Have a Good Trip

We are going on a little trip. So I am thinking about washing and packing and who will feed the animals etc. etc. In Luke 8:-9:6 Jesus sends the twelve on a trip. But He tells them to prepare quite differently.

He tells them to take nothing. He even spells it out: no bag or food or money or extra clothes. Hmm...  How he does have them prepare is to give them power and authority and purpose. 

Their equipment is power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. Their purpose is to "proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick". Sounds like an exciting trip!

What would happen if we go on our daily "trips" well prepared with the "equipment" of the Holy Spirit and the purpose that God has revealed to us. Sounds pretty exciting!

Have a good trip!

Light in the Darkness

Fear ruled the country of the Gerasenes. It even sounds rather dark (Luke 8:26-39). Jesus had just delivered the notorious tomb-haunting mad man from a mob of demons, and the people were shocked and scared. The demoniac was now sitting calmly in decent clothes and making sense.

However, when those who had lost their pig multitude to the demons spread the news abroad, the whole countryside came and asked the Light of the World to leave. "They were gripped by great fear". It had been too much change - way too fast for their darkened eyes.

The healed man also wanted to go with his Savior. But Jesus told him to "go back to your home, and tell all that God has done for you". So off he went "proclaiming throughout the town all that Jesus had done for him".

Hmm...  Usually, Jesus told those He healed to keep the news quiet. But in this country that is "gripped with fear", the people needed to hear.

It sounds like the situation that we often find ourselves in. Where fear abounds good news is the light in the darkness. Let's ask God to "open a door to us for the message" (Colossians 4:2-6) so we can share what Jesus has done for us.

"Where Is Your Faith?"

It's time to move on. Jesus and the guys climb into a boat and start to cross the lake. But our Lord falls asleep right before this terrific storm catches the crew and starts to capsize the boat. The panicking fishermen wake up Jesus crying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"

The Lord of Creation then commands the wind and the waves to quiet down and they do it. And in the stillness Jesus asks a revealing question: "Where is your faith?" (Luke 8:16-25)

Could these experienced fishermen have been trusting in their own ability to handle the storm? It seems like I often wake up to the need to pray when that is "all we can do". What if prayer became the first resort instead of the last resort? 

Father, make us people of prayer.  Help us to keep our faith in You.

A Good Mystery

Who doesn't like a good mystery? The neat thing about a mystery is that you get clues that enable you figure out the answer - sort of participate in the story. It surely draws you in and makes you feel even valuable.

In Luke 1:1-15, Jesus says,"To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables ..." And the story or mystery we can possibly understand is that of the "Sower and the Seed" or "How God's Word Can Work in Our Hearts".

Jesus reveals in this story that there are four heart conditions that people can have:

• The road hardened heart where God's Word is snatched away by Satan before it can penetrate.
• The rock strewn (possibly bitter) heart that won't allow joyful new truth shoots to grow deep enough roots. They will wither in drought-like temptation.
• The thorn infested heart that steals the time and provision for new growth in order to support worrying about tomorrow, making money, or having fun. 
• The good honest heart that hears and sticks with the Word until there's a harvest.

As I solve the mystery of how God's Word is faring in my heart, I will know better how He'd like to work to make me more fruitful. Fruit-bearing means new life that never ends!

Truth Triumphs!

What a movie Luke 7:36-40 would make! It opens as the town harlot slips into the wealthy dinner party and just falls apart at the feet of the popular new Teacher. Her tears rain down on those calloused dirty feet, and her hair is loosed to dry them. She smothers these same feet with kisses and soothes them with the most expensive fragrant oil. Her love for the Teacher seems to know no bounds.

In sharp contrast, the dinner host is scandalized as Jesus allows such a display by this audacious brazen woman. He even thinks Jesus must be a fake prophet since He surely doesn't know what is touching Him. 

But now the Teacher, our hero, speaks up and truth shouts loud and clear. Jesus reminds the host, in a little story about money, that people who are forgiven the most are the most grateful. And He proceeds to expose this host as inadequate and ungrateful, while the broken woman is full of thankfulness and faith resulting in her salvation and peace. 

Truth has triumphed! Good prevails. And the best news is we grateful, forgiven sinners also win. He has given us salvation and peace!

Blessings Await!

Doubt has set in for the former "Thunder in the Dessert" John. He is day after day in a dismal dungeon vaguely remembering Jesus' baptism, the dove, the heavenly voice. So he begins to wonder, and sends messengers to Jesus to ask, "Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?"  (Luke 7:18-35)

Jesus doesn't script a pep talk or an elaborate defense of His ministry for His friend John. He just says,"Go and report to John the things you have seen and heard". And that is plenty - miracles, healings, good news abounds. But Jesus adds one vital promise: "And anyone who is not offended because of Me is blessed." This is huge for him and for us.

