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Luke: Zacchaeus – Sought and Saved By Jesus

Read: Luke 19:1-10

Luke presents the wealthy, cheating, scum of the earth, tax collecting thief known as Zaccheus as the center point for teaching us how to reach those who are lost. Well, that’s probably what the people were thinking when they saw him run ahead to climb the infamous sycamore-fig tree.

Jesus is going through Jericho, it’s not His primary target. Zacchaeus gets wind of the occasion and for some reason wants to see Jesus. At this point Jesus’ earthly ministry was well known, I’m sure there were plenty of rumors going around. Perhaps Zacchaeus just wanted to see who this bigshot was for himself, an effort to separate truth from fiction.

This presented a logistical problem and time was of the essence. Jesus is not staying in Jericho, at least that’s not His itinerary, so Zacchaeus comes up with a plan that seems a bit odd to me:

So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. Luke 19:4

As I wonder about these actions, my imagination wanders. Does he have no other way to get a glimpse? How short is he? Was he the bullied child that became a tax collector to get back at people? Did people intentionally turn their backs on him and refuse to let him pass?

And what about the tree? Perhaps this was “the tree” that everyone climbed for processions going through town, common knowledge for anyone growing up in Jericho. But since when do adults go around climbing trees? I know I’m stretching the thought a bit, but on the heels of Luke’s story about the children coming to Jesus, I think of Zacchaeus as one who has childlike faith and enough agility to climb a tree just to get a glimpse of this famous teacher.

His pulse was racing when he saw Jesus. When their eyes met, I wonder if Zacchaeus could even speak. I wonder if he was able to comprehend the words spoken to him by this Rabbi that didn’t seem to care what others thought. Time stood still for a moment. Jesus’ words penetrated his heart.

So he came down at once and welcomed Him gladly. Luke 19:6

In an instant, Zacchaeus was changed. He vowed to give away half of his wealth and pay back four times as much to those he’s cheated (although he did say, “if”). He didn’t say, I’ll keep half my wealth, though some would like to argue from that perspective. Giving away half of his possessions for the poor is huge! And since he was the chief tax collector there were others who reported to him, so it is likely that by association he may be guilty of cheating many people–precipitous payments were likely. He probably knew of many inappropriate deals, even if he had risen above such, but that didn’t slow him down a step!

Enough of my imagination:

Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”Luke 19:9-10

Of course, the people grumbled, Zacchaeus was used to this by now, but his heart was changed. He didn’t suddenly have all the answers, but he acted on faith and was rewarded beyond comprehension. I suspect he became an evangelist for Jericho by his actions more than his eloquent preaching.

Once again we have an example of Jesus not being swayed by the crowds or by politically correct behavior. Instead, He shows us that we must get out into the streets and make ourselves available to those who are lost, those who for a moment might be open to the gospel — even the wealthy.

The church must become the means for restoring the lost and rejected by seeking them out, not by remaining isolated from them. NIV Application Commentary

This is the church I long to be a part of. Lord, help us to be the Church that seeks those who are lost, regardless of social status. Help us to look up, down, left, and right, to find those who are seeking You. Give us the right words to say. Change our hearts as we are drawn to You.

Podcast idea. Let me know if you like this concept

https://soundcloud.com/teracomp/luke-zacchaeus-sought-and-saved-by-jesus

NIV Application Commentary
 Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland, David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 53587-53588). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

 

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Luke: Blind Beggar Now Sees

Read: Luke 18:35-43

I ordered a new set of reading glasses this morning, something I need, pretty common for people my age. My distance vision is great, but when I read, it’s a strain. This is quite a switch from when I was very young and couldn’t see the board at school. Eye doctors quickly figured out I needed glasses. For years I wore glasses, then contacts, then LASIK changed all of that. Our children inherited my poor vision and have been blessed with LASIK because the optometrists all agreed:

Your eyes are healthy, you just have bad vision

I heard that phrase many times, something I find amusing and somewhat prophetic about my life. My challenge isn’t health, it’s just poor sight.

In today’s reading, Luke portrays one of the least in society. The unnamed beggar is no doubt an outcast, unable to contribute to the agro-centric culture in which he was raised, he’s forced to live on the streets and beg for anything he can get.

