SCRIPTURE: Luke 15:25-32 Jesus adds another dramatic twist to His story. The good son, loyal to his father, is bitter when the bad son returns. But notice how he views his relationship with the father: “slaving for you!” That is exactly how the religious leaders saw God’s laws; as burdens to bear. He did not feel…
Author: Norm
Watching, waiting, hoping…
SCRIPTURE: Luke 15:11-24 Jesus is still dealing with the muttering Pharisees (Luke 15:1-2). He moves from a lost sheep to a lost coin, and completes the trilogy with the lost son. The religious leaders would have no difficulty recognizing who Jesus was talking about. This sinful son was getting exactly what he deserved, he was suffering for…
HOW MUCH!
SCRIPTURE: Luke 15:8-10 The point of this story is ‘rejoicing when the lost is found!’ For this woman, her coins are her livelihood, her only hope for survival. Jesus uses this analogy to show HOW MUCH God loves and values and needs us as His children. God – and His angels – are hard at work…
God WILL get you through this!
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 91 According to this song, God helps those who trust in Him and His good ways. It sounds rather bold, but “If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.” (Psalm 91:9-10) We need to understand…
A better dream!
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 34-39 “But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Isaiah 35:9-10) Israel is a weak, helpless nation; their only sure hope and defence…
Jesus hangs out with sinners!?!?
SCRIPTURE: Luke 15:1-7 Do sinners feel welcome or judged when they meet with Christians? These sinners enjoyed Jesus’ company, they were drawn to His gracious welcome. We should not assume that they had all already repented. His gracious welcome was a part of His seeking, His going after the lost sheep. As with Zacchaeus, He ate…
Do I still want the position?
SCRIPTURE: Luke 14:25-35 Imagine you are looking for a job, and you go to a information meeting about a sales position. As they describe the position, you realize they want committed, focused sales people. The only issue is, you are not that good at sales, in fact you hate selling stuff to people. What do you…
God wants a full house!
SCRIPTURE: Luke 14:15-24 “I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.” (Luke 14:24) If anyone misses out on the kingdom feast, it won’t be because they weren’t invited. In the context, the Jews are the ones who are making excuses, who are missing out. Those who were outsiders…
The invitation
SCRIPTURE: Luke 14:7-14 When you are invited, take the lowest place. When you invite, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind. And you will be honoured, you will be blessed. In our upward mobility world, Jesus advocates downward mobility. The specific examples may not be relevant to our situation, but the underlying principles are….
What is God saying to you?
This Sunday (June 22) I am speaking on Luke 14:7-14. Please write a sentence or two of what You hear God saying in this passage?