Luke Chapter 6

As we finally put the plucking grain on the Sabbath issue to rest (Deuteronomy 23:24-25) I love that Jesus didn’t argue with the Pharisees, but pointed them to scripture to where David actually broke the law of the Sabbath (1 Samual 21:1-6). Gods law was never meant to impose hardship on His people, but man added to Gods law which added the hardship by leaps and bounds!

So when I was a new believer I was always amazed when I would hear a chapter, verse or study on the radio and then hear it again in church, it happened a lot back then. At first, I chalked it up to coincidence,  but I know now that "coincidence" is not a kosher word. Now I know that this had to have been The Holy Spirit reaching out to me to get the lesson.  Or has this ever happened to you? You have read a passage multiple times and then BAM The Holy Spirit reveals something new that blesses you? This happened to me with v17, I thought that this was Luke's version of The Sermon on the Mount, but in v17 it says “When they came down from the mountain, the disciples stood with Jesus on a large, level area” WOW thank you Holy Spirit! This version is actually given on a plain, not a mountain! But as you move down to v20 you have all of these people around Jesus, but when he starts to teach he turns to the disciples and gives them the Beatitudes again. Do you think that the disciples were like, here we go again blessed this woe that? Or were their hearts open to listening, really listening to Jesus and His words?

I admit that during the NTC that I too am guilty of glossing over what I already “know” but if this happens to you I challenge you to allow the Holy Spirit to take what you “know” and have it sink deep into your heart! Because like Jesus said in V40 Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.

Luke Chapter 5

Luke 5 is action packed with drama and spiritual momentum!  Peter is schooled in fishing by Jesus and is humbled in public. Peter was a fisherman by trade.  He is stubborn and outspoken. HIs part of the Luke 5 story speaks to the importance of being willing to follow God’s directions even if they sometimes are contrary to my/our best thinking.   The many miracles, people exhibiting faith for healing others simply because of Jesus reputation on the ‘street’ are all there. The result of belief in Jesus as Messiah continues to grow.  The spiritual sparing between the Pharisees and Jesus is energetic and intense. Those skirmishes warn of religion taking over grace, mercy and kindness.  I think what stood out with all this action and activity was this one sentence in verse 16. 

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Where did Jesus get the stamina and energy to care for so many?

Luke Chapter 4

With Jesus Full of the Holy Spirit, he was lead into the desert and fasted for 40 days. During his time in the desert, the Devil tried to bait Jesus in various ways - trying to get him to turn stone into bread. His reply: “Man does not live on bread alone.”

Or if he was the Son of God, to stand on the highest point on a temple and jump. For he would not be injured. Jesus’ reply: “It says do not put the Lord, your God to the test.”

What struck me were the verses 5, 6, and 7.

The devil was offering Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and He could have authority over all if Jesus would just worship him, it would be all His. The irony of this is that Jesus already reigns over all. The Devil couldn't offer Jesus anything more that He needed.

Such it is with me too. During my time on Earth I feel I can be tempted by wealth, a bigger house, faster cars - material things, but at what cost? In truth, what can the Devil offer me when Jesus promises me eternal life in Heaven?

John 5:25

I tell you the truth, whoever hears My Word and believes Him, who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned

Luke Chapter 3

John the Baptist sure doesn’t hold back.  He speaks the truth to anyone and everyone – even to the ruler of Galilee that ends up sending him to jail.  Brood of vipers, fruitless trees thrown into the fire, chaf to be separated from the wheat, don’t exactly conjure up any positive analogies.  Repent, or see yourself separated from the coming kingdom.

I also find it interesting how John responds to different people from different walks of life when they ask what should they do to repent.  The general crowd should give up clothing and food to share with the poor, tax collectors should stop taking their extra cut beyond what the government requires, and the soldiers should stop extorting money from people.  All of these have the common theme of giving up the pursuit of earthly possessions, including money beyond what one really needs.  This seems to connect closely to a verse that is often misquoted – 1 Timothy 6:10  “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.  And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows”.  Many people omit the “kinds of”, suggesting that money itself is evil. Money itself is not evil, but when it becomes something we pursue ahead of God, it puts us down the wrong path.  I think that is why John the Baptist includes this repentance response of removing the material possession priority in our lives that is keeping us apart from God.  This hits home living in such an affluent area like Silicon Valley.  Are we falling into the trap of craving money, things, wealth, prestige ahead of our pursuit of the Messiah?  What would John the Baptist say if he visited Silicon Valley today?  Do we need to repent?  Are there actions that we need to take in response to our repentance?