He can’t see, but it’s apparent that he can hear.

He’s heard about Jesus of Nazareth. He’s heard that He is the one prophesied about, the Son of David. This is not a casual label applied to someone, this is a significant observation from one who is being shunned by those leading the procession. The man will not miss this opportunity:

he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Luke 18:39

In our typical church setting, our security team would have done the same. They would have escorted Jesus carefully out of this potential threat and made sure peace was maintained. But Jesus is not troubled by the commotion.

Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Luke 18:40-41

How I long to see. Glasses, contact, surgery, glasses again. I just want to see clearly — way beyond optometry.

This chapter in Luke’s gospel gives us a wide view of different people from varying levels of clout in society: the persistent widow, the arrogant Pharisee, the humble tax collector, the little children, the rich young ruler, and now, a blind beggar.

Here’s what I think Luke is trying to tell us: Jesus is for everyone. No one has an excuse big enough to walk away. No one has fallen too far for too long. No one is so bad that they cannot shout loud to Jesus:

Lord, I want to see!

Lord, I want to see too. Here’s the promise of this story that we must not miss:

Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Luke 18:42

I pray many prayers this morning for many people of all kinds, but my most persistent prayer is that all would have the faith of this blind beggar. I pray that all would hear Jesus’ words: your faith has healed you!

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Luke: Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time

Read: Luke 18:31-34

In the moment, the disciples are unable to comprehend what Jesus is telling them. It’s so easy to look back and criticize them, but Jesus’ actions were unprecedented, no one did the things He did, well, that is the point, right?

Here in the midst of some amazing teaching, Jesus takes the disciples aside and explains what will happen in the very near future. The scene I envision is one where everything seems to be going well, people are hearing lessons that inspire them to a higher calling.

We often like to portray the disciples as ignorant fishermen, those who have little education. While it may be true that their names are not suffixed with Ph.D., MBA, etc., that does not mean they are unwise. Wisdom is not equal to degrees. This is a reminder to myself as much as anyone!

It’s easy for us to pick up our Bibles and point back in time when Isaiah outlined this present future: Isaiah 52:13-53:12, but that’s cheating! We have the privilege of seeing the past, of pinpointing the verses that are surrounded by lots of details. This is the kind of stuff that makes forensic television shows so popular, where mysteries are completely resolved in 42 minutes (without commercials). Looking back, everything is clear. Not so much in the moment.

Luke is pretty pointed here in his version of Jesus’ third prediction:

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 18:34

It’s significant to see how Luke points out that Jesus took His disciples aside and told them what was going to happen during their traveling ministry. We have to wait until the end of Luke’s gospel, after the resurrection, to finally get hear these great words:

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:45

Aha! Finally, they get it! Not so fast, we’re not in chapter 24 just yet.

Allow me to lean into this passage a bit. Many times in our lives we don’t understand what is happening around us. Why certain events happen make no sense — good or bad. The list of confusing interactions in my life is long. We have four daughters. Enough said, right? Seriously, it would be easy to go into despair by overthinking each moment of every day, but that isn’t my point.

Just like the disciples, we have to have faith that God has a plan. Our responsibility is to continue to listen closely and live with the confidence that His will for our lives is better than we could ever imagine. Easier said than done. That’s why we don’t do this alone. Look at the example Jesus gave us and find a group of people you can walk with through the trials and tribulations of your present circumstances. Be one of those people known to be reliable. Pour into others and allow them to speak to you.

Learn from my Exponential friend, Ron Dotzler’s motto: Better Together. We’re not perfect, just better.

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Luke: Then Come, Follow Me

Read: Luke 18:18-30

Luke recalls a time when Jesus had the opportunity to interact with an authority figure, someone who carries the title “ruler.” Matthew’s account of this interaction notes this is a “young” ruler (Matthew 19:16-30), someone of social and civic prominence.

It never ceases to amaze me how Jesus gets into these conversations. He gets invited to dinner with Pharisees, who must know that He will not bow to their ways. He meets with rich, poor, blind, arrogant, humble, young, old, etc., as He makes His way from village to village.

