October 24–Luke 24

“Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? (39) See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself” (24:38-39)

If I am honest (please, God), I am often troubled. Even now, after years of following Christ, doubts and fears rise in my heart.

When it is so, it is always because I have forgotten or drifted from the first principle of New Testament life. Christ is with me! He, all of His competence and care and wisdom, is with me! True of every believer. The mind focused on Christ experiences peace. See Romans 8:7.

In Luke 24, in the hours after the resurrection, Jesus taught His disciples (us) this new powerful path.

Jesus was with the disciples even when they were unaware of it. On the road to Emmaus, neither their eyes nor their feelings gave evidence to this reality, but it was true, nevertheless. We walk by faith and not by sight. As with the Emmaus travelers, the Lord is near. Do you believe? Will you?

Jesus was with the disciples in the Scripture. With deliberate intent, Jesus led these men back to the Bible. He challenged them for being “slow to believe it” (24:25). The written word, by the very design of God, has powerful ability to cause the believer to know the Savior’s presence. The disciples gave testimony to this truth. “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” (24:32).

I know this experience! When I seek Him in Scripture, Jesus is present with me. Using the Bible, the Spirit sets my heart on fire with hope and enthusiasm. “Is not my word like a fire?” says the Lord in Jeremiah 23:29.

“They returned to Jerusalem with great joy, (53) and were continually in the temple praising God” (24:52-53). Will you consider? By the end of the chapter, these men were filled with joy and hope and courage and power, when none of it was present before. What gave them this new life? They learned that their competent Lord was (is) with them? To focus on this truth was (is) a door to a different life.

What if you fixed your heart on Him, dear reader? What would life be if you lived out of this new equation? What would the impact be in attitude or courage if you jettisoned every other focus, every other concentration of mind, for this truth?

“Why are you troubled?”, says the Savior to His disciples, ancient and modern. “I am with you!”

“Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us’ “(Matthew 1:23).

October 23–Luke 23

It was a day of darkness. Moral darkness. Physical darkness. The Spiritual rebellion of the human race on grim display. See Psalm 2.

On this awful day, government failed its duty of justice. Religion failed its duty of truth. Every facet of society contributed to this moment of cruel injustice.

When the Gospel writers speak of the cross, they simply tell the story. With great economy and reverence, they narrate the event without commentary or explanation. They tell what happened, who spoke and what was said. The event, for them, was (is) self-explanatory.

Today, will you allow your mind to recreate this scene? Will you put every piece of the picture in its proper place? With a reverent heart, and open eyes, will you come and stand at the cross?

Pilate questions Jesus. Reports that he finds Him innocent. Looking for a way out of his own political dilemma, he sends Him to Herod. Jesus is silent before this corrupt king. The chief priests are inflamed with anger. Jesus is sent back to Pilate. A mob forms. Soldiers mock. As a joke, expensive robes are placed on His shoulders. Pilate offers to be lenient. The irrational mob refuses. Sentence is pronounced.

Simon of Cyrene is seized and forced to assist. Women weep. Jesus warns them. The true time for weeping will come later. Arriving at Golgotha, Jesus is crucified between two criminals.

The sounds are as vivid as the sights. Hammers strike nails. “Father, forgive them,” prays Jesus aloud. The crowd mocks. The first criminal joins in. The second criminal turns to Christ in faith. The Lord speaks words of grace to a new believer. The whispered sorrow of the Centurion. “We have crucified an innocent man!” Do you hear the sounds, dear one?

Then, darkness spreads over the scene. Creation revealing the rage of God. It hints the wrath to come. Simultaneously, the temple veil is torn top to bottom. It is both judgement on Israel and an invitation to the world.

For hundreds of years believers have observed “The Stations of the Cross”. Carvings or pictures that help believers devotionally consider all the parts of the crucifixion event. As you read Luke, perhaps you will do something similar. Ask yourself, “What does this day teach me about God, myself, the world?” “What does this moment call me to do?”

“At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there, by faith, I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day”(Isaac Watts).

“Stricken, smitten and afflicted, see Him dying on the tree! ‘Tis the Christ by man rejected, yes, my soul, ’tis He, ’tis He! ‘Tis the long-expected Prophet, David’s son, yet David’s Lord; by His Son, God now has spoken. ‘Tis the true and faithful Word”(O Mein Jesu, Ich Muss Sterben, translation by Thomas Kelly).

