The God Who Sees You

John 5:1–18

There were crowds of sick people at Bethesda. People with needs, pain, and long histories of disappointment. Yet Jesus walked into a crowded place and locked eyes with one man. A man who had been overlooked for thirty-eight years. A man who had grown used to being passed by. A man who had watched others get help while he remained stuck.

Before Jesus healed him, before He asked a question, before He gave a command — He saw him.

This is the part that sticks out to me: Jesus didn’t choose the man because he had the most faith, the best attitude, or the strongest testimony. He chose him because He noticed him. He saw the years of waiting. He saw loneliness. He saw the disappointment. He saw the pattern of being left behind. He saw the story no one else cared to understand.

And He sees you the same way.

Sometimes the deepest pain isn’t the condition itself — it’s feeling unseen in it. Feeling like others move forward while you remain stuck. Feeling like your quiet struggles go unnoticed. Feeling like your endurance is invisible. Feeling like your efforts don’t matter.

But Jesus sees the things about you that others overlook:

· the battles you fight silently

· the strength you use daily just to keep going

· the moments you choose hope even when you feel tired

· The way you show up for others while carrying your own weight

· the long seasons where you’ve waited for change

Jesus didn’t ask the man, “Do you want to be healed?” because He doubted him. He asked because He wanted the man to hear that he was seen, known, and chosen for transformation.

The miracle began not with movement, but with being seen.

Today, let this truth settle into your spirit: You are not invisible to God. Your long seasons are not forgotten. Your quiet endurance is not overlooked. Your story is fully known.

Before He calls you to rise, before He invites you to walk, before He shifts your season — He sees you.

And sometimes, being seen is the first miracle.

-Ashley

The God of the Living

Luke 20:20-21:4
(esp. 20:27-40)

"Many bulls encompass me;

strong bulls of Bashan surround me;

they open wide their mouths at me,
like a ravening and roaring lion...

For dogs encompass me;

a company of evildoers encircles me;
they have pierced my hands and feet..."

Psalm 22:12-13, 16

It's Tuesday of the Passion week. The cross of Jesus is close.

Two criminals have probably already been lined up for Friday afternoon on Golgotha's hill. And we know that a third One - though no criminal at all - will join them in the middle. 

And we know that the "bulls" and "dogs" of Psalm 22 will encompass and surround Jesus on Friday. But on Tuesday, they've already started to gather around Him.

Not to arrest and crucify - not yet. For now, they want to lay some theological traps for Jesus. Even planting spies in the crowd, who would "pretend to be sincere" (20:20).

The first trap (20:20-26) - theological yes, but also a bit political. Jesus makes quick work of this one - "... render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 

The second trap (20:27-40) - another theological one, and this time, coming from the Sadducees.

Luke notes for us at the beginning (20:27) - the Sadducees were "those who deny that there is a resurrection." (And denying the resurrection made them "sad, you see.")

In hopes to delegitimize the resurrection, they contrive a short story. And a bit of a silly one!

Seven different brothers marry the same woman,

Each marrying her after the brother before had died.

The question is,

In the resurrection, whose wife will she be?

First things first, Jesus addresses their question, explaining that marriage will not be a part of life in the resurrection. "... those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given marriage" (20:34).

But Jesus knows what they are up to ultimately - they are trying to make a mockery of the resurrection. So rather than simply leaving it there, He makes his case for the resurrection's truth. He points to Exodus 3, "the passage about the bush" (20:37).

When God appears to Moses in the burning bush, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would have been dead for centuries by that time. But take note, God does not simply say to Moses, "When Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were alive, I *was* their God." No. He says, *I AM* the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob."

In other words, "As I appear to you now, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are very much alive. In my presence. I am not the God of the dead. I am the God of the Living."

---

I believe this passage gives two reasons for hope and encouragement today, especially as we consider our future hope of heaven:

1. At the beginning of this month, my wife and I celebrated our anniversary - 18 years! We truly cannot believe that our marriage is old enough to be a voting-age adult!