When we are serving Christ and we we seem to get the raw end of the deal, how do we respond? When prayers I offer for others get answered, but those for me are ... waiting, what am I thinking? Am I going to be offended at God when my state seems like a dismal dungeon? 

Blessings are promised! God's kind of blessings await my repulsing "poor me" and doubt temptations.

Lord, help us to reject satan's sick offer of offense at You. May we "bless the Lord at all times". (Psalm 34:1)

Understanding Authority

Jesus asks, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do what I say?" That is one good question! And I hear Jesus asking that of me.

In Luke 6:46-7:17 there is one man who knew how to obey. He describes himself as "placed under authority with soldiers under him". He says: "I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

Simple! And that seems to be why he understands Jesus and knows He can "but say the word, and my servant will be healed." You see this obedient captain's beloved slave is very sick, but he only asks Jesus to speak the word from afar to effect healing. He understands authority.

And Jesus marvels. He says to the crowd, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." 

Lord, help us to understand Your authority and obey. We look forward to Your gift of faith. 

Living Generously

Our Father loves mercy. He loves seeing it. He loves giving it. He is full of it. (Mark 6:27-45) 

But God's mercy is rare. He says to not be critical and judge because He doesn't want us to be judged. He says do not condemn because enemies should bring out the best in us - not the worst. He says pardon and give life because He wants to give it to us.

And He wants to give life generously - because He does. Pouring it into our lap, "pressed down, shaken together, and running over". He gives with big bonuses and blessing. 

Thank you, Father, for teaching us to live generously - like You.

He Is Wonderful

The young lions are ready. They encircle the arena and are pulling on their restraints, eager to pounce on the Teacher if he takes the bait. They knew He would. The man with the withered hand was just too obvious for Jesus to miss. And when He healed him, they would attack. It would be a cut and dried case of working on the Sabbath, breaking the law - sure to shut down this upstart of a teacher. (Luke 6: 6-26)

This is it! Jesus just said to the withered hand man, "Get up and come forward!"  But wait...

He turns to the lions and asks, "It is lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to destroy it?"

Huh? That is not in the script! What can they say to that? Evidently nothing. They watch in silence as Jesus looks around at them all, commands "Stretch out your hand", and then restores the man's hand to usefulness. 

Wow! What a show. The lions are skulking back to their den looking outraged. They'll probably just plan another opportunity to trap Him. 

But this Teacher. He is wonderful!

One Big Party

Does it ever strike you that life with Jesus is one big party?  It did the religious scholars in Luke 5:27-6:5. 

They were reminding Jesus that John's disciples were well known for keeping fasts and saying prayers. And we remember that the Pharisees had even been reprimanded by Jesus for their showy fasts, long attention-getting prayers and obvious contributions. (Matthew 6:16-17 & Mark 12:40-41)  But as the scholars said to Jesus, "Your (disciples) eat and drink". 

So Jesus compared life with Him to being at a wedding party. When the bridegroom is present - you celebrate. 

Of course Jesus hasn't come again for us to totally experience His presence, but His Spirit is in us. And He can do a mighty good job of communicating with us. Therefore we do have reason to celebrate (with the joy of the Lord), even though others may not understand or approve. 

Come on in and join the party!

This is Life

My, Jesus is getting popular! (Luke 5:12-26)  He surely doesn't need any media or advertising campaign: "But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses."

And you can imagine that these folks are often desperately seeking help. It is not a quiet orderly, stand in line, gathering that thronged Him. For many, like the leper He touched and healed, Jesus is their only hope. So since it often is a life and death matter, their pursuit of Him is aggressive and relentless. There are times when Jesus and His helpers do not have a chance to eat (Mark 3:20) much less sleep. 

But right in the middle of Luke 5 is a verse that speaks volumes: "But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray."  It's here we discover the real life for our Lord. And He probably has to be more creative, more inconvenienced, and more determined to carve out that time with the Father than we can imagine.

The same kind of rendezvous is life to us. It's good news that Jesus does whatever it takes to often be alone with Abba Father. Let's do the same.

Who Are You?

Peter had seen Jesus do wondrous things - exercising authority over demons and even the instant total healing of his mother-in-law. But when Jesus provided beyond belief, Peter believed. (Luke 4:39-5:11)

It happened one morning as Peter was wearily cleaning the nets after a long fruitless night of fishing. Jesus said, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch."  Peter, the professional fisherman, respected Jesus enough to do it but was totally surprised when they enclosed such a quantity of fish that their nets began to break. They signaled for their partners to come, and both boats were filled so that they began to sink.