In this case, the meeting is between Jesus and a ruler. The ruler is a good guy, respected by the people, one who has been a loyal leader, or at least that’s the impression I get. He patronizes Jesus a bit in his opening statement, “good teacher,” but Jesus will have nothing of that kind of attitude. Jesus wastes no time in getting to the point, the thing that is keeping this man from reaching the Kingdom of God: wealth. To be more precise, his love of money.

You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. Luke 18:22

Don’t miss the first four words of verse 24:

Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Luke 18:24

Jesus’ response is not offered to woo the crowd, though many are taking notes. He looked at him.

I suspect the ruler had many preconceived notions about meeting Jesus. No doubt he expected to be lauded for his exemplary behavior as one who follows the commandments. Like many of us, we come to the throne room with expectations, with visions of grandeur, but Jesus will not be swayed by our swagger. He looked at him. He looks at us.

The others gathered for this conversation are equally confused.

Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Luke 18:26

Social media would be buzzing and words that can’t be printed here would be explicated. Wow! (Put in your own word or phrase.) The crowd seems to say, “If this guy is rejected by Jesus, this amazing, wonderful, civic leader, I’m a total loss!”

How quickly we become impressed by the trappings of success in this world. Jesus offers something He knew would be rejected — no doubt. He said it directly to the ruler, but I’m convinced He said it for each one of us.

Will you hold onto that which is in your hand or will you let go and follow Christ?

The funny thing is this: Jesus might not ask you to let go. He might not ask you to move. He might not suggest that you sell everything, adopt orphans, feed the homeless, or change your address. He might not. But He most certainly will if those things stand between you and Himself. I’m 100% sure of that.

One of my favorite quotes is from a missionary who gave his life in pursuit of his holy calling:

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose. Jim Elliot

True confession: the first time I heard this I didn’t understand the quote. It took me several times to get what he was talking about. Today, I believe he was referring to this passage.

Here are some words that I would encourage you to consider:

Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24

Lord, please look at my life. You know my thoughts, my desire to know You, to reach the least, the lost, and the lonely. Lead me, Lord.

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Luke: Self-Righteousness and Little Children

Read: Luke 18:9-17

Luke makes a special note to address two particular groups of people in today’s passage: the self-righteous and children. The first comes in the form of a parable, the second is more direct. Both compel us to pause and consider these particular red-letter words from Jesus.

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but this time reading through Luke, it’s really interesting to see how he sets up the text in his effort to “write an orderly account for you” (Luke 1:3). In this case:

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable Luke 18:9

The key to success in spreading the gospel seems to hinge on humility. If we believe that God is truly the Creator, that Jesus is truly His Son, and that the Holy Spirit is alive and well within each of those who profess Jesus as Lord, this shouldn’t be difficult. But obviously, it is!

The challenge, of course, is if we call someone out as being self-righteous, we have to wonder if we’re the ones being just a little more righteous than the one at the other end of our pointed finger.

In this parable, Jesus reminds us how not to act as well as how to act by providing two extreme examples. The Pharisees are notorious for their superior knowledge and prominent place in society while tax collectors fall at the other end of the spectrum, known for their arrogance and selfishness. The twist is no surprise to anyone who heard the original story: the sinful tax collector is the hero in this case.

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 18:14

I’m sure we can substitute various people groups in either category, but what I’m wondering about is this, how do we keep from falling into the trap of false humility? This is why we gather as a community of faith, or at least it’s one of the many reasons why we don’t do this alone. This requires honesty and integrity, something that should set Christ-followers apart from the rest of society. I hope this serves as a reminder for all of us because it seems like those inside church walls are no different than those far from Christ. Not something to be proud of in the least!

Then come the children.

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Luke 18:16

We love to pull this out of context, but I’m not here to judge. Lots of signs hang around the children’s departments of churches with this verse — I’m not judging them! I’m only suggesting that Luke put this short section here on purpose. Compared to the Pharisees and the humble tax collector, we need to come before the Creator of the universe like little children. Innocent. Completely trusting.

I hope you look at the featured image on this post and smile. The two children that are hanging onto the hands of this father have complete faith and trust as he swings them around on the beach. What a wonderful time! The memories of joy and laughter fill my mind.