We praise the Lord that He has blessed us with a strong, healthy marriage. We are more in love than we ever have been, and we are truly each other's best friends!

Over the years, we have from time to time talked about this passage (we actually were just talking about it last week). And to consider that we will NOT be married to each other in heaven, it does make us a bit sad! (And to some degree, I think that is appropriate!)

But what a testament to the joy, satisfaction, and intimacy of heaven: that even the greatest intimacy, the greatest earthly joy - a strong, healthy, God-glorifying marriage - will not be needed in heaven. The thing that marriage points to - the marriage of Jesus and His Church - will be our joy and satisfaction for all eternity.

Believer in Jesus, this hope awaits you! Jesus died and rose to give you this hope of eternal life.

"... in your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Psalm 16:11

2. Think of the loved ones who have gone before you who knew Jesus. As I write this, I think of my precious father-in-law, Bob Palma. It's hard to believe that Becky's dad went to be with Jesus almost 10 years ago now in March 2017. He was just 63, and the 9 years I got to spend getting to know him feel so short now.

And I know you have loved ones just like that, too.

Friend, rejoice that those loved ones - RIGHT NOW - are more alive now than they ever were here. He is not the God of the dead, but of THE LIVING. They are alive, joining with the throng - "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!" And we look forward with hope that one day we will join them.

"Set your minds on things that are above,

Not on things that are on earth.

For you have died,

And your life is hidden with Christ in God.

When Christ who is your life appears,

then you also will appear with him in glory...

Christ is all, and in all."

Colossians 3:2-4, 11

- Joe

Precious Stone

Luke 19:45 – 20:19

I spent my youngest school years growing up in the community of Flat Rock Illinois which at the time had a population of 500 people.  According to most, there wasn’t much there.  I remember hunting for and breaking open rocks with a hammer to expose crystalized minerals.  It felt like I was finding hidden treasure.  Sometimes I didn’t have access to a hammer so I would find a bigger stone that wouldn’t give way when I pounded it against the smaller stones.  Each time, the force of the crushing stone would send the smaller stone scattering into so many fragments that left me searching around to see if any had exposed crystals.  It was endless entertainment that brought me some joy.  Afterward, I would have to show my closest friends the most beautiful pieces just to watch their amazement.  Looking back now, I treasure most the people around me seeking to honor God’s Word in that place I was baptized. 

In our text this week, Jesus’ authority is in view as He teaches people in the temple.  Many religious leaders want to destroy Him.  But there are so many people hanging on every word of Jesus’ teaching and preaching of the Gospel that those with mal intent toward Him are afraid to act.  Jesus tells a parable about a dearly loved only son of a vineyard owner who is killed by the tenants when he comes to them on behalf of his father.  Jesus says that the owner of the vineyard will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.  The people hanging on Jesus’ every word, when they heard this, said, “May it never be so!”  Then Jesus quoted from Psalm 118 speaking about a stone and what it would do for those who believe and to those who do not believe.  In referring to this stone, Jesus is referring to Himself as the promised eternal King.  Those who oppose Him will be crushed.  Those who fall on Him will be broken to pieces.  Literally, Jesus is teaching that He is the cornerstone on which the Kingdom will rise and His opposition will fall.

I wonder what my life would look like if it was broken into fine pieces in such a way that everything in me was fully exposed.  Would it reveal opposing pride like the temple merchants so focused on personal profiteering that we’ve dishonored what’s truly precious to God?  Or would the things engrained in me reveal His authority over my life and bring honor to the Father, Son and Spirit?  Would Jesus’ words have turned the rocky inanimate parts of my soul into some beautiful reflection of Him as the most precious Stone and dear Son of God?  May it ever be so that the teaching and Gospel of Jesus Christ enthrall and indwell us as His Church in ways that bring Him the greatest joy and honor! 

