Tag: Luke

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Luke: The Narrow Door

Read: Luke 13:22-30

Jesus is teaching on the way to Jerusalem when someone asks:

Lord, are only a few people going to be saved? Luke 13:23

It’s a reasonable question for those who’ve been paying attention to His teaching. While Jesus shows great compassion for the least, the lame, and the forgotten, He also teaches tough lessons about leaving everything to follow Him. The question prompts a somber discussion that reminds me of Matthew 25, five words that stopped me cold when I read them:

And the door was shut. Matthew 25:10

It’s almost Easter 2018. The seminal moment that separates Christians from the rest of the world: The Resurrection. They didn’t expect it when it happened years ago and many don’t expect Jesus to return anytime soon today. Such complacency has eternal dire consequences.

The words in today’s passage don’t prompt me to stand up and beat my chest like a victor in March Madness. Instead, it makes me wonder if I’m really doing all I can to represent the urgency of an inner commitment to Jesus.

These words should frighten us:

I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers! There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth…but you yourselves thrown out. Luke 13:25, 27, 28

These words from Jesus should stir us to action, not out of a concern about our salvation, but look at those around us who think by wearing the Christian badge that they have checked the boxes necessary to gain entry into heaven.

As Easter approaches, I pray we will seek to enter true and honest relationships with those who are far from Christ, whether or not they “go to church” frequently.

Lord, help us to be bold, to do as You say here:

Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Luke 13:24

We’ll celebrate Easter with great enthusiasm, as we should. We’ll have special events and send post cards to gather with us, as we should. This is the highlight of the Christian year, a special season, and we must be excited!

My prayer is that we don’t rely on excitement to save, on emotions to get decisions. My prayer is we would love people so relentlessly that we would seek to save the lost every day, that this would be our signature, not only on special occasions.

Look, the door is narrow. Most won’t see it unless we are willing to slow down enough, to be patient enough to develop relationships one-on-one. That’s where hearts are changed. Forever.

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Luke: Mustard Tree and Yeast

Read: Luke 13:18-21

Jesus asks two rhetorical questions in the form of two short parables to help us imagine what the Kingdom of God is like. For His answers, He uses the tiny mustard seed and the small amount of yeast required for bread to make His point. Both serve to highlight the depth and breadth of the Kingdom of God. Both affirm our small efforts to make disciples one or two at a time. Small efforts needed to make a huge impact.

Mustard Seed

It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches. Luke 13:19

For $9.99 you can buy 10,000 mustard seeds via Amazon Prime. Can you imagine? Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed, “a” seed, as in one. That’s all it takes to grow this incredible tree for many birds to call home.

Yeast

It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough. Luke 13:21

My dad was a baker for many years, in the food business most of his life. Way back in ancient times, I would go with him to one of the Krispy Kreme stores he managed to “help” make donuts. They used 100-pound sacks of flour and sugar along with 1-pound “bricks” of yeast. Some of you are imagining the Hot Now signs, but they didn’t exist back in my youth. I’ll never forget sitting down with a fresh donut and cup of chocolate milk as a kid. Talk about sugar rush!

Later, when he had his own bakery, Southern Living magazine asked him to post some of his favorite recipes. I know he was excited since this is one of the premiere magazines in the south, an honor to be included. The only problem was he had to make the recipe in a home-sized kitchen. For most of us this isn’t an issue, but for my dad, scaling a 1-pound brick of yeast to a 2-1/4 teaspoon packet was a tall order. And, this is really funny to me, dad never cooked at home! (ok, “never” might be a stretch, certainly “rarely”). I remember his lament over scaling down recipes. Of course he figured it out and was able to share some baking secrets, but that’s really not the point of this post — I just couldn’t resist talking about my dad. He really was a great father.

Back to the parable. While dad might have used processed bricks of yeast, 2,000 years ago, I’m pretty sure this was not available. To make His point, Jesus includes sixty pounds of flour, a huge amount! That would make enough bread for an entire village. In comparison, the weight of the yeast would be a small ingredient, but the bread would be nothing without it.

Working the yeast into the dough takes time, it’s not an instant process. The hard work is worth the prize if the yeast is worked into every nook and cranny of the dough.