Luke Chapter 2

Kind of an aside: I appreciate the places in scripture (such as the census in verses 1-3) that anchor the story in place and time. Not only do they provide us a backdrop for the action, they are concrete references to historical people and events that are verifiable through other records. Just what you’d expect of a true story.

Anyway.

I was surprised, when reading about Simeon, to realize that he was just a guy.  My incorrect memory was that he was a priest or prophet, some official who had a role at the temple.  But he was a layman, albeit a very faithful Jew who “was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel.  The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.”

Simeon is so in tune with the Holy Spirit that he hears from him. And he not only hears, but he heeds the prompting that leads him to the temple—just so that he could be at the right time and place when Joseph and Mary bring in Jesus for dedication.  His spirit is so uncluttered with his own agenda and opinions that he is used as a conduit for prophesy: “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him.  As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.  And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

I’m so fascinated by this process, by what it means to be so attuned to the guidance of the Spirit to be able to hear and to speak truth. How eagerly do I await for the Messiah to come and rescue all of us—those who believe and who are “in” and those still lost?  How expectant am I for Jesus’s return, compared to my to-do list of obligations and goals?  Simeon longed for justice and for the rescue of the Israel so eagerly that he was seen, heard, and used by God himself.  And he was just a guy.

I want that too. I really, really want that.  I want the clutter of my mind, all the petty wants and striving to be swept away.  I want to be consumed by the desire to see Jesus, to be part of the rescue.  I’m just a gal, and all I have to offer is this wanting.  I’m so grateful that Simeon was in the right place and time to have his own desire met, to offer truth to Mary and Joseph, and to be included as an example of what the Holy Spirit can and will do through us little guys. 

Luke Chapter 1

Doubt interferes with our faith and the kind of life God wants us to have. Yet doubt is something us Christians are familiar with, even mature ones. Doubt causes us to make poor choices instead of relying on God’s promises. We might take things into our own hands, not wanting to wait for God’s timing. Shouldn’t we pray that we may receive wisdom and patience? 

In the Gospel of Luke, we find the angel Gabriel announcing to Zechariah and Mary that they both will be having sons. Zechariah asks, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” Mary responded, “How will this be, I am a virgin?” With her solid faith, Mary believed God would accomplish what He intended.  

As a result of Zechariah’s doubt, he was punished and made mute. Shouldn’t he have rejoiced at this birth announcement as he had prayed many years for having a son? As a priest, he too was aware that God could give Sarah and Abraham a son even at an old age.

So you may have said to yourself, "I wish I could believe and not have doubts."  Doubting is common among us. What can we do to feed our faith and beat back the enemy?  Romans 10:17 tells us “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” 

God’s word is food for our soul and what we need to keep our spirit strong. Are the people who we spend time with strengthening or weakening our faith? 

Are we more like Zechariah or Mary regarding our faith? We should admit our shortcomings and strive to be more like Mary in her faith.

John Chapter 21

In the  last chapter of John, Jesus pointedly asks Peter 3 times “do you love me”.  An obvious connection to the 3 times, on the night of Jesus death, that Peter vehemently denied being associated with Jesus.  No doubt those 3 denials, predicted by Jesus, were eating away at Peter.  To desert a friend in their time of need, TO DESERT THE SON OF GOD IN HIS TIME OF NEED.  Jesus had forgiven Peter (grace is not a new thing), but I think Peter had to go through this exercise and convince himself that he was a true follower of Christ.

But, even in this time of absolution, Peter had to engage in a bit of one-upmanship.  The disciples were not above jockeying for position, and Peter was no exception.  Quite a footrace to check out the empty tomb after Christ had risen.  And again (and here my less than perfect knowledge of scripture fails me) there was a situation with concern about who sat where at the table with Jesus.  In this chapter, after Peter has this tremendous exchange with Jesus, he expresses concern about where does John fit in this.

I think, as devoted as he was to the Lord, Peter had times when he went through comparisons (is so-and-so the favorite disciple?, who does the Lord love best?).  Maybe I am all wet but that’s how I have read some of those passages.  Even if I am reading it correctly, what the heck.  Peter was just a man and those human traits show through in spite of his love and devotion to Christ.  Just gives me a reminder, if I am judging or comparing those around me, perhaps I have to re-focus my vision and attention where it should be, on my relationship with God and not on all that other noise.

