Devotional on Luke

2014 – Riding the Anacortes Ferry to Friday Harbor, WA

Pay attention

Luke 21: I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for this one, too.

Jesus’ description of future events is sobering. He describes false teachers, betrayal, wars, earthquakes, persecution, destruction, and other huge events. Since I know that some of this already happened I’m tempted to think I’m clear of at least some of the things our Lord describes. Then I run head long into Jesus’ declaration that these words are for all of his followers. He says that coming big events are obvious to those who pay attention even as the coming of summer is forecast by the budding of the trees. Our Lord wants his followers to pay attention, not so much to specific things, like the rise of a false Messiah, but to the general flow of things. After all, a person who watches just one tree as a predictor of summer might or might not see new leaves. However, one who watches an entire forest will see proof abundant that things are changing. On one hand, I think it’s a mistake to list a few “signs” and focus in on just them. After all, one might have misread the meaning of the passage in the first place. However, if I pay attention I might just see that big things are brewing. At that time, I don’t have to be afraid, according to Jesus, but I do want to be sure I’m ready for what I believe is coming.

Take Away: Even if I miss some of the signs I’ll be okay if I stay ready.

Devotional on Luke

2014 – Riding the Anacortes Ferry to Friday Harbor, WA

Keeping a safe distance

Luke 22: Peter followed, but at a safe distance.

It’s the awful night before the crucifixion of Christ. Not long ago Peter and the other disciples promised their loyalty to Jesus. Now, though, he stands before the Chief Priest, alone. The disciples have fled in fear but Luke tells us Peter, under cover of darkness has followed. He’s close enough to see what’s going on but far enough back as to not be identified as a follower of Jesus. I fear that this describes many Christians and at certain times, maybe most of us. We’re following, but not “that” close. After all, sometimes being a follower of Jesus is just plain unhandy, not to mention possibly dangerous for some. For instance, someone who doesn’t smell very good needs some personal, up close attention. If I’m not careful, my revulsion will win out over my discipleship and I won’t even offer a cup of water in Jesus’ Name. Or, say someone at work isn’t a very nice person. People tend to give them a wide berth. Will I get close enough to show them Jesus? Because of the danger Peter follows, but at a safe distance. The thing is, before long he isn’t following at all.

Take Away: I want to follow Jesus closely enough that there’s no doubt that I’m with him.

Devotional on Luke

2014 – Riding the Anacortes Ferry to Friday Harbor, WA

Wrong!

Luke 23: He seems harmless enough to me.

Pilate says some interesting things concerning Jesus. He asks, “What shall I do with Jesus?” a question that has inspired many a sermon. He asks Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He also muses, “What is truth?” He presents the battered and bloody Jesus to the Jews saying, “Here is the man.” Then, he washes his hands and says, “I am innocent of this man’s blood.” As Jesus is crucified the Jews complain about what he’s written as his crime. He responds, “What I’ve written, I’ve written.” Today, as I read of Pilate declaring to the Jews the innocence of Jesus the translator gives me his words as, “He seems harmless enough to me.” I understand the meaning of the phrase. The Jews say Jesus is a dangerous person, influencing people to rebel against Roman rule. Jesus, of course, never does anything like that. Pilate’s investigating this charge and, as far as the Romans are concerned, he concludes that Jesus is a harmless person. Of course, that characterization is absolutely wrong. Jesus is dangerous beyond words. He intends to rule the world. Rome is, in fact, a mere bump in the road as far as Jesus’ intentions are concerned. You see, for those who love him and give themselves to him, Jesus is the most wonderful friend they’ll ever have. To this day, Jesus invites all who will to come to him and find this to be true. However, a day is coming when this meek Jesus will take his rightful place. At that time, this “harmless” Jesus will be in charge. At that time, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.

Take Away: Far from harmless – Jesus is Lord God.

Devotional on Luke

2014 – Friday Harbor, WA

Slowing down, looking around the garden

Luke 24: So thick-headed!

The blazing truth of the resurrection is so bright that it overwhelms everything else in this passage; and well it should. After all, it’s the center piece of the gospel message. Still, since I’ve been here many times before I can afford to shade my eyes and look around a bit. Somewhere around the third or fourth level of importance I see a bit of a theme here. Right after the resurrection Jesus reminds the women that he told them that all this would happen. “Then they remembered Jesus’ words.” Then, the women to go the disciples with the best news ever told, but “the apostles didn’t believe a word of it.” Peter, though, goes to the tomb. He “walked away puzzled, shaking his head.” Later, Jesus himself joins two disciples on the way to Emmaus. They’re so clueless about everything that he calls them “thick-headed” and “slow-hearted.” That night Jesus appears to all his disciples at once, but “they still couldn’t believe what they were seeing.” All of this takes place following the resurrection. These people, followers of Jesus, his friends, his disciples, his supporters, struggle to get their heads and hearts around what this is all about. So, I sit here more than 2000 years after the fact reading, once again, the story of the resurrection. I can draw from a rich tradition of theology, doctrine, and scholarship of the Bible. Still, I wonder: do I really get it? Have I gotten so used to the blazing light of the resurrection that I fail to embrace it? If so, I need to stop everything else and go back to the garden and spend some time there.

Take Away: For the resurrection to matter to me I have to take time to get my heart around it and fully embrace it.

Pastor Scott's Pages