Full of sorrow like Jesus? (Ch 13)

Luke Chapter 13

SUMMARY:  
v1-8 Repentance - What have I done with the need and the opportunity?
v10-17 Priorities - Am I just keeping my rules or concerned people are set free?
v18-21 Influence - Remember the kingdom of God is growing and spreading.
v22-30 Weeping - Make sure to enter the narrow door or miss out.
v31-35 Sorrow - Share the Saviour's sorrow over those who reject Jesus.

REFLECTION: 
In v31-35 Not even threats and danger could keep Jesus from doing the work his father had sent him to do. So what are the things which cause me to feel like giving up? Weariness, discouragement, opposition, or fear. Having the heart of Jesus spurs us on in doing the work God has for us. In v34 Jesus is longing for people who were rejecting Him to be gathered into God's protection, for them to be saved. Lord may I never grow tired of praying, giving, and working for the salvation of souls.

PRAYER: Loving Heavenly Father thank you for those who prayed, gave, and worked that I might hear the good news and trust in Jesus. Thank you for Jesus who faced not just danger but his death for me so that salvation might be mine. Lord forgive me for the times when weariness, discouragement, opposition, or fear cause me to falter in serving you for the salvation of others. In these challenging times when restrictions mean that opportunities seem limited, teach us to redeem the time, to seize the moments, so that many children would be gathered under your saving and protecting wings. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

Jesus is willing and able to… (Ch 5)

 Luke Chapter 5

INTRODUCTION -  What is the most important thing in our lives?
Having success?
- In v1-11 we see four fishermen catch a great number of fish and leave it all to fish for men.
The Sensational?
– In v12-16 we see a man healed of leprosy but Jesus encouraged him to keep it quiet.
Physical Health?
– In v17-26 yes Jesus heals a man who is paralysed but speaks to him first about forgiveness.
Feeling right?
– In v27-32 Jesus is found with sinners and says he can not help those who are [self] righteous.
Religious routines?
- In v33-38 Jesus points us away from rituals to living in relationship with Him.

REFLECTION: I love the words of the man to Jesus in v12 “Lord if you are willing you can …”,  and the reply of Jesus v13 “I am willing”.
Yes, Jesus heals that man and the paralytic in 25. However, there is no doubt that what is more important than success, or health is repentance v32 and forgiveness v20. What is more significant than rituals and success is a relationship with Jesus v34 and telling others about him v10.
If this chapter was just a story about a great catch of fish, restored health, and religious people fasting then we would have missed why Jesus was there.
We need Jesus to show us today the ways that we settle for less than the most important things. Things that Jesus is willing and able to do in us and through us.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father we thank you for your many blessings. The times of success and health. Thank you for your answers when we pray. As we give thanks, forgive us for the times we settle for less than what you are willing and able to do. Teach us to pray for the most important things. Thank you that Jesus came to call sinners to repentance – Lord today call many to yourself. Thank you that you have authority on earth to forgive sins because you died on the cross – lord may we know your forgiveness again today. Thank you that we can know your presence each day and that you call us to ‘catch men’ for you. Help us to live and speak in a way that draws people to Jesus.  In Jesus name, we pray. Amen