Reflecting on Luke 16:16-18Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it.” (Luke 16:16)
Jesus distinguishes between the Law and the Prophets and the Kingdom of God.
The Law was a guardian until Jesus came, it was not God’s forever plan.
“The law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” (Galatians 3:24–25).
The served its purpose (every stroke of it), but Jesus has now fulfilled that purpose.
Laws weigh people down with condemnation; the kingdom lifts them up with compassion.
Laws impose burdens; the good news of the kingdom releases burdens.
The response of the crowds was eager desperation, pressing in to experience it.
This is the meaning of “forcing their way into it”; the crowds were eager.
Except for the religious leaders, people were not forcing their way into the Law.
The good news is not that God is angry, but that God is loving, forgiving, merciful.
I am convinced if churches focused more on the kingdom, people would be more eager.
I am also convinced people are leaving church because it is more about laws than grace.
We are not OT prophets or law-givers, we are ambassadors of God’s amazing grace.
Our world desperately needs grace, it needs the message of the kingdom, not the Law!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, forgive us for clinging to the shadows, and guilting people into submission with rules and judgments. May people be so blessed and helped by Your grace at work in us that they force their way into Your kingdom.
The first thought coming tomy mind for today’s reading was:
Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead,
If His Word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.
For Thy Name�s sake hear Thou me,
For Thy mercy, Lord, I wait;
Pardon my iniquity,
For my sin is very great.
He who walks in godly fear
In the path of truth shall go;
Peace shall be his portion here,
And his sons all good shall know.
They that fear and love the Lord
Shall His holy friendship know;
He will grace to them accord,
And His faithful covenant show.
Ever are my longing eyes
On the Lord, Whose watchful care,
When my foes their plots devise,
Keeps my feet from every snare.
Turn to me, Thy grace impart,
I am desolate indeed;
Great the troubles of my heart;