THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 11:1-4 “One of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray…” (Luke 11:1) It seems surprising to me that Jesus hasn’t taught them to pray yet. Or was Jesus teaching them, but the disciples were not hearing it? “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place…” (Luke 11:1) Jesus was…
Working the Lord!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 10:38-42 “Mary has chosen what is better, it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42) Martha isn’t punished for what she chose, but her choice is punishing her. Her problem was not her hard work, but who she was doing it for. Her focus is on herself, her work and…
Go and do likewise!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 10:29-37 “Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’” (Luke 10:37) Once again Jesus sets up radical love as the fulfillment of God’s law. Radical, self-denying, God and neighbour-loving, sacrificial love. This story reminds us as Jesus followers what we are here for. We do not earn God’s mercy by being merciful. We…
We all do it!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 10:25-28 “He wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “’Who is my neighbor?’” (Luke 10:29) We want to justify ourselves too, we want to feel better about ourselves. God’s will for us is radical love for God and people, a God-like love. We look for limits, excuses, qualifications, to lessen that…
Mercy, not judgment!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 83 “May they be ashamed and dismayed; may they perish in disgrace.” (Psalm 83:17) This psalm becomes a problem for us as followers of Jesus. Asaph wants God to punish their enemies, to make them suffer and die. On the one hand, I understand and appreciate the cry of the oppressed. But…
God the center!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ecclesiastes 7-8 “Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.” (Ecclesiastes 7:18) The author of this book attempted to find happiness in things. He gave himself over to alcohol, sex, and money, and was disappointed. He tried to become a fanatic for righteousness and for wisdom. But no matter what he pursued, he could…
Life without God!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ecclesiastes 5-6 “What advantage have the wise over fools?” (Ecclesiastes 6:8) Life is hard: you’re born, you struggle, you suffer, you die! Both rich and poor, wise and foolish, follow this sane path. What a depressing way to think, and it certainly makes enjoying life hard. If this is in the bible, is…
Refusing Satan’s lies!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 10:17-24 “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” (Luke 10:17) As disciples of Jesus, do we realize our authority over Satan’s lies? I believe that demons (and Satan) are body-less voices of fear and deception. Their only power is the lie, but they use it to great success! James…
Who is He speaking through today?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 10:8-16 “Whoever listens to you listens to me…” (Luke 10:16) I believe that Jesus is speaking to us all the time. One of the ways that He speaks is through other people. Not just ministers or priests, spiritual or holy people. Jesus sends out messengers all the time, trying to get our…
Extending the peace of Jesus
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 10:1-7 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’” (Luke 10:5) What is the first thing we say or do when we witness to others? We are first and foremost agents of love, joy and peace. Without even know who we are speaking to, we bring them peace. We…