend a lot of time on the joyful childhood experiences that Jesus shared with Mary and Joseph. He only mentions one situation when Jesus was a child. It was the Chapter Two famous ‘did you not know that I would be in my Father’s house’ quotation from the lips of a pre-teen Jesus. (See Luke 2:41-52 for review.)
From here on out we find Jesus as a fully grown man about age thirty as he prepares for the intensity of his earthly ministry. The first major obstacle is an encounter with Satan. This power scene of temptation opens Chapter Four and sends us marching victoriously into Nazareth. It is in his hometown synagogue that he is invited to read from the Holy Scriptures. He opens the scroll to the Book of Isaiah and reads.
He reads what most scholars consider to be the formal call to ministry for Jesus. It is his challenge, his marching orders, his ministry outline, and the core task that will always be central to his ministry. He will serve among the poor, the broken, and those who need recovery and salvation.
You would think that someone arriving in his hometown with a fresh victory over evil would receive a hero’s welcome. The hero welcome should especially apply when he publicly declares that he has not only defeated Satan but he is now about to accomplish something really spectacular in the world. Not so.
The people are furious. They run him out of town and actually try to take his life. How dare you speak words that imply that you are the Messiah? We know what the Messiah looks like and we know that you are just the carpenter son of Joseph. How wrong they were!
I was just wondering, have you ever been falsely accused? Have you ever been absolutely sure you were on the right track but the people around you thought you were all wet? Maybe they held a grudge against you or challenged you to the point that you became silent. Things happen. It happened for Jesus. He took it in stride, stepped forward into the will of God, and launched his active ministry of teaching and healing.
Is there an area of your life that needs the healing touch of Jesus? He’s been there you know. He understands. And, he is focused on fulfilling his call to ministry. Ask him in an act of prayer to touch your life and make you whole.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19
You may have noticed that Luke does not spend a lot of time on the joyful childhood experiences that Jesus shared with Mary and Joseph. He only mentions one situation when Jesus was a child. It was the Chapter Two famous ‘did you not know that I would be in my Father’s house’ quotation from the lips of a pre-teen Jesus. (See Luke 2:41-52 for review.)
From here on out we find Jesus as a fully grown man about age thirty as he prepares for the intensity of his earthly ministry. The first major obstacle is an encounter with Satan. This power scene of temptation opens Chapter Four and sends us marching victoriously into Nazareth. It is in his hometown synagogue that he is invited to read from the Holy Scriptures. He opens the scroll to the Book of Isaiah and reads.
He reads what most scholars consider to be the formal call to ministry for Jesus. It is his challenge, his marching orders, his ministry outline, and the core task that will always be central to his ministry. He will serve among the poor, the broken, and those who need recovery and salvation.
You would think that someone arriving in his hometown with a fresh victory over evil would receive a hero’s welcome. The hero welcome should especially apply when he publicly declares that he has not only defeated Satan but he is now about to accomplish something really spectacular in the world. Not so.
The people are furious. They run him out of town and actually try to take his life. How dare you speak words that imply that you are the Messiah? We know what the Messiah looks like and we know that you are just the carpenter son of Joseph. How wrong they were!
I was just wondering, have you ever been falsely accused? Have you ever been absolutely sure you were on the right track but the people around you thought you were all wet? Maybe they held a grudge against you or challenged you to the point that you became silent. Things happen. It happened for Jesus. He took it in stride, stepped forward into the will of God, and launched his active ministry of teaching and healing.
Is there an area of your life that needs the healing touch of Jesus? He’s been there you know. He understands. And, he is focused on fulfilling his call to ministry. Ask him in an act of prayer to touch your life and make you whole.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)