John Chapter 20

I thank God and his disciples for the gift of the bible. As i read and study John 20 I realize what a loving and caring Abba Father God is. Always laying down all that we need to follow him and live a God centered life. As this scripture reveals, Jesus in the flesh was there to give some final support to the disciples as he was about to send them on their way to spread his word. He rose from the dead and left signs to help them to believe the Resurrection. His burial wrap was not ripped off but left as a cocoon to show them no ordinary person came in and took his body. Only he himself could have done this. He appeared to Mary so she could spread the word that he had risen. When Thomas (acting as I and so many of us have in the past) doubted the reports of the risen Lord, He in his loving and understanding self appeared to Thomas and showed his wounds and invited him to touch them. Jesus was not disappointed in Thomas but understood his skepticism. He knew this is what Tomas needed so he would be loyal to him and spread the Lord's word. And so he is still with us. Such a loving Dad. He welcomes our doubts as he knows that if we do not stop here and search out answers to our doubts, it will result in a stronger faith and a platform for us to go out and disciple others. So how does the Lord provide for us today? He lays the most powerful book into our hands. A book that is full of stories, parables and eye witness accounts of teaching that leads us to the Lord. Let us all put our hands out, accept the challenge and read this gift to us from the Lord, the Bible.

John Chapter 19

John 19:33-35    "But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.  Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water."

Whenever I read the story of Jesus' crucifixion and envision the pain and suffering he endured, I always need to be sure that instead of focusing on the gut wrenching visceral reaction I get inside of me on how he was treated,  but instead turn my attention to the reasons why Jesus sacrificed himself to pay for all of mankind's sins and what that means for me today.

The symbolism in the flow of blood and water from Jesus' body after death stood out so vividly to me in this verse because it is at the core of what all believers partake of through Christ; the taking of communion and the act of being baptized.  His blood for atonement and water for purification.

When we drink from the communion cup, we're told it symbolizes the blood of Christ. When Jesus was with his Disciples offering the cup, he did ask each to drink from it stating "this is my blood, which seals the covenant between God and his people.  It is poured out to forgive the sins of many."  Jesus died to atone for our sins.

The sudden flow of water from his body symbolizes what baptism is about, the cleansing waters that gives rebirth and renewal through the Holy Spirit.  It symbolizes the believers total trust and commitment to our Lord Jesus depending on complete reliance to him.

So when reading this verse and reflecting on its meaning, a deep sense of gratitude is felt.   He was pierced for our transgressions as he sacrificed himself and with his wounds, we are healed.

John Chapter 18

In John 18, Jesus was living some of his last hours before he was sentenced to death.  He was in a garden outside Jerusalem that he had frequented with his disciples.  Just hours before, Jesus with his disciples, including Judas, had sat together around a table to share bread and wine.   The scenes of Jesus’s life in these last hours of  irony and hypocrisy showed me how we need to continue in faith up to the end of our lives despite setbacks we may encounter.

When Jesus and his eleven disciples were approached by soldiers led by Judas, one of Jesus’s own disciples, Peter stepped forward in the garden, and in an act of what he thought was protection, pulled his sword to strike a blow against an officer of the high priest—only for Peter to learn that he was standing in the way of what God had orchestrated.   From our vantage point, we may have thought Peter was brave to take a stand, but God did not need Peter’s sword to protect Jesus and Peter had more to learn as a disciple than belief he could protect Jesus.

From the garden, Jesus was led as a captive to Annas and when questioned about his disciples and teachings, Jesus responded in a truthful and straightforward manner that his teachings were for all and spoken openly to the whole world, not in secret.   How ironic and tragic that Jesus, who was innocent, was physically struck at that point for speaking truthfully and respectfully about his ministry for all which was not a ministry to secretly overthrow the ruling government in Jerusalem. 

After Jesus was questioned by Caiaphus next, Jesus was led into the praetorium, the palace of the Roman ruler in the province, where Jews would not enter because it made them unclean for the upcoming Passover.   How hypocritical  for Jesus, the wholly clean and innocent, to be forced into a place considered unclean while the Jewish leaders who falsely accused him stood outside to remain in their opinion clean and guiltfree though they had condemned an innocent man to death.

These passages really highlighted to me how Jesus, the innocent one, was led to trial, falsely accused, sentenced to death by people who did not understand what God had intended even though it had been declared by the prophets and made clear in Isaiah and in Zechariah (7:9) to “render true judgements, show kindness and mercy each to his brother and do not oppress the poor and let none of you devise evil against his brother in your heart.”

God’s son Jesus was given no true judgment and was oppressed by those in power though Jesus served God wholly and faithfully to the very end of his life.  All of these passages reminded me of Jesus’s words to “love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind and your neighbor as yourself”   despite how those around me may respond or may judge my actions.  The outcome of my actions in His service and under His guidance and direction is in God’s hands and for that I am truly grateful.