Reflecting on Luke 21:34-38“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life…” (Luke 21:34)
Jesus is preparing His followers for the challenges of kingdom living.
To carry the yoke of Jesus is to let Him train us for Jesus-like living.
But it is possible to carry another yoke, to be burdened by unhealthy living.
The world around us tempts and tests us to take our eyes off Jesus.
Jesus is describing disciples who become sidetracked by the world.
Living in God’s kingdom is not the pursuit of pleasure or power.
It is not the pursuit of self at all; it is the giving of self for others.
Kingdom living is caring, sharing, loving, serving, blessing, forgiving.
It is joining with Jesus in making life in this world ‘very good’ again.
Not just ‘very good’ for ourselves, but ‘very good’ for everyone.
Right now we are watching our world unravel in its pursuit of greatness.
Many nations, businesses, churches and individuals are playing ‘king of the hill’.
Each one trying to be on top, to be ‘great again’… not kneeling to serve like Jesus.
Jesus urges His followers to not fall into this trap, for it will not end well.
Have we lost sight of the Jesus Way, are we being weighed down by self interest?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, Your words are coming true again. Forgive us for joining the world in seeking greatness for ourselves, rather than joining with You in pursuing goodness for others. Shake us up, and wake us up to what is happening!
Kingdom living must be done in JOY for the JOY of the Lord God is my strength. In all of my doing
J – Jesus is first
O – Others are second
Y – Yourself is always last
As stated in this reading, it is giving yourself to others but above all, it is giving yourself to Jesus. All for Jesus.