This is how we should approach our glorious Father in heaven. It would never cross the minds of these children to even attempt to reverse the roles. Can you imagine the little boy or girl saying to the father, “let me swing you, daddy!” That would be absurd! Exactly!

Lord, help us to have childlike faith while being bold and humble. It’s so simple to write, much more challenging to live out.

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Luke: The Persistent Widow and the Power of Prayer

Read: Luke 18:1-8

A few days ago we read about the shrewd manager, a nice way of referring to the guy who was about to get fired so he reduced the debt of his master’s clients to gain favor. Today we read a story where Jesus refers to a worldly character, in this case, an unjust judge, for a kingdom-centered example:

And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says… Luke 18:6

The woman in the parable presents an example of the relentless pursuit of justice, for that which she knows is right, even though she seems to be getting nowhere. Jesus uses this parable to make the point that if a self-seeking person in power, i.e., the unjust judge, will relent to get rid of the complainant, imagine how much more your loving Father will do for us! He truly desires to hear our prayers, our petitions, our sincere hearts! The Creator is the One who seems to be reckless in His pursuit of us. No one on earth compares to His great love.

This parable gives us a reason to pause and consider how we should approach prayer. Jesus doesn’t expect us to be perfect prayer warriors. Take a look at how Luke begins this section:

…to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1

If Jesus is telling a parable to show His disciples why they should not give up when their prayers seem to go unanswered, we need to pay attention.  Lord knows how many times I’ve prayed the same thing over and over again. If you have children, you know what I mean!

One of the beautiful things we experience in reading the book of Psalms, especially those from David, is the raw emotion revealed in many of them. For example, in just six verses, Psalm 13 goes from “Will you forget me forever,” to:

But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me.
Psalm 13:5-6

Shifting Gears

While I think the main point of this passage is covered above, I can’t help but remember that this comes on the heels of Jesus’ teaching about the end of time. Recently, we considered this subject (I updated the post after it was published), that distant, or present future which will happen in the blink of an eye. We’ve heard many times that no one knows when the end will come, I get that, but here’s the question: will we be found as persistent as the widow?

When Jesus returns in the blink of an eye, will we be found faithfully praying for those things the Spirit has been putting on our hearts?

However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8

Lord, I will trust in Your unfailing love. Help me to learn from this example and pray consistently and persistently. Thank you for the reminder that even Your disciples didn’t get it all the time! Help us to lean on each other, to spur one another onto doing good deeds, to pray relentlessly, and have faith that You will answer in Your way and in Your time.

 

Resource:  If you’re like me, you need to be reminded of prayers. Here’s an app to help — https://new.echoprayer.com/

 

 

 

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Luke: Eschatology Lesson One

Read: Luke 17:20-37

Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.” Luke 17:35

The Left Behind series, among a host of fiction novels that explore this concept, dive into the end times, those days we look forward to with great anticipation and fear. In the next few paragraphs, I’ll make this all clear for you. (lol).

Luke begins this section with a phrase that previously escaped my attention, “…on being asked by the Pharisees…” At this point in the narrative, the Pharisees seem like the least likely group to want a lesson from Jesus, but here they are again. Somehow Jesus is able to continue wading into a dialogue with those who sought to discredit Him, even to kill Him. He never backed away and somehow kept getting invited to the conversation. Lord, help me to learn how to You did this! How to keep involved, yet remain untainted. Amazing.

His response to the Pharisees is brief. Essentially, He tells them it’s right in front of you, but you are blind to the truth and therefore cannot see it.

the kingdom of God is in your midst.

Done with the Pharisees, though there’s no indication that they were dismissed, the conversation turns to His disciples. Jesus give them a history lesson, one that should inspire us to study what we refer to as the Old Testament. Remember Noah? Remember Lot? Think back on these old stories when people had no idea what was about to happen. Only the faithful were saved. The warning about the flood was boldly presented, but no one believed. Lot was saved, but the people who reveled in their depravity were destroyed in an instant. Jesus recalls these stories to make His point. We should not discount them, nor sweep them under the rug, even if they’re hard to understand.