Grateful and hopeful in Christ, 

Jon

Invest

Luke 19:11-27

Early in our marriage, Gwen asked me a question that could send chills down the back of the bravest husband. She had just purchased a new outfit, and after she put it on for the first time, she asked me what I thought of it. I responded by asking her if she wanted me to be honest, and she said yes. I may have said that I thought she looked like a toddler in a jumpsuit. She still brings that incident up from time to time. In retrospect, there were many ways I could have answered honestly in a kinder way. Thankfully, after thirty-one years of marriage, my communication skills have improved substantially. We have both learned to trust one another to be honest when we need to. Our relationship is built on our mutual love and trust. We can tell the truth to each other, knowing that it will only draw us closer in the long run.

This week’s scripture involves Jesus sharing a parable about a nobleman who is about to be crowned king, the people who oppose him, and three of his servants. In the parable, the nobleman prepares to go on a long journey to be officially crowned king over a large territory. He is followed by a group of people who reject his kingship and seek to prevent him from taking possession of the kingdom. Before he leaves, he calls ten of his servants and, gives each an amount of silver equal to three months' wages, telling them to use the money to “engage in business” until he returns. Upon the king’s return, he summons his servants to see what they have done with the money he gave them. The first servant reveals that he has used the silver he was given to turn a profit of ten times more; the second had increased his silver by five. The third servant comes before his master, and since he was so afraid of losing the money, he did nothing with it at all. To say that the king was displeased with the lazy, cowardly servant would be an understatement.

Believers have some things in common with those servants. We are awaiting the return of our King. We have been entrusted with something incredibly valuable, the Gospel, that we are supposed to “invest” on the King’s behalf. Sometimes, we are like the first two servants, sharing the Gospel with the people God brings us into contact with. However, there are times when our fear gets the better of us, our faith falters, and we keep the greatest treasure, Jesus, to ourselves. The choice is ours: which servant will we be?

Growing in Faith with you,

Mike

Don’t Overcomplicate It

Luke 19:1-10

This passage is truly such a beautiful reflection of the simplicity of a relationship with Jesus. The misconception I hear time and time again about Christianity is that it is full of rules and consequences. It seems like people hear the word “religion” and immediately think of something that is restrictive, controlling, and overall negative. There are many reasons people may have this perspective. Maybe they’ve had negative experiences within religious settings in the past, or they just haven’t had the opportunity to hear the truth about Christianity at all. No matter the case, I wish so deeply that everyone could have an experience like Zacchaeus, fully experiencing the abundance of a relationship with Jesus.

The passage tells us that Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector. This means he likely would have been highly disliked by his community due to his manipulation of others for his own personal profit. Zacchaeus could have easily chosen to adopt the opinions of others in a situation like this, believing that he was too far gone and that Jesus would want nothing to do with him. Instead, he did everything he could to put himself on Jesus’ path, believing that Jesus had something for him. I think the lesson here is twofold.

First, we learn from Zacchaeus’ community how NOT to treat those around us. They were quick to label Zacchaeus as a sinner and grumbled when Jesus chose to spend time with him. Unfortunately, I believe it is human nature to label and categorize each other, but we need to be careful. We cannot label someone as “a sinner,” or “dirty,” or “far from God,” or whatever it may be, just because their sin is more public or visible than ours. We are all human, and we are all sinners. We are called to carry the love of God with us everywhere we go and share it with everyone we encounter, not just those who go to church or who appear to have their life together. Everyone.

Second, we learn from Zacchaeus the power of pursuing Jesus. Jesus invites us, but He does not force Himself upon us. We have the choice to respond to Him. However, as reflected in this passage, when we do choose to pursue Jesus, He meets us there, and we often realize that He has been pursuing us all along. No matter the depth of our sin or how far we’ve strayed away, He accepts us with open arms and love. No condemnation.

Another thing I love about this passage is that the more Zacchaeus got to know Jesus, the more he wanted to turn away from his sin and make things right with the people he had hurt. Jesus is not here to negotiate with us. He does not say, if you do this for me, then I will accept you. Instead, He accepts us just as we are. No conditions. And then, like Zacchaeus, the more we get to know Him, the more we want to change the way we live. Not out of fear or coercion, but out of the genuine transformation of our hearts.

