Tag: teach

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Luke: The Last Supper – Part 2

Read: Luke 22:21-38

The second half of the Last Supper narrative in Luke is much more controversial. Jesus starts out by talking about the betrayal that has been planned for some time, then the disciples quibble over designated parking spots followed by Peter’s bold assertion, Jesus’ prediction of his denial, and then some final warnings. Whew! There’s a lot going on in this section.

Betrayal

Jesus tells this small group gathered in a private room for the Passover meal that His betrayer is there amongst them.

But woe to that man who betrays him!” They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this. Luke 22:22-23

It’s not a large crowd, so why the confusion? Was Judas playing along with the “who me?” game?  In reading Luke’s narrative, this debate doesn’t seem to go on for very long. The very next verse changes to a discussion about who will be the greatest among the disciples.

Not So With You

Jesus attempts to adjust the focus of the discussion. His Lordship is not like that which we see in the world. In fact, it’s pretty much upside down. The greatest will be the least, the first will be last, etc. To hammer home the point, He tells His disciples, and us by inference, that His kingdom is different.

But not so with you. Luke 22:26

At Exponential earlier this year, Andy Stanley made this one of his most important points: Not So With You. If I were ever to consider getting a tattoo, this would be high on the list of words to engrave on my body. I must not be like others in society. Leading as a servant is counter-cultural, but it is what Jesus calls us to be, demands this is what we do, then sends us out to go and make it happen.

Denial

Peter’s boldness is often talked about when we study his character. I love the guy! We think he’s all about, speak first, think later, but I like to think he is just in high gear all the time. He’s not concerned about what people think about his actions — only that he would serve Jesus first.

But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Luke 22:33

Prison in those days was not a joy ride with 24-hour TV. And the thought of being put to death was not a surgical process, to say the least. Peter’s statement here is a confession of his willingness to suffer greatly for Christ, even if he doesn’t quite get it all right at this point.

Once again, Jesus peeks into the future and explains what Peter will actually do, the infamous 3-time denial scene, but Jesus doesn’t tell people not to be bold. He does reset reality, but it’s not because Peter acts first and thinks later. I would rather have Jesus reset my expectations than any human. How about you?

Swords

Jesus warns them that times are about to get rough. He explains the challenges that will arise by reminding them of the previous times when they were out spreading the gospel. They didn’t need anything, but very soon this will all change. Jesus paints a picture that the disciples take literally.

The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied. Luke 22:38

Enough! The night is not over, but the teaching session has ended. I picture Jesus letting out a sigh as He knows the hearts of those who will lead the world into a new day.

This crazy band of disciples who seem to get it wrong so often are Jesus’ select few. This is the group He chose. The handful He used to change the world. In each was planted the seed of greatness for the Kingdom.

I truly believe that within each of us is the capacity to do wonderful things for the Kingdom. The great tempter would like us to remember how we got it wrong last time, but Jesus does not give up on us. He continues to explain that it will not look like the world expects.

Don’t back off of the vision God has planted in your heart. Not so with you!

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Luke: The Last Supper – Part 1

Read: Luke 22:7-20

The first part of the Last Supper in today’s reading includes preparation for the meal and the serving of the bread and wine. The gospel writers each give us a different perspective on events during this significant evening and there is much to consider. I hope you find some time and space to linger in the upper room for a moment.

Celebrations of the Passover are significant, this is a huge part of Jewish culture. Luke tells us the disciples are separating themselves from their families to celebrate the day of Unleavened Bread. Imagine a dozen families whose father is absent on Christmas day because he was celebrating with a famous teacher. That might sound a bit trite, but I wonder what the families thought about the disciples’ personal commitment to Jesus.

Jesus asks His two closest disciples to go and make preparations, a process they all knew well. Ask yourself why Luke included verses 10-12 in his rendering of the narrative surrounding the Last Supper.

He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.” Luke 22:12

Mark’s version is similar: Mark 14:13-15, while Matthew’s is only one verse, Matthew 26:18. Luke promised to give us an orderly account of events to help us understand all the Jesus did. In this case, it seems he wants us to know once again that Jesus can see into the future, that events which are about to unfold are clear to Him. This is significant since He’s about to tell them some other news that’s not so good in Part 2.