You'd think Peter would be in a panic trying to save everything. But He is falling down at Jesus' feet saying: "Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!" 

This startling miraculous provision in the midst of their routine daily life had put everything in perspective. The truth was blazingly clear. They were in the presence of the Lord of Lords. When they got to the shore, "they left everything and followed Him".

Lord give us grace to go out in the deep with You and see Your wonders. Reveal to us who You are!

With Authority and Power

Can you believe the dramatic ways people responded to Jesus? (Luke 4:16-31) The home town folks are first impressed with their boy's return and that such "gracious words were falling from His lips". Was He really good old Joseph's son? But as soon as Jesus predicted that they wouldn't really welcome Him (because they didn't believe in His authority and power as the Son of God), they tried to throw Him off the town cliff.

On the other hand, those in Capernaum were amazed at His teaching with authority. He could do wonderful works there because "amazement came upon them all" as He commanded evil to leave. His power and authority was recognized since He was not just one of "our boys". 

Lord help us to continue being amazed at You. Protect us from the "contempt of the familiar". May we remember the authority and power You really do have.

If

Wow!  Did Jesus have a trial after His baptism!  As He was then "full of the Holy Spirit" (Luke 4:1-15) , he began a 40 plus day fast while wandering in the desert and being tempted by the devil, himself.  And two of those three big temptations began with: "If You are the Son of God ..."

Have you wondered about that?  How did Jesus really know as He was growing up that He was that One person, totally different from the rest of humanity? One way could have been all the prophecies about the Messiah that were being fulfilled in His life. Or just choosing to believe His parents. And He did just have that confirming voice from His Father as He was being baptized. But the big factor was probably the solid relationship that He had developed with the Father.

Sounds like some of our story too. Oh, the value of that solid relationship - listening to and communicating with our Heavenly Father. Then when the enemy taunts: "If you are a child of God ..." , it doesn't unsettle us. We know we are that child because we have heard from our Father. We can come away from those taunts and trials "in the power of the Holy Spirit" like our Big Brother did. 

Life in the Spirit

John must have been amazed when he found out that people were wondering if he was longed for Messiah (Luke 3:15-38). He explained to them that the One who was coming was mightier  than he. In fact he was not even fit to take off the Christ's shoes like a lowly slave might do.

John went on to remind them that the baptism he was accomplishing was with water, but the expected One would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. That seems to be the key difference.

Jesus repeated this difference in John's water baptism and His promised Holy Spirit before His ascension (Acts 1:5). Then Peter remembered, when teaching Cornelius' family, how Jesus "used to say, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'" (Acts 11:16)

A baptism is a thorough drenching. Lord, fill us with Your Spirit, especially in areas we have held back from You. We want life in the Spirit.

Being at Home

Mary and Joseph did not understand (Luke 2:41-3:14). They had thought that Jesus was with the caravan traveling back to Nazareth. However He turned up missing the first night. So after searching all over, they had to make the trek back and search Jerusalem. After three days they found Him - in the temple.

And Jesus was having a great time listening to and questioning the teachers - amazing all who heard this 12 year old. But his parents were quite upset after all the anxious searching. But their reprimand seemed to puzzle Jesus:  "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 

Hmm...   "In My Father's house."   It's quite clear that Jesus knew His true identity and was quite comfortable and at home in the temple - thinking and talking about truth from His Father.  

It's the same for us. The more we get to know our Heavenly Father and enjoy being in His presence, the more it will seem like home. Then our "real home-going" will be a satisfied "Ahhh, Yes".

Lord help us to be more at home with You than anywhere else!

On the Lookout

Simeon was "on the lookout". In Luke 2:22-40, righteous and devoted to God Simeon is described as "waiting for the consolation of Israel".  And the Holy Spirit had let him know that he would not die before he saw this long awaited Messiah.

So as he entered by the Spirit into the temple this day and saw some parents bringing in a  baby boy, he knew that here was the One. Can you imagine the unparalleled joy he had holding the answer to his prayers and the answer for all peoples? He thanked God and spoke that this Jesus would be a " light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." God's answer was now out in the open for everyone to see!

Simeon's story is a wonderful reminder to live in expectancy of seeing God's answers and will accomplished. As we stay "on the lookout" we will surely see more of our Lord's goodness, even today.

God's Birth Announcement

Don't you love it! This well-known passage (Luke 2:1-21)  just seems to shine with the Father's excitement to share His good news. And it is some humble shepherds that get the message.

Really, has there ever been a birth announcement so glorious? These drowsy shepherds were probably just hoping the night would hurry on, when all of a sudden an angel with blazing glory all around appears.

