Tag: Luke

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Luke: Jesus in the Temple Courts — Not So Friendly

Read: Luke 19:45-20:8

For those who have rendered Jesus as their personal companion, friend, and a buddy of sorts, the scene in the temple courts should provide some evidence that He did not come here to be best friends. The seriousness of His mission comes into focus as we enter the last section of Luke’s gospel. Beginning with yesterday’s triumphal entry through chapter 24, Jesus’ main purpose comes into focus. The first 19 chapters provided the foundation. Events will now speed up quickly.

When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” Luke 19:45-46

Forget the image of Jesus as the mild and meek carpenter’s son. Regardless of His physical stature, no one is about to stand in His way as He drives out those who have turned the Temple into a business enterprise.

One thing I find interesting is His physical action here. The wind and the waves obey His simplest of demands to “be still,” but in this instance, He gets physically involved. Once again, we are given an example that we can follow. His actions are not supernatural, though I would certainly not want to be one that stood in His way!

The chief priests and teachers of the law, however, have had enough of this Jesus guy. From their perspective, it’s bad enough that He performs miracles they can’t begin to replicate or preaches sermons they can’t understand, now He’s directly in their business! No doubt each of the sellers doing business in the Temple courts contributed to their bottom-line. Now Jesus is driving them away. Something has to be done!

The foolish priests’ first plan of attack is question Jesus’ authority.

“Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?” Luke 20:2

I’m confident they’ve heard all the stories, if not witnessed some of the miracles, and yet they are confused about His authority. Well, actually, they’re not confused. It’s simply a trap to get Jesus to publicly say something that they could use to kick Him out of Jerusalem.

Jesus doesn’t play well with this kind of attitude. He fires back a question that they have no way of answering without recognizing the true authority.

He replied, “I will also ask you a question. Tell me: John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?” Luke 20:3-4

They hold an emergency council meeting to debate the pros and cons of possible answers, but ultimately they give up and admit, they don’t know. Their position in the church (to use a contemporary term) would be severely compromised if they take a position on His question. If they confirm John’s baptism was from God, they are at fault because they did not present themselves to John for baptism. However, if they affirm his baptism was human, all of the public support for John would turn against them.

These leaders of the Jewish faith are more concerned about appearances than facts. Their position, their status, even their livelihood is based on maintaining their authority and high status in society.

I wish this were only a story from ancient days, but sadly this is a theme we witness in our ultra-conservative, postmodern society. At the risk of showing my age, I’ll quote a Billy Joel song,

Honesty is such a lonely word, but mostly what I need from you.

Lord, help us to expand Your kingdom on earth by being honest with each other. Teach us to wade into the pool of transparency without drama. May we each find brothers or sisters in Christ that we can openly confide in. May we be the church you meant when you reminded us to forgive one another, to love uncontrollably, and to reach out to the least, the lonely, and the lost.

 

https://soundcloud.com/teracomp/luke-jesus-in-the-temple-courts-not-so-friendly

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Luke: Triumphal Entry as Jesus Weeps

Read: Luke 19:28-44

Most of this passage is focused on the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as prophesied hundreds of years before. The text contains highlights of the momentous occasion, songs, and joyful celebration as well as tears from Jesus as He reflects on the future. Let that last thought sink in for a moment. Only God can look back on that which has not happened in our time.

As we dive into the passage, I can’t help but wonder how amenable the owner of the colt was to the disciples’ request.

As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They replied, “The Lord needs it.” Luke 19:33-34

With that short explanation, they take the colt and present it to Jesus. This is a colt that’s never been ridden before. The owner must have been thinking these guys are a bit off their rocker for borrowing this particular colt. I can picture him shrugging it off with a “good luck with that” kind of glance.

No one hesitates. The colt is secured, covered with a few coats to make the ride comfortable, and the animal appears to calmly accept its burden. Jesus enters Jerusalem.

Memories flood the minds of the crowd of disciples, more than just the twelve, a festive atmosphere begins to fill the hearts of the few that actually got to witness that which multitudes have been hoping to see for centuries.

the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:37-38

Not everyone was happy about this moment. Luke reports that some of the Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke His disciples. From their perspective, this couldn’t possibly be right. With their pious belts tight, they have the audacity to confront Jesus, but He will not be moved.

“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:40

Without a doubt, Jesus will be honored, He will be praised. For most of those present, at least from Luke’s account, this is a joyful moment.

The Roman authorities are not in the least bit threatened. The people might be using the word “king,” but where is the army? No worries, go about your business. This is just some religious thing. I suspect they simply dismissed the activity.

