Category: LUKE

Re:Verse passage – Luke 8:1-15 (day six)

God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 1 Corinthians 1:27

I imagine the disciples were discouraged. Those they expected to follow Jesus had rejected him, and those they least expected were now following him, like sinful women (Luke 7:37) and government officials. Likely, this was not how they thought the coming Kingdom would go.

Jesus was not surprised; he knew what the Father was doing. That’s what he was telling his disciples.

The proud, wise, and powerful of the world were being snatched up, distracted, and consumed by the cares of the world. It would be the least of these that would sink roots deep and bear fruit.

Re:Verse passage – Luke 8:1-15 (day five)

“The sower went out to sow his seed;”

It seems like a “no-brainer” to say or think that a sower is gonna sow. But there comes a moment or occasion for action and engagement.  The interesting thing to me, is that the sower knows exactly who he/she is and understands that their identity is tied to their activity.  A decision or determination was made to “sow”, because that’s who they are.

I wonder how well believers understand their/our identity as believers- who we are and how that correlates in to our attitudes and actions.  Let’s mention a few:  We are worshippers. We are witnesses. We are followers. We are disciples (learners). We are servants. We are members (family/body).  So, if identity correlates to activity, what should we be doing because of who we are?  Learning? Witnessing? Worshipping? Etc.

If there is a disconnect, is it in the understanding of identity, or the absence of activity?  Lord, show us/remind us, who we are and help us live that out faithfully!!

Re:Verse passage – Luke 8:1-15 (day four)

While each of these soils represents a different person and how they respond to the Word of God, they can each show up in our lives at any given time.  Depending on how we have cultivated our heart or not, (repentance, anger, bitterness, disobedience, or hardening your heart) we may experience all of these responses at one time or another.  The soil of our heart requires daily cultivation to avoid the influence of the culture around us.  If we ignore the care of our heart, we will become hardened and unfruitful in our response to God.

What is the condition of your heart?  Do you desire an honest and good heart that is fruitful to God?  You can only produce good fruit with careful attention to the care of the soil of your heart.  Verse 15 ends with one key word—perseverance or steadfastness.  You have to give ongoing care to your ‘soil’ to maintain your fruitfulness.

Re:Verse passage – Luke 8:1-15 (day three)

“Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God.”

What happens when heaven and earth meet? Well, the Bible’s whole content is the exact answer to that question. Journey and suffering and joy and sorrow and redemption and damnation and pain and blood and rescue and loss and wonder. In the course of the Bible’s narrative, priceless treasure is cast aside while empty promises enthrall hearts and minds. The parable of the sower and the seed captures that whole story in a few lines. Don’t be surprised, the Bible instructs us, when people reject God. The witness of scripture is clear: weeds grow; darkness misunderstands; people hide. Seeds fall on stony ground. It happens, and it will happen. But some seeds will germinate. Be ready to respond. Lift up your eyes to the fields ready for harvest.

Re:Verse passage – Luke 8:1-15 (day two)  

“Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God.” vs. 11

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
It will not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

Do you do any investing? I confess that this is not an area that I have great knowledge of, but I am grateful for individuals who help me make wise choices. Whether you are investing your finances or into an individual or project one thing that you always hope for is a good Return On Investment. You want to know that your resources have been well spent and that you haven’t squandered your time on something that ultimately won’t bring great yield.

The Kingdom of God does not work in this way. While we are to be good stewards of what the Lord gives us, his Word is a different matter. Our mindset should be to spread the gospel wherever we go, wherever we are, with whomever we meet. We are to be faithful to that call, and then by the miracle of the Holy Spirit, the Word will accomplish what it sets out to do. On that you can be sure. Invest in the Word, invest in people, and let the Lord deal with hearts.

Re:Verse passage – Luke 6:46-49 (day seven)

“…who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock.” vs 48

Have you ever had your foundation repaired on your home? It can be an aggravating experience.  Your house may look beautiful from the outside, but a small shift in the soil can cause extensive damage to the integrity of the home. Even a well laid foundation is susceptible to damage if the ground surrounding the foundation is not properly cared for. Well cultivated grounds reinforce the structure of the foundation.

This is the same for many Christians as well. They laid a great foundation in their younger years, but over time they began to neglect their faith, placing too much trust in their foundation alone. Neglect allows for the ground to shift, and shifting left unattended leaves their faith vulnerable. Heroes of faith are those who continually nurture their theology, thus reinforcing their foundation. What are you doing to cultivate your faith and reinforce your foundation?

Re:Verse passage – Luke 6:46-49 (day six)

 I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. Luke 6:47

Stop for a moment and give these words some thought, “when someone comes to me.” Jesus, the Son of God, creator of the heavens and earth, holy and true, purer than the fiercest fire, God with us, says, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden.” Come to me.

Who exactly? Any of us and all of us. Not just squeaky clean, lovely kind of people, but the broken, fractured, disfigured-by-sin kind of people. Jesus is eager to receive all, if we would only come to him.

In our world, the more powerful you become the less accessible you become. Not so with Jesus. His invitation to come to him is the very heart of his mission.

Is your life characterized by coming to him? Have you taken his invitation for granted? I know I do from time to time; maybe even last week. And even still, he says come to me.

How about you?

Re:Verse passage – Luke 6:46-49 (day five)  Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like.
Jesus concludes His lengthy sermon with a parable. He brilliantly places humans into 2 groups. Wise builders and foolish builders. Don’t miss what He is teaching. Every person is a builder. To live is to build. And construction happens every day. Each life is a house- values, priorities, character, temperament, perspective, choices, dedication, determination, and decisions.  All of these can be formed and framed by obedience to the Lord as a result of an intimate and vibrant relationship with Him (Lord, Lord). Jesus also teaches not only are we are all builders, but the storms of life hit all of us too- trials, tragedy, temptation. They’re Sudden. Intense. Forceful.
We all will experience and feel the storms. Yet in a life (house) whose foundation is built on the Rock, there is a sense of safety, peace, hope, and strength (during and after the storm).  Takes time and work (like digging)- Listening, Learning, Obeying.   We must build daily and regularly.
Slowly and surely, the house comes together.

Re:Verse passage – Luke 6:46-49 (day four) 

This week’s passage is the final parable in the Sermon on the Mount.  Jesus had preached the lengthy discourse to the Jewish people.  Many of the Jews led very devoted lives.  They loved Jehovah and ordered their lives according to the Mosaic Law.  Jesus made this very clear contrast to a life obedient to God and the life that did not have a foundation built upon Him (Christ).  The interesting element to this story is that the same torrent burst against each house.  It was the house with a strong foundation (Jesus) that stood.  The other house failed.  Until the torrent came, it was not evident which house would weather the storm.

Where is your life founded?  Have you built your life upon the Solid Rock?

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand.

All other ground is sinking sand.