Luke 8:26-39 – A Pig Story

Read Luke 8:26-39

There are a lot of miracle stories we could lump together, but some deserve their own time of reflection. Like today’s story. When you put yourself there in the story, didn’t your heart race a little bit when you stood in awe and amazement at what was unfolding before your eyes?

Mine did to see a demon possessed man transformed back into health and vitality while a whole herd of pigs became possessed and killed themselves. That is not an everyday kind of occurrence, then or now. Wow! So what the man must have been experiencing? To be in chains from the life demons led must have been torture, and to be set free of those chains? Like a dream, answered prayer. Continue reading “Luke 8:26-39 – A Pig Story”

Luke 8:22-25 – Stormy Days

Read Luke 8:22-25

These short verses really speak volumes, don’t they?

Jesus has a plan; he wants to go across the lake. For the moment, think about a plan he has for you, perhaps you have been convicted of something that you are felt led to do to further his kingdom. Now back to the story.

The disciples apparently agree, for off they go. First lesson – obedience, follow the Lord’s direction. I suppose Jesus was tired and knew a trip across the lake would afford him a good rest. Did he know they’d encounter a storm? Was it a test for his disciples? The Sea of Galilee,  the lake they were crossing, is known for it’s strong storms, and they can produce monstrous waves I’m told. Continue reading “Luke 8:22-25 – Stormy Days”

Luke 8:1-21 – Good Soil

Read Luke 8:1-21

There are several things going on in today’s reading. While my focus will be mainly on the parable, I wanted to also point out a couple other observations.

The reference to women following Jesus seems to be just sort of stuck in between things. But the message should be huge. In the culture and day, women were not allowed to learn from rabbis. Because Jesus welcomed them and allowed them in his close circle of followers, that shows all people are equal in God’s eyes. Women are still today asserting their strength and voice after feeling second class to men. We should all only worry about the most important relationship of all, with our Creator, Savior and Guide. If we hear and obey, we are all part of God’s family. Jesus offers us all an intimate relationship with him.

Did the “good soil” parable speak to you differently today? Jesus does a very good job of using this parable to separate the different people who hear his word. We have the “path” people, the “rock” people, the “thorn” people and the “good soil” people. Which one describes you the best? Continue reading “Luke 8:1-21 – Good Soil”

Luke 7:36-50 – Welcome

Read Luke 7:36-50

I always enjoy reading a Bible passage that I can picture happening. This is one of those stories. I found a reenactment that seems pretty accurate. You can watch it HERE.

We are all sinners, and here we see an example of how one so deep in their sin can be overcome with devotion and appreciation. It is only by God’s grace through our faith that we are saved. Those Pharisees in this story were not able to comprehend how Jesus could grant this forgiveness. We know, but we have the benefit of the Biblical account. They were the ones making history! Continue reading “Luke 7:36-50 – Welcome”

Luke 7:18-35 – God’s Way

Read John 7:18-35

Today’s reading was a bit perplexing to me. John knew who Jesus was. Or so I thought. They were related. So why was John sending his folks to Jesus to ask if he was the Messiah they had been waiting for?

John had spent his life in the wilderness, following God’s plan for him to prepare the way for the Messiah (for Jesus). It seems odd to me that he had to ask. Perhaps he was hearing stories about Jesus that weren’t entirely accurate. Maybe he had doubts and had to be sure. Continue reading “Luke 7:18-35 – God’s Way”

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