Luke 19

After the people had seen the miracles and heard His dynamic teaching, Jesus became a national celebrity. On His way to Jerusalem to be crucified, He stopped off at Jericho and the crowd was so great, a short man had to climb up in a tree to see Him. It was that way everywhere. This infuriated the powers-that-be. Jesus was upsetting the apple cart.

The powerful people that THINK they are in control get all shook up when they see leaders who can draw a crowd. In our society, Christ Jesus is becoming more and more hated by these pseudo-powers. He threatens them.

Unto Christ Jesus was given ALL POWER and AUTHORITY. The people knew where the real power was. They usually do.

Luke 18

How often should we pray? Christ told the story of a widow and an unjust judge. She prevailed with him because she was persistent. Jesus promised that God would act on the prayers of the saints that were uttered day and night.

When Paul said, “Pray without ceasing,” I think this is what he meant. It’s not that you stop and kneel and fold your hands to pray. You maintain a constant communication with the Lord. Life becomes a constant dialogue between you and Jesus about everything.

“In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.” [Phil. 4:6,7]

Luke 16, 17

When Jesus cleansed and healed ten lepers near Samaria, only one came back to Him and thanked Him. Christ noted that the man’s faith was the key to his healing. Some translations say, “Your faith has saved you.” Regardless, this man’s faith was stirred for FUTURE healings, his future salvation, and possible a future ministry to others because he discovered the value of gratitude.

We are instructed to give thanks in ALL THINGS. Actually, we are to give thanks to God even BEFORE He grants a miracle. This is a way of life … giving thanks to God in faith.

The next time you pray for healing, or believe for it for yourself, begin thanking God ahead of time for the healing. It’s this kind of faith that makes you whole.

Luke 15

The story of the Prodigal Son is really a story about a father’s love. The son’s errant journey is not the focus … the father’s love when the son returns home is what’s important.

If you’re not a father, it may be difficult to understand why the father was so quick to forgive and welcome his son home. But, if you are a (Christian) father, you know that nothing a son does can diminish the love and care you have for him.

A father’s love causes him to leave the 99 safe sheep and seek out the lost sheep who needs recovering. A father’s love just keeps coming and praying and believing for the best for his son.

We need more fathers.

Luke 14

Talking about feasts, Jesus reproved those in attendance at a Sabbath meal for jockeying for the best places at the table. He rather encouraged them to take the lowest place, explaining that it’s better to be asked UP rather than being shoved DOWN.

Can we apply this principle to our driving?

Yesterday, Patty and I traveled to the downtown Piedmont Hospital for an appointment. It was intriguing (and frustrating) to watch all the aggressive jockeying going on while traffic was backed up on I-75 north due to an accident. I was humbled by my own interest in MY SCHEDULE rather than preferring the drivers around me. As we observed accidents and rear-ending all around us, we concluded that we were SO GLAD we didn’t have to do this everyday. Humility might consist of wise scheduling so that one wouldn’t be subjected to all the jockeying in the first place.

Again, the first shall be last and the last shall be first.

Luke 13

Show me a person who doesn’t like to eat and I’ll show you a gazillion dollars. It’s interesting how God designed this system of taking on fuel to live. Not only do we enjoy eating here in this life, but we will REALLY enjoy eating at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. [Rev. 19:9] Luke 13 refers to an occasion to sit down or recline in God’s Kingdom to feast.

We used to sing a chorus, “He brought us to His banqueting table.” These references all refer to saints who have been granted entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. Could it be that Paul’s description of Heaven … “Eye hasn’t seen, ear hasn’t heard, it hasn’t entered into the heart of man the things God has prepared for them who love Him … can apply to the glorious meals that will be served there?

For me, it will be great to not worry about how much sugar I’m eating.

Luke 12

I’m not a detail person. My wife is. Opposites attract. For us, the bases are covered. (She can’t eat like I can)

The God we serve has every hair on our head numbered. He watches and accounts for every bird that flies in the air around us. To me, THAT’S DETAIL.

If He is that concerned about natural things, how much more is He concerned about spiritual and life issues like our attitudes, actions, and words. We will give account of every idle word. All that is concealed will be revealed. (Now that’s a scary thought) Nevertheless, all sin can be confessed and forgiven. We are wise to be aware of God’s attention to detail, especially when it concerns every attitude of our heart and every action we commit.

Walk the Walk and talk the Talk.

Luke 11

Man looks on the outside, but God looks on the heart.

What is the measure of a man? His clothes? His physique? His bank account? Christ Jesus taught about issues of the heart. He encouraged purity of heart. He pretty much established that as a critical factor in a relationship with God. [Matt. 5:8]

Every new Christian experiences the challenge to focus on their heart. It’s the job of the Holy Spirit to convict and convince us of the sin within. He cleanses with fire. It’s painful, but so rewarding and so necessary.

When Jesus described a clean inside, He pointed out its generosity. He said a clean heart gives to the poor. A clean heart is more concerned about others than it is itself. “He who loses his life for My sake will find it.” [Matt. 10:39]

Luke 10

As Jesus began sending out His Disciples to preach the Gospel, He told them they were to be as lambs among wolves. Imagine if a football coach said that to his team before a game. What if a sales manager demanded this attitude on his team? Do politicians succeed with this posture?

Jesus wants us to be like Him. He said, “I am meek and lowly in heart.” He didn’t need to hype Himself up to be victorious. He had ALREADY been destined by the Heavenly Father to have overcome the world. He was THE LAMB OF GOD.

We have been made co-inheritors of all the Father had given Him. We also are already victorious. So, no amount of human mojo is necessary to push our message. The message is already as strong as it needs to be.

Preach the Word. We have this treasure in our (weak) earthen vessels.

Luke 8, 9

Are you a disciple of Christ? If so, you have ALSO been endued with power to cast out demons, heal the sick, and proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom.

•  “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” [Acts 1:8]
• “Whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” [John 14:12]
• Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. [Mark 6:7]

There you have it. Now, go and use it.