October 22–Luke 22

“But behold, the hand of the one betraying Me is with Mine on the table. For indeed the Son of Man is going as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed”(22:21-22).

God is sovereign. ALL things ultimately yield to His will and choice. At the same moment,man is responsible. This also by God’s sovereign choice. Every human is capable of a moral response to God and culpable when we refuse. We do not control outcomes, but we are held accountable for our inner thoughts and actions.

For three years, Judas walked with Jesus. Having witnessed miracles, having seen the Lord’s character, Judas’ betrayal is difficult to understand. John says, and Luke agrees, that greed played a part. Satan was also a factor. His heart darkened by multiple forces, Judas betrayed Jesus, his friend and Lord. Who knows what justifications he gave himself as he walked this tragic path?

Judas did not CAUSE Jesus’ death. (The cross was God’s plan from the beginning.) Nevertheless, Judas bore the terrible judgement for his actions. See the sober words of Christ, above.

It is the same for us. We live in the universe of a God who counts hairs, sees sparrows. He is infinitely aware of the smallest details of every life. In response to His revelations of Himself, God insists that we make choices. Worship! Seek Him! Deny self! Trust! Imperatives all. At the center of every life is a choice. To seek God or self. For our choice, He rightly holds us accountable.

A wise and gracious God does not force me to love Him, nor pretend that it makes no ultimate difference if I do not. He is sovereign. I am responsible. Judas was held accountable for His choices. I will be held accountable for mine.

“We don’t get to choose what is true. We only get to choose what we do about it” (Kami Garcia).

“I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life that you may live, you and your descendants” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

October 21–Luke 20-21

“So they answered that they did not know where it (the baptism of John) came from. And Jesus said to them, ‘Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things’ “(20:7-8).

In our relationship, God sets the rules of engagement. One of the conditions He wisely sets for those who would “walk in the light” is when truth is revealed we are to discern, decide and act! No procrastination or delay. No plea for more certainty. When, by His grace, the door of truth swings open, we are to walk through it ! He requires this courage of us.

When John the Baptizer burst on the national scene of ancient Israel, the Pharisees stonewalled him. Uncomfortable with his message and direction, they ignored him. Took no public stand. Made no commitment of faith. Despite the obvious indicators of prophetic authority, they refused a decision on whether God sent him. “No comment,” they said to those who inquired. No wonder they are later unprepared to affirm the Christ. If you will not take the first step, the second (when it comes) will be impossible for you.

Why should God give us more truth until we have responded to the truth already given? Our part of the equation of faith must always be the courage to decide and embrace the truth as it comes. Even when it is politically or personally inconvenient. Even when it is disruptive or uncomfortable. Not to do so proves the problem is in our hearts. In our wills. Did you think He doesn’t notice when you ghost Him?

Friend, what truth has God revealed that you rejected, resisted or procrastinated? Maybe you didn’t outright deny it, just didn’t deal with it, didn’t decide or commit yourself. With God, the predicate for more truth is to receive and act on the truth you already have. If you desire Christ, you must have the courage to decide.

“If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know whether (my) teaching is from God”(John 7:17).

“Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin”(James 4:16).

October 20–Luke 18-19

“Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night. . .However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”(18:7-8).

I must remember. God expects me to CONTINUE in prayer. It is a duty I must carry way past the level of my own comfort. A generation ago we called it importunate prayer. Unceasing. Persevering. Prayer that never gives up, even to the point of becoming an annoyance.

None of us wants to be a “bother”. Especially not to God. Scripture, however, urges something different. “Please bother Me!” commands the Most High. Ask! Stay on your knees! Pray without ceasing.

The Jesus story makes this lesson clear. A woman refuses to give up her pursuit for justice (legal). Her persistence pays off. In the same way the judge responded to her request, the Father WILL bring justice for His elect who call out to Him day and night. Note the implied sense of patience and perseverance in the words, “day and night.” The Father hears us when we pray, but REAL prayer is a COSTLY enterprise, proven in persistence. We must ASK, risk the fear of failure and make our requests known to God. With undiscouraged resilience we must also KEEP ASKING.

