trying to find His way
“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49) How can kindling a fire, or division (v.51) make things better?Fire not only destroys, but it purges as well, making gold purer.Division is healthy when it involves separating good from bad, healthy from unhealthy.In our impure, unhealthy…
“He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.” (Luke 12:46) Jesus is using the analogy of slavery, not the ideal of creation.Slaves who did what Jesus’s analogy says would be scourged and killed.God is love, and has no desire to torture and kill anyone.But the God of love will not…
“Who then is the faithful and wise manager?” (Luke 12:42) Slavery was common, and so Jesus uses this analogy for His followers.It is a limited analogy, for we are more than slaves, we are friends (John 15:15).Slaves have assigned tasks; the wise and faithful ones do their jobs.Like slaves (but not actually slaves), we’ve been assigned a…
“(The Master) will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.” (Luke 12:37) This section speaks to the role of God’s servants in God’s kingdom.Jesus is not speaking just to the disciples, but to all who faithfully serve.To faithfully serve is to do what the Master…
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” (Luke 12:33) We do not need to fear as God’s children, for God is generous and good.Therefore we are free to release what we horde, to share with others.God is generous, and made us generous, so be generous!This is WHO we are, WHY we are here, and HOW…
“But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” (Luke 12:31) We are much-loved and valued children of God (see yesterday’s post).As such, we should not need to worry about what we will eat, drink or wear.But because of our disconnection with God, we do worry.We are desperately seeking to protect,…
“And how much more valuable you are than birds!” (Luke 12:24) To be made in God’s image speaks to our identity, our purpose and our character.(I will reflect on purpose and character in the next two reflections).To be made in God’s image means to be God’s children (see Genesis 5:1-3).We are a ‘chip off the old block’,…
“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:21) What does it mean to be rich toward God?Paul describes God as “rich in mercy” (Ephesians 2:4).James urges believers to be “rich in faith” (James 2:5).In each case it means to have an abundance of something.An abundance…
“Watch out! Be on your guard against…” (Luke 12:15) A man comes to Jesus presumably with a legitimate request.Beneath the surface concern, Jesus sees a deeper concern needing attention.Jesus does not enter our surface issues, or just fix our external problems.What is the sickness or sin that is really distorting our lives.Greed is just one example,…
“Do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say.” (Luke 12:11) Jesus is speaking to His followers, those committed to His way of love.Having spoken against the Pharisees (Luke 11:37-54), He now warns His disciples.The religious leaders will not tolerate dissent, and will demand compliance.They will use fear, condemnation and discipline to…