They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. Luke 22:13

“Just as Jesus had told them.” It’s interesting that we don’t read words counter to this anywhere. For example, there’s nothing that implies Jesus is ever surprised at any event. Sure, He is emotional at times, but that’s not the same as being surprised.

Jesus told them many things. We get to flip back through pages and check the notes, the disciples were living through all that Jesus told them in real-time. All this is in preparation for the next few verses:

And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” Luke 22:15-16

I’m sure it took a while for the disciples to appreciate the significance of this statement, so don’t feel bad when it has to swim around in your mind before it makes sense. Jesus is about to pay the final price for which the entire sacrificial system was created. That might not resonate with us, but this is a complete change for the Jewish nation. This is significant.

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Luke 22:19-20

In a moment, a handful of words spoken in a room separated from families and followers, Jesus changed the course of history.

No more Passover sacrifices will be required. He is about to become the perfect sacrifice.

I’m sure I still don’t appreciate the weight of this moment, but I will continue to try as I read more, as I play songs that honor Christ, as I fast and pray.

Lord, make this moment real for all of us who call ourselves Christ followers.

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Luke: The Proud and a Humble Offering

Read: Luke 20:45-21:4

Mark and Luke both provide two brief stories to contrast pride and arrogance versus humble obedience. The former will be severely punished while the latter is honored far above the proud.

The Proud

Jesus holds no punches in revealing the proud and arrogant Pharisees, the teachers of the law, that go about in flashy robes, long prayers, and seats of honor. We see this in a lot of different venues, especially in the entertainment business which, in my definition, includes sports. A pro basketball player makes the game-winning buzzer-beater then runs around beating his chest, standing on tables, making sure everyone knows he is the hero.

In this first story, Luke lets us know that the Pharisees’ actions will have consequences:

These men will be punished most severely. Luke 20:47c

Their punishment, however, is not so much because of their boasting, their buzzer-beater pride, it’s because of how they mishandle an important responsibility for the temple: offering, especially from those who are widows.

They devour widows’ houses Luke 20:47a

Widows and orphans have a special place in God’s heart. As we read through the Bible we see references to the fatherless and widows quite often, each time to make a point that we have a responsibility to care for those who are seen as the least in society.

Jesus makes the point that those responsible for the temple offering are abusing their position by taking advantage of widows. The crowd would certainly agree, but what can be done? No solution is offered except this important perspective: Jesus knows.

The Humble Offering

To hammer the point home, Jesus looks out over the area where the offering is rendered and notices a poor widow.

he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. Luke 21:1-3

No doubt the temple coffer keepers looked down upon the widow for her insignificant gift, but Jesus sees something completely different. He uses this as an example for us to follow as well as some assurance that the inappropriate behavior of those in charge is seen by the Father. He will not let this go unpunished.

Our Response

We know the story well. I hope this reminder helps us to pause when we interact with the waiter at a restaurant or friend or neighbor.

Jesus knows the hearts of mankind. He will avenge those who cannot speak for themselves. Have faith. Don’t be like these people. Learn the art of servant leadership as demonstrated by Jesus. We don’t need fancy titles or reserved parking spaces. All of that stuff is temporary anyway.

Lord help us to see the widows of this world, those who are fatherless, those who are far from You. Help us to see the hearts of all we interact with and humbly offer our very best to advance Your kingdom.

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Luke: They Ask About Paying Taxes

Read: Luke 20:20-26

Eight times in this short passage we see the words “they” or “them” as Luke refers to those conspiring to kill Jesus.

Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. Luke 20:20

At the beginning of this chapter Luke identifies those who are leading the conspiracy as a band of self-righteous religious leaders, “the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders” (Luke 20:1). This time, instead of looking for a lesson on biblical authority, they want to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes.

Their Plan-A is to find something Jesus says or does that would be illegal so the government would get involved. The word sedition comes to mind as I think about them in this story. If they could paint Jesus as one who is leading a cause against Roman authority, the governor would quickly and decisively remove Jesus.

It’s a great plan, but not God’s plan.

