Luke 10:1-20 – Bold Witness

Read Luke 10:1-20

This is the second time Jesus sends out his disciples here in Luke. This time, however, there are more than just the twelve, and it is likely that the original twelve are not part of this new group of 72.

It is clear that there have been more than just twelve surrounding Jesus, hanging on his every word, and following him where ever he goes. It is now their turn to see the power of God at work. It is now their turn to be obedient and be God’s missionaries. Continue reading “Luke 10:1-20 – Bold Witness”

Luke 6:43-49 – What’s in Your Heart?

Read Luke 6:43-49

Jesus’ own words, “What you say flows from what is in your heart.” He has been talking about good and bad trees, as well as good and evil people. We have all seen a bad apple. Can we assume it came from a bad tree and all of those apples were bad? If worms have infested one, they have likely taken over.

Here in Mexico, I’ve seen my share of ugly looking fruit. That was just the outside. You have no idea how delicious the fruit is on the inside. Probably the best fruit I’ve ever eaten. You would never find “ugly” fruit like that for sale in the United States in a grocery store produce department. Sad. How many times have we given up on someone because of their appearance? We have lost an opportunity for their inner beauty to radiantly shine. Continue reading “Luke 6:43-49 – What’s in Your Heart?”

Luke 5:1-11 – Follow Me

Read Luke 5:1-11

Does it take a miracle to follow Jesus? For some it may, and for others they will buy in because of the love and acceptance. Here in today’s story, we see a miracle, probably witnessed by many.

Picture the scene. Jesus had been teaching a huge crowd down by the lake. They were probably closing in, trying to hear better. Jesus sees an empty boat and all but “escapes” out into the water to preach to them from there. Perhaps his voice would also carry well.

Jesus used this then as a teachable moment for Peter,  James and John. It is obvious from Simon’s words that he was familiar with Jesus as he called him “Master” and later “Lord.”  Continue reading “Luke 5:1-11 – Follow Me”

Luke 1:57-66 – John is Born

Read Luke 1:57-66

John arrives, and Zechariah can speak again! What strikes me here is the obedience of this couple. God told them to name the child John, and that’s what they did, despite what others wanted or expected.

We know how easy it can be to “go with the flow”. It takes a strong will at times to persevere and do the right thing. There is so much temptation all around, to stay strong and focused on God is the best way but not always the easiest.

Earlier in Luke, we learned that Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in the eyes of God. They handled their responsibility as God had intended. He knew they would. Yet Zechariah had questioned, so God taught him a lesson, so to speak.

What I thought interesting in this passage today is that the people used hand signals to try and communicate with Zechariah. I thought it was only his speech that was affected, not his hearing. Why didn’t they just ask him what he thought? I don’t know that there is any significance here, but it was something I noticed. (If you know something about the significance, please share in the comments.)

Elizabeth is no longer disgraced in the eyes of her contemporaries, she has a child, a son. And this son isn’t just another newborn. God has distinct plans for John, as was told to Zechariah. Now the people get a glimpse.

“What will this child turn out to be?” The people were curious. The events surrounding his birth had all been so unique and different. Elizabeth had been barren all her life, and suddenly she was with child. She had secluded herself we’re told, so she wasn’t out and about rejoicing. And, her husband couldn’t speak. That had to be the strangest phenomenon of all.

“For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.” Indeed.  John would bring many people back to the Lord. He would prepare the hearts of all to receive Jesus, their long awaited savior.

God’s hand is on each of us as well. We have a divine purpose, too. Maybe our birth wasn’t as memorable, but God does have a plan for each one of us. It is our job to recognize God working inside us. He is there, alive and ready to work through us. Do you feel him? Do you sense his leading?

Let’s pray. Lord of lords I come to you on bended knee. Forgive me when I forge ahead and don’t wait to listen for your voice. I thank you that you have worked with the messes I have created in my life when I didn’t listen to you first. Looking back, I see where you tried to correct me, but I didn’t pay attention like Zechariah and Elizabeth did. Forgive me. Looking ahead I see a vibrant path you have laid before me. I trust you will walk with me along the way. Thank you that your hand is upon me, too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Zephaniah 1:14-2:3 – But Wait!

Read Zephaniah 1:14-2:3

The job of a prophet is very difficult. When the message from the Lord is doom and gloom, a prophet is not a very popular person. It is easy for his/her audience to want to turn away. Who wants to hear they are going to be destroyed?

These words have been fulfilled, at least once. Beyond that, they are words of caution for us. The great fulfillment is yet to be, that which we are all waiting for, the return of Christ.   God’s words, spoken through the prophet, are to be taken seriously. While it is uncomfortable to imagine the day of the Lord’s coming to be “terrible”, it will be for those who are lost and not in Christ.  

Did you notice how the end of today’s reading gives hope? The prophet was also able to assure the people by giving them a way out. The Lord WILL protect those who are following him. Therefore, we have a choice. God declares we must “gather together”and “seek the Lord.” We need to follow and obey. And, we need to do it now. 

The destruction will come, and the terribleness of it should cause everyone to turn from their evil ways. Herein lies the problem. Our society chooses not to listen, just as the people who originally heard these words. Today, people turn away and go about their merry way thinking they are immune, that they will not have to answer to their actions.

So what does humility look like in your life? Have you humbled yourself before God? The Message paraphrase says, to shape up, You’re a nation without a clue about what it wants.” What do we want? Do we want destruction or safety?

We know what to do to “perhaps” be safe from God’s wrath. I found that interesting. I looked in a couple other translations, and they all used the “perhaps” language. The chance of being rescued from destruction is much greater for those of us who obey and follow God, gather and pray together.

Let’s pray. Father God, I thank you for your saving grace. I want my life to be one of obedience and trust. Help me to be a shining light to help others see you and and want to know you. In this fallen world, there is already so much evil, hatred, and destruction. Help us all to know that you are the answer and that you provide the shelter from any storm. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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