The small mustard seed and the tiny amount of yeast all remind me that my work with just a few is significant. Plant your small seeds with faith that God will grow into an amazing tree. Work your yeast thoroughly, give the bread time to rise, and enjoy the fruits of your labor when it’s ready.

I can smell the bread now. How about you?

 

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Luke: Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

Read: Luke 13:10-17

While my focus in this post will center on the leaders, I don’t want to lose the excitement surrounding this amazing event. Jesus, full of compassion, reaches out to a woman who has lived with a crippling infirmity for 18 years. In an instant, her body was restored, she could stand tall again. Lord, don’t let me miss the miracle in the debate. Jesus healed this woman through His miraculous touch.

Crippled By A Spirit

Luke was a physician by vocation, so the insertion of this phrase, “crippled by a spirit,” is significant. We fight battles in the spiritual world we know little about. I’m sure you’ll agree with me in this assertion: that which is unseen is far more dangerous than that which we can see. But that is difficult to explain and hard to express to those who are far from God, let alone Christ followers.

The NIV Application Commentary pointed to C.S. Lewis’, Screwtape Letters, as a troubling reminder of the battlefront in spiritual places. In the preface of this incredible book, Lewis draws us into the conversation:

There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. Readers are advised to remember that the devil is a liar.C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

The last statement is an important reminder, “the devil is a liar.”

Leadership

Jesus is stern with the Jewish leadership. They are lost in their pious attitude and react with some crazy notion that miracles are only performed Monday through Saturday, as if they have ever healed anyone!!

The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Luke 13:15

Seriously, it’s ok to tend to an animal, but not touch someone? Even more, why not release someone from bondage on the Sabbath as an even greater example for the people.

Here’s a thought: By healing her, she can now rest. This will be her first real Sabbath in 18 years!

 

When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing. Luke 13:17

Is it possible that we are so steeped in our religiousness that we might make the same mistake as our Jewish forefathers? Are we out of touch with the people to the point that we can’t celebrate with them? Have we elevated ourselves as shepherds and teachers so far above the crowd that we no longer see people?

It seems we’re back to the concept of choices. In this case, the people fully embrace the beauty of the moment while the leaders are lost and searching the Shabbat for an escape clause.

 

 

Reference from the NIV Application Commentary:

Jewish tradition was particular about Sabbath labor. In the Mishnah, the book of Jewish tradition from the late second century, we are given a list of thirty-nine activities prohibited for the Sabbath (Shabbat 7: 2). Other texts outline the limits for how one handles cattle on the Sabbath (Shabbat 15: 1– 2; 5: 1– 4; ʿErubin 2: 14). The rules are specific, though it is not clear precisely which rule Jesus has violated. All he has done is to address the woman and touch her.

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 51527-51531). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Luke: Hard Lessons to Consider

Read: Luke 12:49-13:9

Spanning the artificial chapter boundaries, this morning we consider three hard lessons. Jesus loves people, no doubt, but He is not about to hold back when teaching subjects that are challenging. One of the key lessons I take here is this: grow up, learn to read yourself, you have enough information to make a decision so decide. Even though we waver, Christ will be patient, but not forever.

Division Instead of Peace

Jesus is fully aware that His presence will force people to make a choice that will divide families. This is clearly seen in predominantly Muslim countries where those who become Christ followers are severely rejected by their Muslim families. The warning then is true today:

Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. Luke 12:51

The sad reality is that we’ve watered down what it means to be a Christian in this country that the decision to follow Christ is shrugged off, no big deal. Statistics show us that Christians look like non-Christians across many categories.

Our home group studied unChristian a few years ago. While the content is a decade old, I doubt much has significantly changed. Consider this excerpt:

…most of the lifestyle activities of born-again Christians were statistically equivalent to those of non–born-agains. When asked to identify their activities over the last thirty days, born-again believers were just as likely to bet or gamble, to visit a pornographic website, to take something that did not belong to them, to consult a medium or psychic, to physically fight or abuse someone, to have consumed enough alcohol to be considered legally drunk, to have used an illegal, nonprescription drug, to have said something to someone that was not true, to have gotten back at someone for something he or she did, and to have said mean things behind another person’s back. No difference.*

I bolded “No difference” above to make the point that this should not be the case. We should look vastly different. Agree?