The angel tries to explain through their shock that it's good news of great joy that's happened in the city today. A Savior for them and all people has been born. And they'll know Him when they see a baby wrapped in cloths in a manger.  Hmm...

Then suddenly, as an exclamation mark on the announcement, they see a multitude - sized choir of praise angels. Whew!  And the song is one that just had to be sung: 

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,

 and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

Notice, that all this happens because God's favor is on us. That is good news! Let's be like to the shepherds and hurry into His presence and then tell others.

Words of Faith

In Luke 1:57-80  it is time for the new miracle baby to be circumcised and receive his name. So all of Elizabeth's relatives and neighbors come to rejoice with her because of the Lord's great mercy. Now they are going to call this baby Zacharias after his father. But Elizabeth says, "No indeed; but he shall be called John."

What a surprise! They all reply that there is no one in all her family with that name. They make an appeal to Dad. He gets a tablet and writes,"His name is John."  And...  You can bet the astonished neighbors are not prepared for what happens next. 

You see the last thing Zacharias had said some nine months earlier had been a full of doubt and unbelief question to the angel Gabriel, himself. So Gabriel had pronounced that Zacharias would be unable to speak until the predicted son appeared.  But now, even in the face of disapproval from family and friends, he had written words of faith.  "And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God." 

Words of faith are sweet music to our Father and have power beyond what we can imagine. Let's use them to honor Him today.

Mary's Song

I so hope today you are reading Mary's beautiful song - usually called the Magnificat. (Luke 1:39-56)  It is the seed bed of some of the most gorgeous praise music that we sing.

Mary's excitement in this song is surely contagious. When she sings "my spirit rejoices in God my Savior", it means leaps for joy. It reminds us of Hannah's song of gratefulness in I Samuel 2. Both of them are birthed out of their dreams of being a mother and their humble thanks for God's provision. Their thoughts center more on God than "me". (Mary's features God in eight out of ten verses).

Also Mary's just glows with her love of scripture. There are 20 Old Testament references in the 10 verses.

Reading this song you have to agree that " Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" And these are words that I love to take personally. I encourage you to do that too.

Nothing is Impossible With God

Even though Mary and her friends probably hoped to be the longed for Messiah's mother, Gabriel's interruption in her life must have been amazing: "Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus. He will be great, and be called 'Son of the Highest'." (The Message) (Luke 1:18-38)

It's a wonder that she only asked a practical question about how this is going to work, and then said, "O.K."  But really God had been working all her life and even in her lineage to prepare her for this day. She didn't even argue about being called a "favored one" or about him saying, "The Lord is with you". She was one of God's "chosen people" and had personally decided to be a "bondslave of the Lord".

But then in answer to Mary's question, the angel played two trump cards. He explained that the Holy Spirit would be the One to conceive this child in her and that "the impossible" had already been done in her family. Elizabeth was now six months along in that surprise, long awaited pregnancy.  Gabriel summed it all up with "for nothing will be impossible with God".

That evidently settled all questions for Mary. And it will for us. Nothing is impossible with God!

Thank you, Father.

God Doesn't Forget

The book of Luke opens with the account of Zacharias.  He had won the drawing and was burning incense and praying in the temple as all the congregation waited outside. And how they had been waiting!

Zacharias and Elizabeth had been waiting for far too long to have much hope of a child. But they were still faithful and Zacharias was praying. And in Luke1:1-17 God answers. He had not forgotten them but had prepared an extra special gift of a son who would be "great in the sight of the Lord", filled with the Holy spirit from birth, and turn many in Israel back to the Lord.   No, God had not forgotten them but said they would have "joy and gladness" (leaping and dancing joy).

Also, the people outside had been waiting. It had been a long 400 years since the last prophecy of the Messiah - the last word of a Savior coming. Malachi had ended with a prediction of the forerunner of Christ " who would turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children" (Malachi 4:6). And now, in this very time and place, the new baby named John is announced as that man. The one who would prepare the way for the Savior ( the most extra special gift possible). 

No, God had not forgotten Zacharias and Elizabeth, the people of Israel, or you and I. That extra special answer and gift is being prepared. 

Thank you Father for Your faithfulness.

"Too Good to Be True" Love

The women were watching. They were looking on from a distance when He breathed His last. They watched to see where His body was laid. And as soon as they could, they came to serve one more time - to anoint  His familiar form (Mark 15:42-16:8).

They came worried about how to roll that monument stone away. So it was a shock when they saw it moved and a bright young man sitting in the tomb. Maybe it is not surprising they did not really hear his words - the best news of their entire life: "He has risen".

All they knew was He was gone so they ran: "Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid."

Sometimes news really does seem "too good to be true". So when it does prove true, we know it is from God.

Thank you Lord for Your "too good to be true" love.