April 17
--------------------
Today's passage from Luke shows how rich Jesus' teachings are. It would be worthwhile to just think upon some of these stories. Keep them in your mind as you go throughout the day. Think about them as you drift off to sleep. Take a look at this story about the rich young ruler. There is so much to learn here. First there is of course the lesson that the rich man foolishly thought himself to have followed the law perfectly. Jesus picks out one issue and shows that the man is unable to fulfill the commandment. His riches (could be anything in our lives) weigh him down from doing great things. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, which basically means impossible... but the story doesnt end here! The disciples are struck by Jesus' words. They reflect that this makes it impossible for man to be saved. Jesus then comforts them with the fact that there is nothing impossible for God. God is able to heal us when we call out to him, because he is more powerful than our sin. He has defeated it. Finally Jesus gives a word of encouragement for those who forsake the things of this world, they will receive these things back more fully in this life and in the life to come. We grasp at the people and things in our lives, but it is God who provides for every need. What a rich passage!
The parable is followed by two more stories, one where Jesus predicts his death and the disciples don't understand. Also there is a wonderful telling of how blind beggar pleaded and received his sight through faith.
How often have we thought we were good enough for God? We're never good enough for God. We're always dependent on Him filling in the gaps.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the blind man mirror's Jesus teaching from the Thursday reading. Like the woman in Jesus' parable about the judge, this real life blind man kept hollering out to Jesus until his sight was healed.
Oh, that we prayed so regularly! What would Christians be able to accomplish?