Remember the stories of old. Learn from them. Don’t count on tomorrow. We simply don’t know.

Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Luke 17:33-34

I don’t like to dwell on eschatology, though I’ve read some books on the subject, years ago! As mentioned before, the subject is fascinating and frightening! Remembering this lesson is meant to encourage us all to take advantage of the few days we have on earth. The brief visit we have in skin.

Time is of the essence. Somehow we have to find balance being anxious and being content. Desperate enough to reach out to the lost, but solid in our faith and immersed in sound doctrine. It’s not easy, but that’s why we don’t do ministry alone. We sharpen each other, hold each other accountable, work together as a team.

In a way, I’m glad it’s not easy. But there are days when I wish each step was well defined. I’m so glad I don’t have to do this alone. How about you?

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Luke: Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy

Read: Luke 17:11-19

Traveling on the border between Samaria (the forbidden) and Galilee (the promised), Jesus encounters a group of men with leprosy. Somehow they heard about His ability to heal this dreaded disease, so they broke the rules and sought Him out, though they were respectful enough to stand at a distance and called out in a loud voice:

Jesus, Master, have pity on us! Luke 17:13

Without missing a beat, Jesus heals them and sends them to return to the priests to be officially accepted back into the community from which they were no doubt ostracized for their uncleanliness.

You would think they would all be overwhelmed with gratitude, praise, and worship beyond words. Not so quick. One of the ten sought out Jesus to show his appreciation. One knew he was clean and fell at the feet of Jesus. One.

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:17-19

The wording of Jesus’ response is interesting. The way I read this, Jesus is not looking for any glory at all. Instead, He points to God. I know this is a bit beyond human comprehension, the whole notion of the triune Father-Son-Spirit relationship is challenging, but for those listening, He provides another great example of His desire to follow the will of God.

So should we.

Even if we are foreigners.

It strikes me that we talk about Samaritans here as if we appreciate the implication. For our culture, we might substitute something a bit more relatable like whore, drug dealer, child-molester, Islamic State, Mormon, Wiccan, witch, etc., something to drive home the point that Samaritans were looked down upon as if they were scum of the earth. Obviously, I’m not advocating for anyone in the sample list provided, but let’s get real. We were called to seek those who are lost. I don’t relate to anyone in the list, but I must somehow get my mind wrapped around the idea that God wants all to come into His glory–even those I don’t like to think about!

Years ago I, when I was on active duty in the military in England, I removed myself from chapel leadership because of the presence of the new Base Chaplain. You see, he was a Mormon and was implementing new policies that offended me as a Christian. For example, the Base Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was renamed the Base Holiday Tree. Seriously. Like any other religion has an evergreen tree as its centerpiece. Don’t get me started!

I ran and joined a wonderful group of Christ-following missionaries in a nearby village. I hid myself until one day we had an event in the base chapel where we (five of us) sang an old a capella song as a tribute to someone being transferred back to the States. I sang low bass. After we were done an old lady (I mean this with the best of intentions) came up to me and asked me where I’d been? You see, I was the “song leader” for the chapel prior to the Mormon’s arrival. She flat out rebuked me: “Don’t ever hide your gifts from God again,” she convicted me, “promise me you won’t ever run away again. We needed your leadership while we were going through this dark time!” Ouch!

Glory and gratitude belongs to God alone. I’ll never forget that rebuke and I suspect the disciples will never forget the story of the Samaritan leper who was cured and worshiped Jesus.

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Luke: Sin, Forgiveness, Faith, and Duty

Read: Luke 17:1-10

What is discipleship all about? Sin, forgiveness, faith, and duty. The reading this morning encourages us to look at three aspects of discipleship, well, bullet points from Jesus’ presentation.

  1. Don’t cause someone else to sin: Luke 17:1-3a
  2. Forgiveness: Luke 17:3b-4
  3. Have faith: Luke 17:5
  4. Do your duty: Luke 17:6-10

Causing someone to sin who is under your leadership is a tragedy that will not be overlooked. This is not intended to be a guilt-trip for those with rogue students. From my perspective, this short narrative serves as a strong reminder that we must take our role as discipler seriously. I think it’s reasonable to extend this into other venues, e.g., work, home, etc., since the thought of leading someone astray can arise in many areas, but help me to stay focused as Jesus is speaking to us directly.

