Author: Aaron Hufty

Re:Verse reading–Luke 15:1-2, 11-32 (day two) 

But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! vs. 17

It happens at some point to all of us. We come to that moment where we realize our inability to go on. We have done all we can do on our own, and we are struck with the truth that it will never be enough. For you it may not be the absolute rock bottom like the prodigal son in this story, but we all get to the point where we look up and ask “why have I been on this path for so long?”

The story doesn’t end there. In what is becoming a familiar narrative for Dr. Luke the son’s first words to his father are complete contrition and humility.

And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ vs. 21 

When we experience that moment of brokenness and confess our utter need and dependence upon Jesus he does something very unexpected. He celebrates our return. We never get what we deserve when we submit to Jesus.

Re:Verse reading–Luke 7:36-50 (day two) And standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. vs. 38

Here we have another personal encounter with Jesus that completely shatters our need to be anything other than broken before him. Like Peter in chapter 5 this woman has recognized Jesus as Lord, and likewise, her insufficiency. What I find most beautiful about this story is her focus and attention on Jesus. Luke does not record her complaining or asking him to fix something. This encounter is absolute devotion. Worship at its most beautiful. Worship that completely adores our savior. This is where we need to be. We bring nothing to him. His has been and will ever be our all. Consider acknowledging that as you pray today. Let this inform how you worship next Sunday.

Re:Verse reading–Luke 6:17-45 (day two) 

Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way. vs. 26

Words of affirmation. That has always been my greatest love language. More than time, touch, gifts, or service; I have always responded best to words of affirmation. The older I have become, however, I see the danger in putting too much stock in what others say. Luke’s account of Jesus’ sermon is a clear illustration of this. If we only ever seek approval from men then that will be the end of it.

Can you see the danger inherent when we seek men’s approval or justice alone? At best, we will be judged by human standards. We will receive the praise of men. Is that really our highest aim? Is our standard only that of this world? Surely we have been shown a higher aim, a sweeter reward, and a greater goal.

It is great to hear ‘job well done’ from others, and that affirmation can be a great motivator, but take great care that this isn’t all you hunger for. The sweet ‘well done’ of Jesus will far out shine any award or praise we get from others.

Re:Verse reading–Luke 5:1-11 (day two). But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” vs. 8

Sound familiar?

Then I said, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5

Most of my career was spent in the performing arts world. Generally teaching others to love and foster the art of singing. As such artists are always listening to other artists, attending concerts, and finding new ways  to perfect their craft. I have often found myself saying after hearing another group or singer “I have no business in this business!”

When you encounter greatness there is an instant humility in your own life. You are instantly aware of your short-comings and weaknesses. Isaiah and Peter experienced this at the most profound level. A simple word from God and they saw their sin. We shouldn’t be afraid to confront the almighty just because he will expose our inadequacies. We should run to him so that he may fill those places with his sufficiency.

Re:Verse reading–Luke 4:14-30 (day two)  And He began teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all. vs. 15

Before he challenged their comfort with the prophecies of Isaiah the people of Galilee were astonished by Jesus’ knowledge of scripture, and his ability to unpack it for them. Jesus was not out creating new doctrine or shouting outside the temple. He was with the people. Teaching them. They already had all the texts they needed. What Jesus was doing was helping them connect truths in ways they were never able to consider before. A good teacher will do that for y0u. Even if you have all the facts it can be a very daunting task to try and put it together without someone who knows what the final outcome should be.

Jesus can still connect the dots for you if you struggle with making sense of life, of faith, of him. He is still a good teacher.

Re:Verse reading–Luke 4:1-13  (day two) And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry. vs. 2b

Sometimes I think Dr. Luke is the king of understatement. I am sure that Jesus was indeed hungry at the end of the 40 days. What strikes me is the mystery of fasting. Earlier in the verse Luke writes that Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit.” No food in his belly, but full to overflowing with the Spirit. On the surface you would think that anyone would be at their weakest and most defenseless at the end of a fast like that. While I am not advocating the neglect of our health, I am struck by the clarity of Jesus’ responses to Satan. It was his hunger that Satan first addresses, but Jesus’ dependence and sustenance were found in God alone.

There is so much to discover about Jesus in this passage. If we empty ourselves of stuff, and fill ourselves with the Spirit of God doesn’t it stand to reason that we, too, we have a clearer picture of the purpose of God is in our lives?

Re:Verse reading–Luke 3:1-20  (day two) 

John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. vs. 16

Most of us have been to concerts that feature a group that plays prior to the main act. This opener or warm-up group is typically a young, relatively unknown, band that is trying to establish a following. Generally they will tour with an established artist in the genre they are trying to build a following with.

John was so much more than an opening act for Jesus. His message was new and ancient. His was a lone voice crying to the world about the coming promise. Unlike a band trying to be the next great thing, John was getting the world ready for the Messiah. His best efforts would never accomplish what Jesus would, and he was desperate to prepare people to meet this savior.

It is not likely that we will be called in to the wilderness to eat locusts, but we do have the commission to tell others about Jesus. Let’s do it with abandon, just like John.

Re:Verse reading–Luke 2:39-52  (day two) 

Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. vs. 46

What later would become the hallmark of Jesus’ teaching is clearly evident in this twelve year old boy. Listening and asking questions. How often would the 30 year old version of Jesus confound the disciples, the pharisees, or crowds with questions: Who do you say I am? How many fish are there?  Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? Jesus would always direct the thinking of others with questions. These questions reveal not only whether you have the knowledge, but also what your heart truly values. Perhaps we can listen and ask more questions when speaking with others. What do you think?

Re:Verse reading–Luke 2:1-20 (day two)

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” vs. 13-14

Do you seek peace? Is it justice and truth that you are after in your life? Notice the order in which the angels offer a solution: Give God glory, then receive his peace. Not exactly how we normally would think this would or should come about. Our nature would say…let me achieve peace, and then I will glorify God. This is one of the things that angels were telling us that night. Look up, it’s not about you. It is only ever, and always about Jesus. Do you want peace? Try letting go of what is keeping your head down, look up and praise his name.

By the way these verses serve as the central theme to our Christmas at First presentation this year. Please make plans to join us Saturday and Sunday at 6PM. Invite your neighbors, friends, and family. Let’s glorify God together.

Re:Verse reading–Luke 1:1-38 (day two) It seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. vs. 3-4

Aren’t you grateful for these four men who captured the life of Jesus in narrative form? Four different perspectives; some first hand accounts, some gathered through the testimony of others, and yet all in agreement about the person of Jesus. It was clear to Luke from the beginning that this account was to instruct, affirm, and clarify all that was being said about Jesus. Little did he know, perhaps, that this primer would serve as a key component in the gospel texts.

One of my favorite things about a book is reading it again. I always find something new. Sometimes I didn’t have enough life experience to really appreciate what the author was saying, and when I encounter it again I see with new eyes. Let’s read this story again and see how the Lord through Luke can tell us something new.