Luke 10:17-12:12

Photo by Mandy Baldwin

I love the parables of Jesus. I can only imagine how frustrating it was for the disciples who probably so desperately wanted Him to be clear! Of course, we have a thousand years of theologians interpreting His parables and feel confident of their meaning. The disciples didn’t have that…but…they had Jesus. I think I’d give up understanding to walk with Jesus.

“the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.”

Luke‬ ‭11‬:‭39‬ ‭NIV

The Pharisees prized their understanding over having Jesus with them. Jesus teaching directly affected their power. Their lack of humility in their own understanding led to them fearing Jesus and scheming to get rid of Him.

How am I like the Pharisees?

I don’t want to be like the Pharisees clinging to power over people and over God. I am certain they were certain of what they believed and taught. And they were wrong. What am I wrong about?

Dear God, forgive me for my unbelief. Forgive me, also, for my arrogant belief that hurts others. God, may I continue to seek you. Pursue you. Follow you. Amen.

Mandy

Advertisement

Luke 8:26-10:16

“Jesus then asked him, ‘What is your name?” And he said “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So He gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned.” (Luke 8:30-33 ESV)

Jesus can heal us from our spiritual battles.

“And there was a woman who had had discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Wha was it that touched Me” When all denied it, Peter said “Master, the crowds surround You and are pressing in on You!” But Jesus said, “Someone touched Me, for I perceive that power has gone from Me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before Him declared in the presence of all the people why she had been immediately healed. And He said to her “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” (Luke 8:43-48 ESV)

Jesus can heal us from our chronic, physical ailments.

“And when He came to the house, He allowed no one to enter with Him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and mourning for her, but He said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at Him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called saying “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once.” (Luke 8:51-54 ESV)

Jesus can bring our spirits back to life.

Jesus has power over demons, over illness and over where we spent eternity and when. May we never forget His power that can intervene in our lives as He pleases for our good and for His glory.

~Kellie

Luke 6:27-8:25

Many individuals I meet are on different spiritual journeys and many unfortunately are not on that journey using the Word of God. It makes the journey harder than it should be. Many ask me this very simple question – what does God want me to do? The Word of God has pages filled on what one must do, and some of those things are really hard to do – things I cannot do on my own, I need the Holy Spirit. Here are a few.

To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer for that person. – Luke 6:27-28 MSG

Do good. When I find a way I can do something good for one of my worst enemies, I will do it. Not to shame them, but because I am trying to find it in my own evil heart to love them for Jesus’ sake.

Bless. When I think of the person who is slandering me, and saying untrue and nasty things about me, I find ways to work blessing into my thoughts. I speak a blessing out loud. When I am with friends, instead of complaining about my unjust treatment, I go out of my way (actively) to speak well of my enemies. Why? To shame them? No — though it will. But to find it in my own heart to love them.

Pray. I begin to pray for my enemies. Actively. I start to ask God to help them. I ask God to heal the hurts in their lives that are some of the motivators of their evil actions. I ask God to bless them and show mercy to them. Why? To shame them? No, in order to find it in my heart to love them.

I think it is natural to return injury and insult, that is not the walk I signed up for. I want to live by Christ-honouring and Spirit-empowered alternatives.

There may not be a duty list, but there is a list of things to do that is not my duty. It is not my duty to be and do these things, yet, as a follower of Jesus I will do them. If anything, it is the Lord’s honour that is at stake in my life and not my own honour.

I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind. – Luke 6:35-36 MSG

Father, I pray that the fruit of the Holy Spirit would be present in my life to be able to do all these things that You would like me to do and to be. I cannot do any of these things without having a relationship with You and engaging in You and You in me.

Luke 4:1-6:26

But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.

~Luke 5:16

Jesus clearly lived a life no other person could. As God in the flesh He had the ultimate power on full steam. But, even He had to stay connected.

Through the temptations in the wilderness, synagogue scuffles, confrontations with demons, untold crowds of people needing healing, doubtful disciples, growing popularity and contempt, and a constant awareness of the great spiritual needs that pressed in around him, He still slipped away to pray.

He knew the source of His strength, the power in spite of His human frailty, the perspective He needed to maintain.

– I must remain on my knees

– Do I think I am better than Jesus, trying to do things on my own?

– Time alone with God needs to remain a priority in my life.

– “Alone” is key as well — Jesus went to the wilderness, do I have a quiet place, as well as a quiet time?

Lord, Help me to remember that I cannot, should not, and am not expected to live this Christian life on my own. Your everlasting love and eternal power remain available to me. Your faithfulness to those that choose the tough path of following never fails. Continue to draw me to a quiet time and place of sweet communion with You on a daily basis, and even multiple times a day. I need you, Lord! ~Amen

Erin (5intow)

From the archives. Originally published October 22, 2009.

Luke 2-3

²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:20, NIV

I’m so thankful for this sentence, especially this: which were just as they had been told. They’d just witnessed an other-worldly experience and went for themselves to see if what they were told was true. And it was. I also love their response–to glorify and praise God.

The Holy Spirit revealed things to Simeon that he saw come to pass. And Anna, the widow and prophetess, also had special knowledge. Scripture is fulfilled as John the Baptist “prepares the way for the Lord.”

I don’t want to take these familiar passages lightly. I don’t want to overlook the truth and miracle of all that has actually happened, things that were spoken of or foretold and came to pass.

Thank you, God, that you keep your word.

Courtney (66books365)