This heavy edict is followed quickly by the need to forgive — often. Jesus knows us well. He knows we will continue to trip and fall. The good news is that He not only forgives us, He teaches us to forgive others.

Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them. Luke 17:4

I’m so very thankful for this assertion, and unhappy at the same time. Thankful for those who forgive me, unhappy that I have to forgive someone again and again! I’m just being honest. This is not as easy as it sounds!

This verse always astounds me:

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” Luke 17:5

Don’t you find this troubling? The apostles, the very men that walked with Jesus, watched Him perform miracles, saw how He handled religious leaders, these men have to ask Jesus to increase their faith. Their struggle helps me to know I’m not alone. Thanks, Luke, for putting that in there for us!

Jesus’ answer let’s us know that it doesn’t take a certain amount of faith to do amazing things. In other words, don’t wait until you have all of your faith merit badges before you start your ministry!

The last point in this passage addresses those who simply doing their duty. This story depicts a servant that does his job all day, then comes in to serve his master a meal. I want to say, “there, there,” to the servant, take a break, but that’s not his job. He has a responsibility to serve the master his supper.

So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty. Luke 17:10

Lord, help me to hear what you command and go about doing your business as required. It it my duty. Beyond that, I should not look for rewards or recognition. Help me to work with excellence beyond what is simply required without any promise of earthly reward.

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Luke: The Rich Man and Lazarus — The Great Chasm

Read: Luke 16:19-31

It seems fitting that we should study this passage during the week that follows Easter. How many heard the message of the resurrection? Have we built relationships with those far from Christ to the point that they are open to hearing this incredible news?

Jesus paints two portraits. The first is a rich man, steeped with the wealth of the world with no worries. I often refer to this as the BMW driver. All the bills are paid and there is plenty of excess to cover all earthly desires. You can have anything you want if you just work hard and believe in yourself. This is the rich man.

The poor man is truly poor in this picture. Like many who are homeless or simply without means to support themselves, they know they are poor, they are fully aware of their present state.

The rich man knows the poor man. He knows his name and yet, obviously, does nothing to help. We aren’t given details, but I suspect when Jesus told the story, many people were nodding in agreement that they would not associate with the beggar, let alone do something to help.

Then comes the twist. They both die and eternity awaits. We read about the roles of earth being reversed: the rich in hell and the poor in heaven. The rich man still treats Lazarus like a servant and begs for favor, but this is where the story become harsh. There will come a time when we will face a reality we seem to avoid as much as possible.

My heart is heavy as I read this passage. Part of the weight could be a Francis Chan snippet I watched yesterday where he simply kept pointing to the challenging words of Jesus on the subject of salvation, an exhortation to read the Bible to hear from God, and the consequence for those who do not heed the call.

“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” Luke 16:31

Even if someone rises from the dead. Wow. The conversation comes to an end in the parable. The angel refuses to send any special envoy to the rich man’s family. What they have in front of them is sufficient. We don’t preach this parable because it’s seriously tough to take. There will come a time when the line will be drawn — for eternity.

Eternity is a long time. It’s impossible to measure in human terms, with a clock or sundial. Honestly, I really can’t get my mind around the notion except to say I believe we are eternal beings temporarily bound in human flesh.

If this is the case, and I hope you agree that it is true, we have an incredibly important purpose in the short number of years we get to spin around the sun. We need to be in the business of saving souls.

I get it, only Jesus can save. I’m not for a moment suggesting I can save anyone, but I can be the ultimate connections pastor and point people to the best eternal solution in Christ. It’s always their decision, but do they hear the question?

In this parable, Jesus attempts to help us understand the seriousness of the call.

And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ Luke 16:26

We will all die some day. There is no escape. But there is an eternal solution that needs to be shared with the world in a serious and meaningful way.

Lord, help me see eternity in each person I meet. May I be a light that shines on your path, that guides the poor in spirit and helps the poor in wealth. Both. Your love is greater than life. Your love is strong.

 

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