He saw through their duplicity and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” Luke 20:23-24

First of all, Jesus saw through their thinly veiled plot to trap Him. Whoever drew the short straw and got the dubious honor of asking Jesus this question had to feel like an idiot. Jesus played along with a twist:

He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Luke 20:25

They might have suspected Jesus would publicly announce something along the lines of paying what you owe to the government to avoid a rather obvious illegal position, but He added “and to God” to the discussion. This put them squarely in their place and sent them running for cover.

In essence, Jesus quickly calls them out for their lack of integrity and their plot is ruined. Not only did Jesus squelch their not-so-crafty trap, He points out it’s important to be responsible in both realms: support those in civil authority and give back that which belongs to God.

If I understand the ancient practice, carrying a Denarius with Caesar’s image was evidence that I would be seen as a law-abiding citizen. Not much argument there. Here’s the question, are we carrying a coin with God’s image? Can we produce evidence that we are God’s people?

This goes far beyond pulling a church membership card or WWJD bumper sticker. In a simple phrase, Jesus commands that we pay God that which is already His. The religious leaders of the past got the point and quickly backed off. How about us?

Lord help me to lean in when I hear these challenges and do that which Jesus is clearly demanding. Help me figure out how to work within the system of government while focusing on the greater mission: spread the gospel to all parts of society.

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Luke: Parable of the Tenants

Read: Luke 20:10-19

The way Luke presents the narrative, Jesus simply keeps going after denying the chief priests an answer to their insidious question about His authority. This time, the parable is directly aimed at those who are still trying to figure out how to trap Him. One important lesson to draw from this chapter is that Jesus is not marching around with His nose stuck up in the air, He is bold and confident, not arrogant. Yet He does not change His story to appease those who oppose Him.

The parable reads like a horror movie, one that could easily be produced in this modern age where villains are heroes. A man plants a vineyard then goes away on a long trip. If you’ve never planted grapes you need to appreciate that it takes a very long time before the vines start producing fruit, let alone a harvest big enough for wine. Planting is just the first step.

After some time, the owner sends a servant to retrieve a sample, a sensible step for a winemaker. Instead of welcoming the servant and providing a reasonable response, they beat him and send him away. They repeat this action when the second and third servant arrives, the last one being injured in the process. Choice words come to mind to describe these tenants, none of which will be posted here!

But the worst is yet to come. This is where the chief priests and teachers of the law lean forward to hear the rest of the story. The owner decides to send someone who can best represent himself:

I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him. Luke 20:13

This action probably sounds familiar to you, but keep in mind those who were listening had no idea what was going to happen in the next few days. The next two verses contain the key to this parable:

“But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. ‘This is the heir,’ they said. ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Luke 20:14-15

The tenants talked it over amongst themselves. As tenants, they have a responsibility to care for that which the owner has provided, yet they respond with arrogance and audacity as if the vineyard was their own to do with as they pleased. They gathered together to conspire against the master with brutal force — they killed his son.

Then comes the question: what should the master do? Ha! That’s easy, load up the 50-cal, we have a simple solution for you! Jesus provides the rhetorical question for consideration:

“What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” Luke 20:15-16

The people are enraged by the story, “God forbid!” is their response. Absolutely! No one in his right mind would support the tenants in this story.

Jesus makes sure the point isn’t missed. I love the next line that emphasizes how He explained the parable, “Jesus looked directly at them…” Ouch! In my mind, He paused to let people soak in the story before continuing, making sure everyone was paying attention.

Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? Luke 20:17

Psalm 118 and Isaiah 53 come to mind as Jesus explains. Yes, we have the Bible to lean on, but I’m sure the temple leaders were familiar with both references, even without a smartphone. They knew what Jesus was talking about. Anyone who opposes the master will be severely dealt with. They will be broken to pieces, crushed, done.

Still afraid of public outcry, the priests back off, but their minds are completely set on killing Jesus as if they needed yet another reason.

We are the tenants of this parable and we have a choice to make. We can act like everything we have is ours for our own benefit, hold tight and say, “mine!” Or we can honor the Master who freely provides everything we need, who only asks for that which we can give.

Lord help us to be the people who not only say, “God Forbid!” but live lives that draw people to You, that reveal Your truth and Your desire for an eternal relationship filled with joy. May we be known as the people who sing Psalm 118 and boldly proclaim,

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Psalm 118:29

 

https://soundcloud.com/teracomp/the-parable-of-the-tenants

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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: 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: 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: 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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