Interpreting the Times

How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time? Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? Luke 12:56-57

In the midst of the Information Age, we have a preponderance of evidence to support the call to Christ. How is it this can be missed? We will be held accountable. Our salvation secured is not a badge of honor. If we value salvation, we simply must be better witnesses to the lost. It’s not a popular position, not politically correct, but we must fit in and stand out at the same time. Trust that the Spirit will make this possible. Ask for vision. Have faith when challenged.

Repent or Perish

It’s interesting to hear Jesus speak about current events during His time on Earth. Here the people refer to bloodshed by Pilate and Jesus adds a reference to 18 who died in a disaster in Siloam. Both tragic events are used as examples of why we should decide now, not wait. Twice in the same short story Jesus exhorts:

But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Luke 13:3,5

Our loving Savior, the Great and Mighty is ever patient and kind. I’m grateful to know He gives us second and third chances:

“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’” Luke 3:8-9

Lord, help us to remember that the sand does eventually slip through the hourglass, that there is a point when our chances run out. May we be the voice in this present age, in this hour of darkness, that speaks to those who would otherwise perish. To God be the Glory. Amen.

 

*Kinnaman, David. unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity…and Why It Matters (p. 47). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. See the article “American Lifestyles Mix Compassion and Self-Oriented Behavior” (February 5, 2007) at www.barna.org.

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Luke: Consistent, Faithful Service

Read: Luke 12:35-48

A beatitude, a warning, and a parable. Three sections carefully designed to emphasize the call to consistent, faithful service. Beware! The narrative comes with warnings of judgment and dire consequences for disobedience. The warning is clear and the parable is often used to convict those in vocational service within the church, but don’t miss the incredible reward that Jesus provides to in the beatitude.

Beatitude: Luke 12:35-38

Once again, Jesus uses the imagery of a wedding banquet which lasted some five to seven days. In other words, you don’t know when the master is going to return. For those who are prepared in spite of the extended absence, Jesus tells of a wonderful reward:

Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. Luke 12:37

What a joy it is for the Lord of lords to find us so prepared when He returns that He serves us! This is crazy talk, right? The blessing here, the beatitude, is simply this: Blessed is the one who is always prepared to greet the Lord.

Warning: Luke 12:39-40

The story prompts us to be prepared, so Jesus wants to ensure we’re clear that this is more than just a good thing, this is a requirement that comes with a warning.

You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Luke 12:40

Peter asks for clarification in verse 41. It’s humorous how Jesus answers his rather innocent, Peter-esque question — well, He doesn’t. Instead, Jesus tells a story. The NIV Application Commentary explains: “his main principle is the kind of service we give, not sorting out who is responsible to give it…all have a call to serve others in the body…to be a member of his community is to have responsibility in it; this is especially true of the leadership.”*

Parable of Accountability: Luke 12:42-48

Whether you read this as pointing directly to the church, your workplace, or your home, the lesson is all about personal accountability. For those who abuse their position of authority, who see an opportunity to exploit others while the master is away for an extended time, the punishment is extreme:

He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. Luke 12:46

Those who know better will be severely disciplined. Such hyperbole is meant to get our attention. Please notice that it is the master that judges, not the people who were mistreated. This is an important distinction to me.

The section ends with a verse that my parents poured into me in, not only in words, it’s how they lived their lives:

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48

The way mom and dad put it:

To whom much is given, much is required.Mom and Dad

Why are we given gifts, both spiritual and physical? Why would the Lord shower us with blessings, both talents and abilities? I’m sure He wants to demonstrate His unfailing love, no doubt, but I’m also sure that He wants us to show the same love to our neighbors, to the least, the lost, and the lonely. Most of the time this probably looks like consistent, faithful service–nothing special.

I hope we are consistently prepared for the Lord’s return. I pray that we will lean on each other when we are not, that we would spur each other on with the best of intentions. Above all, that we would do these things in love for the world to see how beautiful You are and join in the banquet with us.

