October 31

Luke 18
One of my favorite parables is this one about the Pharisee and the tax collector.  I believe we could insert a number of people who are confident in their own righteousness.  It’s easy to imagine a self-righteous Christian standing before God and saying things, such as, “Lord, I believed in creation theory, the inerrancy of scripture, and the one true Jehovah God.  I thank you that I’m not like this liberal denominationalist who accepts evolution theory, the fallacy of Biblical writers, and three Gods in one.”  While the liberal stands off, simply saying, “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.”  Insert any dogmatic doctrinal issue you wish.  It doesn’t really matter if the issue is sound or not.  The fact of the matter is the condition of the heart.  When we stand before His throne at that final judgment, we will not be judged according to our own righteousness.  At least, I hope not.  Because if I’m going to be judged in that manner, I’m already sunk.  In the words of the prophet, “All my righteousness is as filthy rags!”  No, on that day, I only want mercy.

October 30

John 11
One of the bits of Bible trivia has always been the shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35, “Jesus wept.”  And then there is some discussion as to why the Lord cried.  It would seem that to those who witnessed His tears, it was because He loved Lazarus and his family.  I find it hard to fault this interpretation.  However, beyond the love, could it be that He was disappointed in their lack of faith?  These were some of His closest friends.  They should have known better.  Yet, from the time He arrived, they expressed their doubt with constantly saying, “What if?”  It is never a question of what if, but rather, “When?”  Jesus is able to do whatever He wills, at any time He chooses.  I wonder if He weeps at our lack of faith?  Do our doubts cause Him to grieve?

October 29

Luke 16-17
I know that there was another post in this blog addressing this subject, but it comes up again in today’s reading.  I often hear Christians speak of a literal kingdom that is yet to come.  However, this is what scripture plainly indicates: Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”  There is no future physical kingdom coming.  The kingdom of God has already arrived, and if you are a Christian you are a citizen of that kingdom now and forever!

October 28

Luke 14-15
Jesus offers a parable to demonstrate that those who choose to humble themselves will be exalted.  He gives advice to His hearers that those who choose a lowly seat at the table will be honored when the host tells them to take a better seat.  My wife and I have often discussed our different ways of looking at life.  I tend to not have high expectations from life.  Then, when those expectations are met, I’m not disappointed.  However, most of the time my low expectations are exceeded, so I am very happy.  On the other hand, she tends to have high expectations.  Since, a large part of the time, life doesn't meet those expectations, she is disappointed.  Over the years she is beginning to come around to my point of view.  However, given the Lord’s advice in today’s reading, it isn’t my point of view at all.  Rather, it belongs to the Lord!

October 27

Luke 12-13
There are many passages in scripture that demonstrate God’s compassion toward mankind.  However, I don’t believe any are more poignant than this found in today’s reading:  “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”  He looks upon those who have done such evil, killing and stoning God’s chosen messengers!  He compares them to babies that a mother brings under her protective cover.  This is God’s desire for mankind, in spite of our sinful ways!  Even though there will come a time when the wicked will face eternal torment, that is not what our Lord wants.  He would much rather gather them under His protective wings, shielding them from all harm for eternity.

October 26

Luke 10
We’re told in today’s reading that Jesus was filled with joy when the 72 He had appointed came back with positive reports from the mission field.  Max Lucado wrote a book entitled, The Applause of Heaven, where he describes God in terms of applauding those who enter into His eternal kingdom.  I’m conducting a class on difficult questions.  This Sunday we will be looking at whether or not hell is real.  Even though scripture is abundantly clear on the existence of hell and the final judgment, there is nothing in the word of God, or the life of Christ, that even hints at the Lord taking pleasure in condemnation.  On the other hand, He takes great pleasure in the salvation of any who choose to follow Him.  Isn’t it great that we get to share in His joy?!

October 25

John 9-10
Once again, Jesus escapes when the Jews are wanting to seize Him in order to kill Him.  The time wasn’t right.  I find it interesting that He had a schedule, known only to Him.  The fact that He could easily escape their grasp demonstrates that when the time came, Jesus willingly gave up His life.  Any reasonable person would say one would be a fool to not take advantage of some escape route when their life is in danger.  When they came to arrest Him and take Him to the cross for crucifixion, Jesus could have escaped.  He had the power to call fire down on His accusers!  However, He chose to walk those streets, bearing the weight of the cross, after being beaten.  It wasn’t the nails that held Him to the cross.  It was His love for each and every one of us.  He knew that the time was right for Him to become the sacrificial lamb, making atonement for our sins, so that we might have the hope of eternal life!  Thank you, Jesus!