So let’s not overcomplicate it:

1. Pursue Jesus, no matter how sinful you or others believe you are.

2. Receive Jesus when He accepts you with open arms.

3. Spend time with Jesus and truly get to know Him.

4. Sit back and watch how He transforms your life.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10

It’s that simple.

Carmen K

Approaching God

Luke 18:1-17

When my kids were young they seemed to always need something very urgently when I was speaking to someone on the phone. I specifically remember times when I was sitting at the kitchen table engaged in a conversation and there came a tap, tap, tapping on my shoulder. “Mom...Mom...Mom.” Totally oblivious to the fact that I was speaking to someone, they insisted on my immediate attention. It didn’t matter that they just wanted to know where their other shoe was or to show me a rock they had found. I know – important stuff to kids. It is those memories that come back to me every time I read the beginning of Luke 18.

Jesus, it says, “was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart.” He gives them two parables and then an example of how they should receive the kingdom of God.

The first parable tells of a woman who needs legal protection from someone and goes to a judge in her city to make her request. In the past I have read this portion of scripture and mistakenly thought that it meant that if we pester God enough, He will eventually answer. I missed the point entirely, and quite a few of the details of the story. It plainly says that this judge did not fear God and did not respect people and he was unwilling to provide this woman with the protection for which she asked. He was, however, interested in his own comfort, so, because she kept coming back to ask again and again, and this annoyed him, he granted her request.

Jesus brings out a principle in this parable now known as the “How Much More Argument.” In the first century a renowned Jewish teacher, Hillel, and other scholars, developed this argument to arrive at sound interpretation of the scriptures. We see this method employed by Jesus in many of His teachings, especially in the Sermon on the Mount. “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” Matthew 6:26. “Consider the lilies of the field, more beautifully clothed than Solomon, here today and gone tomorrow. Will He not do much more for you?” Matthew 6:28-30

In Matthew 12:11 & 12 Jesus speaks of a sheep that falls into a pit on the Sabbath and that it is right to pull it to safety. Then He says, “HOW MUCH MORE valuable are people than a sheep!” And in Matthew 7:11 Jesus says, “If you being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, HOW MUCH MORE shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him?”

So, this ungodly judge in Luke 18 who granted a request reluctantly out of annoyance can only be used as a juxtaposition to our loving Father who will bring about justice for His children who cry out to Him. The lesson here is perseverance in prayer. Shortly after the Duke of Wellington led his troops to victory in the decisive battle against Napoleon and the French at Waterloo, he was asked to compare the courage of the two armies.  “My soldiers were not braver than the enemy,” he observed.  “But they were brave five minutes longer!”  Ask and keep on asking.

The next parable about the Pharisee and the publican is used to teach us to approach God in humility. The Pharisee arrogantly thanks God that he is not a “swindler or unjust adulterer” like the tax collector praying nearby. He forgets that God looks at the heart and what God sees in the tax collector is humility, sorrow for his sin, and a desire for God’s mercy.

Persistence and humility. In I Thessalonians 5, Paul says to “pray without ceasing.” Is that even possible? It is if we see prayer as more than just words. Prayer is more than speaking to God with our head bowed. Prayer is an attitude of heart. Prayer is a spirit of dependence upon God which is sometimes expressed in words but probably more often in thought and attitude. I feel it is a continual awareness of God’s presence, so much so that I can speak to Him in my car, while pulling weeds, or standing at the kitchen sink. I can express joy, concern, praise for Him, and thankfulness. He is as close as the mention of His name.

Jesus ends his lesson by rebuking the disciples for keeping the children away from Him. These little ones are also a lesson for those listening. Not only should we be persistent and humble in prayer, but we should receive the blessings of God’s kingdom as little children. We are, after all, His precious children in Christ and He longs to be gracious to us.

Persistence, humility, and child-like faith. Come to Jesus with these and He will not turn you away.