*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 51211-51213). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Luke: Do Not Worry

Read: Luke 12:22-34

The narrative today begins with the words “then” and “therefore” as a reminder that it’s important to remember this is a continuing story related to the previous lesson on greed. The next section of this chapter continues the lesson, but it seems prudent to post in smaller bites as long as we keep the bigger picture in mind. I hope you agree.

Do not worry. Do not be afraid. Have faith.

End of lesson, yes? Not quite. As I read the words of Jesus, I realize I have those phrases out of order, in fact, backwards. It should be:

Have faith. Do not be afraid. Do not worry.

The emphasis is on faith. Jesus, the masterful teacher, provides tangible examples to draw us into the story to help us learn this truth. Consider the ravens, birds of the air; look at the wild flowers, here one day and gone the next. All concrete thoughts that transcend time. We can nod our heads in agreement with our brothers and sisters from 2,000+ years ago. The NLV picked up on the footnote in the NIV translation:

Which of you can make yourself a little taller by worrying? Luke 12:25

I can’t make myself taller by worrying, nor can I add a single hour to my life. This isn’t a license to do nothing. It’s a strong reminder to stop focusing on myself, to stop being so self-centered.

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:29-31

This morning, in particular, I found the phrase, “for the pagan world” was most interesting. Jesus, God incarnate, sees the world with eyes that are far different than our own. He created the birds and the fields, the wonders of the heavens and the depths of the oceans. All nature obeys His voice. (The song, So Will I is now playing in my head.) Then we consider humankind. There are those who choose to love the Lord and there are pagans who refuse. We have a choice to make. We can join the pagans and chase after the things of this world, to set our hearts on transient, earthly goals, or we can seek the kingdom of God first and have faith that God will provide.

I’ve experienced this blessing over and over again. From outrageous tax refunds to checks showing up from places I never expected. Somehow, for some strange reason, God continues to fill whatever needs I have for daily bread, clothing, and shelter.

While I’m reminded of these blessings, I’m also challenged to do something as a result.

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

“Little flock.” Now I’ve been put in my place! Please hear this human, the Father has given you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, that which will not wear out, will not wither, will not die.

Do not worry.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34

Remember that verse. It’s easy: Luke 1-2-3-4. 🙂

Lord, increase my faith this morning, this day, this month, this year. Right now and from now on, I trust that you will provide. Teach me to give away all I can and have faith that you are there to take care of my simple earthly needs.

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Luke: Rich and Foolish

Read: Luke 12:13-21

The parable of the rich fool was setup by someone in the crowd that wanted Jesus to get in the middle of a sibling battle over inheritance. It’s interesting that Luke captured the moment that prompted the parable. Here we have Jesus preaching and teaching on matters of eternal importance and someone in the crowd sees an opportunity to get their portion of earthly inheritance. Wow!

How many times have I had a chance to learn, to grow, the mature, and yet my mind was focused completely in the wrong direction?

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15

The silver lining in being a family that moved a lot was the release of possessions as we packed up and moved frequently. Hoarding stuff is just not in my DNA, but I still have to clean house from time to time. This prompt, the precursor to the parable, reminds me of an important truth: life is not about stuff you collect; it’s about a legacy you leave.

To hammer home the lesson, Jesus paints a picture story for the crowd of a rich man with an exceptionally good season. The money just flows in.

Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’ Luke 12:19

We like to immediately judge the guy above because we know that Jesus is setting up the story for a reason, but humor me for a minute. Who doesn’t want to hit the pause button? What if you won the lottery? Pick some huge amount of money. What would you do? Would you take it easy and have the time of your life? I’m sure I would for at least a month or two (or three).

The NIV translation provides an important element – it’s the ground that yielded an abundant harvest. Sure, he worked the ground, planted at the right time, weeded, nurtured, etc., but the abundance was the result of good soil, of an earthly origin. His focus was in the wrong direction.

The man in the story gets excited, tears down the small storage units, and builds a huge system that will let him live out the rest of his days in luxury. No longer concerned with the world or anyone else, let the party begin!

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’  “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:20-21

Pay special attention to the bookends on the quote above: “But God said…toward God” There is no doubt where our focus needs to be, and it has little to do with us or anything on Earth.

