Luke 17-18
Interesting quote from "New Interpreter's Bible Commentary", Vol. IX, pg. 324, "...lack of humility is more dangerous than temptation...It prevents us from experiencing the depth of God's love for us". It appears that self righteousness and false spiritual superiority can be destructive to the body of Christ. We are challenged in chapter 17 to be servants (or "slaves", depending on the translation you are reading).
Fear seems to drive us apart. What are you afraid of when it comes to being a follower of Jesus? Has anything ever caused you to leave a church because you didn't agree with something?
Here's a statement that I am not familiar with, Luke 17:37, "Where the corpse is, the vultures will gather." Ick. It's not something I remember learning in Sunday School. Interesting to contemplate.
In chapter 18 the story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (verses 9-14) has always been one of my favorites (we did learn this story in Sunday School). Those who trust in their own righteousness and regard others with contempt are like vinegar instead of honey. Those who judge people seem to drive people away from church and from a relationship with God. That is so so sad to me. I like the concept of hating the sin and still loving the sinner.
In my experience, people who are aware of their need for grace and forgiveness usually find it difficult to despise people, or to walk away.
It isn't easy to "hang in there" when the going gets tough. I have found that many times persistence pays off.
The little children and the rich young ruler are stories I did hear in the church. Helping children love the church and love Jesus has been part of my calling. Like the rich man, I have also been challenged by what I can let go of, and what I hold on to.
The storm is brewing in the Gulf. Sometimes I am thankful for storms. Even though they can be very destructive, they have a tendency to clean the air.
I remember laying down in our yard as a child, and letting the vultures circle overhead closer and closer until we were just to scared to lay still any longer. Now I think, wow, that was dumb! I guess the point is that as the vulture finds the immobile body, sin will finds the man who is idle, and judgment finds the sinner. I have always thought we're all equipped with a spiritual lojack, God knows where to find us in an instant to distribute punishment or blessings... Lesson of the day: don't be idle!
ReplyDeleteThe post DID say "kis say the d-a-r-ndest things". It just didn't LOOK like d-a-r-n.
ReplyDelete