“Will the Lord find faith (such as this woman had) when He returns?” Jesus wondered aloud. Will He find saints in prayer meetings and private closets, making use of their great privilege, calling out for His great justice and peace to come? Not selfish prayers. Prayers for justice. Prayers for the world to be restored.

Will you take a moment and reflect on what you ASKED God this morning in your quiet time? Did you ask for something great, or did you just worry in His presence? Did you cry out for Christ to return in power? With undiscouraged confidence, will you cry out again tomorrow and the next day, until He comes?

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

October 19–Luke 16-17

“And the master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly”(16:8).

Strange story. Challenging. At first reading, it almost seems that Jesus is approving the actions of an unethical manager. Does our Lord commend dishonesty? No. Does He teach intelligent action? Yes!

In this brilliant story, our Lord urges us to use our heads. He gives us permission to think and to act, to not be paralyzed when life becomes difficult. Intelligent, resilient courage. Jesus calls it “being shrewd”(phronimos, “prudence, wisdom, use of the mind.” The root is phren, “mind”).

Early in my years as a follower, a friend taught me a process for making decisions. 1) Think hard–consider all possibilities, logically, honestly, practically. 2) Pray hard–in full surrender of will, submit all choices to the Lord in prayer. Be still. Wait. 3) Make a decision and act–take steps and trust the Lord to bless. Over the years, I have used this counsel with great benefit.

The enemy works to convince believers that the use of our minds is contrary to faith. Not true! God made us to be flesh and Spirit, natural AND supernatural. We are to be citizens of both worlds, living in the dynamic tension between them. The Spirit is superior to logic, but no substitute for it. When it is time to wait, action is a mistake. When it is time to act, further waiting is unbelief. As we seek Him, the Spirit helps us know which wisdom to use in each situation.

Looking at your life and circumstances, what is the wisest way forward? What actions should you take? Wise as serpents AND gentle as doves (Matthew 10:16). Not timid (2 Timothy 1:7). Our Lord calls us to be SHREWD.

“Make a new plan, Stan. You don’t need to be coy, Roy. Drop off the key, Lee, and get yourself free”(Paul Simon).

“If you are not willing to move your feet, don’t go asking God for help” (Germany Kent).

“And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).

October 18–Luke 14-15

“You will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous”(14:14).

Salvation is a gift. No question. The necessary power for a restored relationship with God flows from His infinite strength to helpless men. The credit is HIS alone.

Even so, we are not a passive participants. God created us for good works. “Faith that works,” says James 2:18. By His Spirit, God restores us for disciplined participation in His world. In union with Him, we will make imprints in the material, emotional, social world. In a display of infinite grace, our Father rewards us for this labor!

In Luke 14, Jesus motivates the Pharisees with this potential. Carrot. Incentive. Not unspiritual think this way. Ministry from merciful hearts will be REPAID. Just as sin has wages, so does obedience and service. Paul reasons similarly in Philippians 3. “I press forward for the goal of the PRIZE.” Double mercy. God makes righteousness possible and then rewards us for doing it.

Specifically, Jesus urged the Pharisees to offer ministry to the poor. Help for those who cannot help in return. God notices mercy. He repays His people for acts of generosity.

A focus on the coming resurrection is a great blessing to the believer. “The great gittin’ up morning,” the early American hymn writers called it. The resurrection will be a day of celebration and recognition for the faithful! A day when wise use of talents will be publicly honored! In Philippians 3, Paul expresses his hope, “that I may attain to the resurrection of the dead”. It was his goal. It should be ours, too.

Friend, how much of your life is a conscious and courageous investment in the day that is coming? Does your confidence in a coming day inspire you to action and service?

“In the future, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing”(2 Timothy 4:7-8).

“The twenty-four elders will fall down before Him. . .and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ‘Worthy are You, our Lord and our God to receive glory and honor and power”(Revelation 4:10-11).

October 17–Luke 12-13

“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known”(12:1-2).

It is a description more than an insult. Hypocrite translates two Greek words. Hupo meant “under”. Krites meant “to judge or decide”. A hypocrite, therefore, is a person whose decisions and life-directions come from under a mask. The true person and motives are hidden. The hypocrite is a pretender. Surface rather than substance. Self-deceived, often.