I do pray for abundance, for seasons of incredible yield, but not for jet-setting and wild living. My prayer is to be generous with that which is given at all times, whether a lot or a little. All this stuff is just temporary. Lord, help me to be a good steward of all the amazing things You continue to give me.

Lord, keep us far from greed, from storing up earthly possessions when the richness of heaven is at our fingertips. Help us to be rich toward You!

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Luke: What Defines You?

Read: Luke 12:1-12

Thousands of people began to gather as Jesus’ preaching continues to attract the masses. His first concern for His disciples is to warn them about the yeast of the Pharisees, that is, hypocrisy–all will be revealed. But this seems trivial compared to this statement:

But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Luke 12:5

Jesus is adamant, God is Holy and just. He is the ultimate authority. This is not so popular in today’s society, but it’s just as true today as it was when He was speaking to the crowds.

This is great news for followers of Jesus and a horrible revelation for those who refuse to listen to this message. To drive the point even further, Jesus teaches that we can talk bad about Him, but shutting down the Holy Spirit has eternal, extreme consequences:

And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. Luke 12:10

Those who refuse to accept Christ time after time after time are guilty of this ultimate sin and the just judge will pronounce the sentence when all is revealed.

Tough words on Friday, yes? I’m in no way feeling righteous, not even close! If anything, I’m convicted more today than ever before and I’m praying that I will be stirred to action.

From the NIV Application Commentary this morning, one of the authors recalled his college days in Young Life when they often asked this question:

If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be evidence to convict you?

I wonder what would happen if we put that in the bulletin on Sunday? I’m not trying to encourage a legalistic, checklist-based faith, but would my actions today convince anyone that I’m guilty of being a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ?

If it’s true that nothing will be hidden (Luke 12:3), the preponderance of evidence should easily convince the most unbiased jury that I am guilty! In the trial process, the evidence sought by the accuser would not focus on what I did not do, think, or say, rather, they would focus on things I did. Now I’m feeling a bit concerned, even defensive. Thankfully, Jesus already knows this is going to be our response and gives us this affirmation:

Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

The ultimate defense attorney for those who follow Christ and who come under scrutiny as a result: The Holy Spirit. He will tell us what to say, and when, and how.

Go out and be the testimony of Christ with confidence. You are aligned with the Creator and commissioned to spread the gospel with His backing. May your trial be an open and shut case! And may Jesus be known more as a result.

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Luke: Jesus Criticizes the Religious Leaders

Read: Luke 11:37-54

Invited to dinner with the Pharisees, Jesus is quick to point out their deficiencies as a group. The way Luke records this is fascinating. He sits down, doesn’t wash ceremoniously to get their attention, then proceeds to tell them they are fools!

Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Luke 11:39-40

Two chapters ago, before the Transfiguration, Jesus was telling His disciples, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law…” (Luke 9:22), the very people who invited Him to dinner — now He’s openly criticizing them!

Before digging into the “woes” that follow, I find it quite interesting that these guys don’t storm out of the room. It seems to me that they’re so confident in their position that they stand their ground to teach Jesus a lesson or two. Their proud posture will ultimately be their downfall. Something I need to be reminded of when I take a stance for or against the church. Jesus is the truth, not Dave, not the scribes, not the Pharisees.

Another general observation is that Jesus makes His position known openly, He doesn’t speak to the Pharisees one way in front of them and another to His disciples. The Pharisees (and others) are often seen whispering among themselves, plotting in secret, and acting deceptively. Jesus has nothing to do with such behavior and calls out these actions frequently. Important lessons to learn when having crucial conversations — integrity is of utmost importance.

We must NOT engage in religious hypocrisy. That sounds intuitively obvious, but when, not if, we only surround ourselves with people that agree with our own perspectives, we risk becoming hypocrites by association. For this reason, among many others, we must get out from behind the walls of the church building and befriend those who are far from Christ where our pious positions are not so revered and honored.

