SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 40-47 The recurring themes in the passage are frustration, discipline, and compassion. God is frustrated by Israel’s reliance on idols and military powers, instead of on the only true God. God announces His discipline, not to make them suffer but to show them their folly. But God also reveals His compassion; He will not…
One shrewd dude
SCRIPTURE: Luke 16:1-9 Why does Jesus make a hero out of the dishonest manager? Would Jesus use Bernie Madoff as a commendable character in his stories? But the point of comparison here is not the dishonesty, but the shrewdness. Jesus is lamenting that bad people show more creativity than good people. Bad people seem devoted to bad…
The other brother?
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…
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…