When Jesus saw this tendency in the Pharisees, He warned His disciples (us) of the danger. An easy mistake, hypocrisy teaches us to concentrate on appearance, on outward compliance. If others approve of me, I must be fine, right? See the sad story of the rich, young ruler in Mark 10. He never faced the deeper truth of his own sinful heart. No mourning. No contrition. No crisis of true faith. As he had been taught to do, he “cleaned the outside of the cup” (see Matthew 23:25), but never faced the true disorder in his heart.

God’s wisdom calls us to “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7). Commands us to stand regularly in the healing light of God’s revelation of Himself and His Law. Painful path. Life-giving! See 2 Corinthians 7:10 and Psalm 51. “Truth hurts,” says the world. “Truth heals,” says the Lord.

Jesus’ argument for this honest approach to life is that EVENTUALLY NOTHING WILL BE HIDDEN. At the end of life and time, everything will be out in the open! No secrets. If all things will be ultimately revealed, what possible benefit is there in pretending now?

Friend, do you hear the Lord inviting you to drop the mask? To confess sin and find true acceptance in Him? Hypocrisy does not heal the soul. Christ does, and honest repentance/faith is the path to Him.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced” (James Baldwin).

” ‘Come, let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘though your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow’ “(Isaiah 1:18).

“If we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin”(1 John 1:7).

October 16–Luke 10-11

“Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come”(10:1).

His greatest mercy! Our highest privilege! Following the Savior, our lives gradually take on a Christ-like shape. We are conformed to His image. We share the life and purpose and character of our Master.

We become VOCAL like Him. Only the twelve at first (see Luke 9:1-2), soon Jesus appointed seventy and sent them out in pairs. Bold advocates and witnesses. Unashamed. Friend, as you follow Christ are you becoming more vocal? Do you increasingly perceive your assignment to TELL a life-giving truth? You shall be my witnesses. . .

We become QUIET like Him. The balancing truth of Christian activism is Christian rest and reflection. See 9:10. Like a pendulum, we move toward the world in active engagement and then retreat from the world to hear from the Lord. Both. Always both. In 10:41 the Lord commended Mary for understanding this truth. Friend, are you regularly quiet before the Lord? Receptive and attentive, patient to pursue His will, soft to the direction of His word? Be still and know. . .

WE become PRAYERFUL like Him. By this point, the disciples are fascinated with the prayer life of Jesus. See 11:1-13. Prayer was the source of our Lord’s power and effectiveness. Note carefully the six things that Jesus teaches them to say daily as a structured guide for a new life of prayer. 1) Father. 2) Your name be hallowed. 3) Your kingdom come. 4) Provide (our needs). 5) Forgive (our sins). 6) Lead us (in the ever-present battle with the enemy).

Friend, is the Lord daily making you more vocal, more reflective, more prayerful? His goal is for you to be like Him.

“Lord help me be a little more like mercy, a little more like grace; a little more like kindness, goodness, love and faith; a little more like patience, a little more like peace; a little more like Jesus,a little less like me” (Zach Williams).

“After a pupil has been fully trained, he will be like his teacher”(Luke 6:40).

October 15–Luke 8-9

“The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life and bring no fruit to maturity”(8:14).

Fruit is God’s goal. I must never forget or get distracted. He intends my life to be productive. I was made for a purpose. God’s grace doesn’t change this expectation, just makes it possible. See Matthew 3:8 and the preaching of John the Baptist.

The Bible says that we will be judged by our deeds. See 2 Corinthians 5:10. Genuine faith is to be expressed in obedient effort. See James 2:18. God-given talents are to be employed in intelligent, intentional, productive service. See Matthew 25:14-30. The material world is to bear Spiritual fruit.

In the parable of Jesus, four soils receive the seed (God’s word. His commands. His decisions. His guidance.) Only one of the soils welcomes the seed in a way that ultimately produces fruit.

The third soil is particularly troubling. A healthy and promising start, then worries and riches and pleasure crowd in. The seed is CHOKED by things that distract and dilute. Not bad things, just things other than God’s high purpose. Schedules and social obligations, politics and pleasures, suck the oxygen, spend the energy. No harvest ever comes.

Friend, is His passion your passion? As a child of the King, are you active in and committed to your Father’s business? Have you embraced His purpose for your life? Will you?

“Don’t focus on being successful. Focus on being useful” (Peter Drucker).

“And do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire”(Matthew 3:9-19).