The Woes of Legalism

  • you neglect justice and the love of God
  • you love the most important seats…and respectful greetings in the marketplaces
  • you are like unmarked graves
  • you load people down with burdens
  • you build tombs for the prophets… from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah…this generation will be held responsible for it all
  • you have taken away the key to knowledge

Jesus didn’t just criticize randomly, He provides specific issues for them to consider, perhaps for us to consider. The words here are laced with pride, especially pride in their legalistic system with which few can pass tests and therefore enter the elitist community.

May we surround ourselves with people of integrity that question our motivation and decisions. Keep me far from “yes-men” that make me feel good about myself for the sake of feeling good. At the same time, I’m not suggesting that being obstinate is not a badge of honor. Let’s just simply be people of integrity.

Luke was inspired to provide these specific words for us to consider. Lord, I pray we would not neglect justice for the least of these, that we would love You above all else. I pray we lay down our prideful nature and selfish ambition to make You accessible to all people, especially those who have not properly heard the gospel. Help us to be keys to knowledge, not barriers!

 

Footnote of Interest from the NIVAC:

The Pharisees and scribes were not the majority on the ruling council of Judaism (the Sadducees were), but they did have great influence there. While the Sadducees basically followed the Torah (Genesis to Deuteronomy), the Pharisees developed an extensive tradition of oral law, applying it to every area of life; this factor made them the strictest of the Jewish religious sects. Though small in number (estimated to be over 6,000 at this time), as a lay movement they represented one of the more powerful influences on Judaism. 2 The scribes were scholars who tried to determine what following the law meant. They were respected by most Jews.

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 50699-50704). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Luke: Choices

Read: Luke 11:24-36

This section in Luke digs into some details that are challenging to discuss with those raised in a Christ-centered home; imagine what it’s like to talk to a non-believer about these things! An impure spirit is released and the house left empty, Jesus’ mother is honored, demands for a sign, and the parable of lamp of the body all require we make the right decision. Faith is challenged and stretched when we slow down and consider the passage this morning.

Perhaps this should be four separate posts, but then again, maybe Luke wanted to paint a broad stroke across the canvas with the word: Choices.

Empty House

The last time I cast out an impure spirit from someone, I made sure to remind them… Oh, wait. Start over with the thing about casting out impure spirits. I’d be happy to have that ability, then it seems easy to appreciate the need to fill the void.

And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. Luke 11:26

Jesus tells the story, but does not provide an answer, He simply casts a thought for our consideration. We’ve read several instances where demons are cast out (by Jesus and His disciples). The imagery here is of a clean house, a blank canvas, a glass in tact but empty. We have our first choice: fill the glass with the Spirit.

On a practical level, let’s say the impure spirit is television. Years ago we decided to save time and money by cutting out cable TV. The decision was easy, but what do we do with the time gained? Do we play games together, interact with each other or hide in our personal bubbles, lost in a game or book? It’s a choice.

If it’s an addiction, what do we do to replace the void? Whether drugs or some other vice, filling the void is as important, if not more important, than casting out that which causes us grief.

Privilege by Birthright

Talking about casting out impure spirits has the crowd confused so someone shouts:

Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you. Luke 11:27

Ahem, change the subject, turn the page, change the channel, let’s talk about something else, right?

Jesus is not showing any disrespect of Mary here, but He is reminding us that the subject at hand is serious, requires our response, and is not limited to those born of royalty. The gates of heaven are open to all. Choose well.

We Need a Sign

YouTube would explode if Jesus had chosen 2018 to appear. We would watch miracle after miracle on endless loop. Highlight reels would proliferate the internet to show us the Son of God in action. Witnessing to people would be a simple matter of providing a link. No more tract-and-dash, just click-and-see!

Instead, we are required to build messy relationships, have faith, to choose to believe without seeing, to listen to those who have gone before and make a wise choice.

Light Within

“So let your light shine,” a phrase I remember from songs of my youth (now that was a long time ago!). Don’t hide your light, shine it for all the world to see. Absolutely important. Here’s the verse that jumped out at me this morning:

See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Luke 11:35

Think about that for a while. How can the light within you be darkness? I had to thumb through different translations to get to one that helped unpack this one. Try this:

Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. Luke 11:35

It’s all about choices.

Fill us with Your Spirit Jesus, help us make the best choices today, not just a good decision, but the best choice.

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