Author: Aaron Hufty

Re: Verse reading – Luke 24:13-35 (day two)
“As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them” Luke 24:28-29  What strikes me first about this great story is that although the disciples are kept from knowing who Jesus was, they were captivated by him.  What does that tell us about the nature and character of Jesus?  He was compassionate, he listened as they told them of the events of the past week.  He was knowledgeable and able to teach as he explained the words of the Prophets.  He was certainly compelling for they desired greatly for his company.  Jesus drew people to himself even when they had no idea of his true nature, he does that still.  So that they would truly know the fullness of the Prophets stories, the Lamb that was broken, broke bread with them and their eyes were opened.  What a remarkable story.

Re: Verse reading–Luke 21:5-24 (day two)
“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?  Certainly first-century human nature still resonates 20 centuries later.  If we are to endure hardship, we generally want to know when it’s coming.  Makes sense, doesn’t it?  How much time do we have to prepare? What do I have to do immediately?  But Jesus knows our nature better than we do.  He also knew/knows that if we were given a time and place we would also squander opportunities to love and serve.  Dave Ramsey has a slogan in his Financial Peace University that says “Live like no one else so one day you can LIVE like no one else.”  This is good financial stewardship, but it also make sense for how we govern our lives.  We shouldn’t live with the fear of imminent doom, but with the joy that one day Christ will restore and redeem.

Re: Verse reading – Luke 20:1-8, 20-26 (day two)
If you have ever discipled a young believer about evangelism it is likely they asked a question like “what if someone asks me a question and I don’t know the answer?” This is a very earnest question that most of us have faced when sharing our faith at some point even to a contentious audience.  As always we take our cue from Jesus.  He knew what was happening and how almost any answer would trap him, but rather than play to their scheme he listened.  He listened to the heart of those who questioned him.  They were not seeking truth, they were seeking justification for their plot.  Thanks be to God for the gift of discernment in these situations.  We should continue to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the heart of the matter.  Logic, doctrine, dogma, mean nothing if he who asks doesn’t have ears to hear.  As we continue to share our faith pray that the Lord will reveal the words that will truly penetrate, and then listen.

Re: Verse reading – Luke 19:1-10 (day two)
When they saw it, they all began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”  So what do you think they were expecting Jesus to do?  How long do you think the crowd had been following him? Apparently not long enough to realize the house of a sinner is exactly where he would want to go.  Zacchaeus was the object of most people’s derision due to his occupation and his business practices.  That, however, was not what Jesus was interested in.  Thanks be to God.  How often do we look upon a person based on a preconception of their status or even an assessment of what we actually know of them?  Moreover it also stands to reason that there are those among us that would look upon us with the same misguided criteria of worthy or unworthy.  I’m so grateful that Jesus can look up in a tree and see none of that.  My prayer today is that I look more with His eyes and far less with mine.

Re: Verse reading–Luke 18:18-30 (day two)
The Sunday before Christmas we looked at Luke 12 and the parable of the Rich Fool who also decided to put treasure on things he could possess and hoard.  Didn’t end well that time either.  Pastor Don very shrewdly also included Luke’s version of the birth of the Christ-child.  As Mary, surely still weary from a long journey and a delivery, saw the events unfold around her she made a choice; she treasured.  The visit from the angel, the star, the shepherds, and the wise-men all came to adore this child.  Her response was simple, she put her joy in her heart and to the Lord.  No excuses for the condition of the barn or an apology to the Kings for the meekness of their clothes.  She treasured this where it would be eternally valuable.

Re: Verse reading – Luke 18:9-17 (day two)
What a blessing it is to watch and help cultivate the formation of my two daughters.  One of the things that struck me when I became a father was the absolute devotion my girls show to us.  As children, especially my toddler, they know nothing of fear, hate, pain, disappointment.  They know trust, love, and joy.  When I look into the eyes of my baby, you can clearly see what Jesus was talking about in Luke 18.  Her eyes are clear, bright, and undiminished.  They carry none of the pain that colors all who try to live apart from His perfect will.  Those eyes are to me a reminder of how far my faith still has to grow, but what an excellent reminder.