On the other hand, Jesus looks to the future and sees what no one else can. As I proposed at the beginning of this post, He reflects on the future. He knows that within the human lifespan of many of those who are singing, Jerusalem will be destroyed. Utterly and completely. No one of Jewish heritage could view that scene and hold back tears. This is a tragic moment.

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. Luke 19:41-42

This is our Lord, our Savior, our God. He is mighty and powerful and yet He truly cares about us and for us. There are a lot of “ands” in the last sentence, not enough to capture His essence, but I hope you get the point.

In His role as Creator, I don’t think God gets excited about judgment or effecting His wrath. But I don’t think He withholds it either.

We are about to enter the last days of Jesus on earth through Luke’s eyes. It seems fitting as we continue to prepare for Pentecost at this present time. Lord, help us to remember and help us to look forward to your next triumphal entry. May this thought cause us to spread your Gospel today!

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Luke: Ten Minas and a Choice

Read: Luke 19:11-27

Interestingly, just after we read about Zacchaeus’ conversion, Jesus continues with a parable that uses money management to make His point. Much like Matthew’s account (Matthew 24:14-30), Luke presents three servants to depict those who do and those who do not. From the outset, it’s important to appreciate this is not a parable of the haves and have-nots. That seems obvious, but I want to make sure we’re at least on the same page there!

There are several things going on at once in this parable. Honestly, I had to read it a few times to grasp some of the subtleties. There are ten servants, though we only hear about three, and there are the master’s subjects whose fate is horrible in the end.

The parable is about the coming day of judgment, a subject we tend to avoid, and about the ultimate authority of Jesus as Lord and Master. For those who are using Multiply as the resource for discipleship, this concept is discussed in the very first chapter, the third question for those trying to wrap their mind around what it means to be a disciple.

Jesus is pretty clear here. We are each given a mission, a ministry if you will. He will be gone for some indeterminant amount of time, but He will return. And when He does, He anticipates we will have done something positive with that which He provided.

The Subjects

Those who have hardened their hearts and have blatantly rejected Jesus will receive ultimate punishment. Don’t read my words, hear what Jesus said:

But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me. Luke 19:27

Their fate is sealed by dismissing Jesus with such brash words in verse 14, “We don’t want this man to be our king.” One comfort I take from this is simply that you and I don’t need to be their judge, Jesus will take care of this in the end.

The Good Servants

Those who invested wisely will be rewarded with even more.

“‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ Luke 19:17

Jesus greatly rewards those who have been trustworthy in small matters. These words provide great encouragement to all who are diligently following Christ with their whole heart. The reward is more than we can imagine.

The Bad Servant

For those who know the master, who have heard the instructions, but have chosen to go the other way, the words are rather harsh.

I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! Luke 19:22

This servant reminds me of many who have the arrogance to stand up against Jesus as if they had greater knowledge or insight. His words make no sense, and his accusation is unfounded, but the master plays along, then uses his own words to condemn him.

I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow. Luke 19:21

If the master were a hard man that reaped where he did not sow, why would the first two servants be rewarded so graciously? There is no indication of hesitation on the part of the master to reward those who did well. No, I’m afraid this wicked servant is making excuses that will not be tolerated.

The socialists complained that giving more to those who already had much was unfair, but Jesus is the judge and final authority, whether we like it or not.

“He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. Luke 19:26

In Luke’s last parable, Jesus presents a portrait of the end of time. Perhaps I should have named this post, Eschatology Part 2. While I’m looking forward to His return, I hesitate to stop and wonder if I look like the good servants in this parable. Of course, it is my desire to be counted in that group, but my failures seem to take center stage more often than they should. Isn’t this the voice of the deceiver? Genesis 3:1 creeps in uninvited,“Did God really say…”

Lord, may we be the good servants in this parable, those who do what you ask, even when unspecified. Help us to know Your voice and You so well that we naturally do Your will.

 

https://soundcloud.com/teracomp/luke-ten-minas-and-a-choice

 

 

This parable has a historical background. Both Herod in 40 B.C. and Archelaus in 4 B.C. went to Rome to receive ruling authority from the emperor. In the case of Archelaus, who was not popular, there was a public outcry not to grant him the position. Rome responded by giving him a less comprehensive mandate— an ethnarchy, not a kingship.2 Part of the captivating interest in this story for Jesus’ original audience was its parallelism to these well-known ancient events.3

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 53677-53682). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

2Josephus, Antiquities 14.14. 1-4, 370-85
3C. Blomberg, Interpreting the Parables, 217-20

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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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