Praying always,

Jo

The Kingdom Come

“When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory.” Hope and I have walked around the church building this week, singing the hymn we learned in childhood. We were both raised in church contexts that rightly looked forward to an eternity with Christ, while simultaneously longing to escape the world we were in. As I studied this week’s sermon text- Luke 17:20-37, most of these verses were very familiar. While I sang hymns in church, I also grew up listening to D.C. Talk’s “I Wish We’d All Been Ready.” and stayed up all night reading the next installment in Tim LaHaye’s Left Behind series. I watched the times. Following WWII, Israel had become a nation state, and surely this meant Christ would return in my lifetime. I waited for sacrifices to resume on the Temple Mount and speculated who the Anti-Christ really was- maybe Bill Clinton, but more likely a Pope. Miss me with death and tribulation, I was ready to meet Jesus in the sky and head to heaven. 

I thought I KNEW this passage because I’d read it and heard it preached and taught on so many times. It was a text that gave us a little insight into the return of Christ. But this week as I read, the Holy Spirit highlighted different verses. 

“Once, on being 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.” (Luke 17:20-21)

Yes, the Son of Man will return. 

And also, the kingdom of God is in our midst. 

Here and now. 

You and I are the outposts of the kingdom. The Spirit of our King lives in us and gives us the eyes to see, the hands to serve, and the hearts to love our neighbors as ourselves. When he returns, I want him to find me, not lamenting his absence or trying to predict his return, but busy doing the work of his kingdom. 

God gives us the courage to be a voice for the voiceless, to pursue justice and righteousness, to perform acts of mercy, and to actively participate in the advancing of his kingdom not by might or power as the empires of the world do, but by the transforming and renewing power of the Spirit. We’ve been given the privilege to be Christ’s ambassadors, equipped with all we need to do the good works he prepared for us to do. I pray we will be a generation who stewards it well, so that it may be on earth as it is in heaven. 

Natalie

Saving Grace

Luke 17:1-19

As a child, I was taught to practice giving thanks before partaking of any meal.  Nowadays, I call it “saying grace.”  I like that terminology because each time I pray in that way, I am often reminded of each meal’s provision and the greater grace bestowed on me through my communion with Christ.  “Saying grace” is a practice that I believe has had significant influence on my faith.  Think about it, how many times does something good happen in our lives and we forget to say, “thank you.”  Something so simply uttered can also be so easily forgotten.  Skipping this thank offering may seem small but without it the immensity of God’s goodness and faithfulness may fail to be realized.  This small practice of “saying grace” continues to cater my life with more faith to follow Jesus. 

In our text this week, we hear Jesus teaching about sin and how to regard it in people’s lives.  Jesus’ apostles heard this and asked for Him to increase their faith.  It was another way for them to say that they couldn’t do what He was asking on their own.  Jesus directs them to the faith they already have in following Him by using the examples of a grain of a mustard seed and unworthy servants.  As He teaches, Jesus asks a question that should harken minds back to His teaching in Luke 12:35-37 where He describes Himself as the gracious Master blessing his obedient servants. 

Next, Jesus is encountered by ten lepers who refer to  as Him as Master and are healed when they turn to follow His command.  One of those ten returned to Jesus, falling on his face at Jesus’ feet and giving thanks.  Jesus finally says to this one, “Rise and go on your way, your faith has made you well.”  Each of the ten lepers experienced healing and mercy as they had asked of Jesus.  But only one of them is noted with faith that has made him well because he has found faith in the gracious Master, Jesus Christ.

What has Jesus ever done for you that would make you want to trust Him again?  Is there any reason to fall on your face at the feet of Jesus and give thanks?  Why do you call out to Him in prayer – because of your own gumption or because of His gracious supply.  As we pray, may it not be with our stomachs or any other idol as our guide.  But rather, let us pray with reverent wonder to the Founder and Perfector of our faith.  Let us “say grace” to Him now and forever.  And may we be people that rise and go with faith that makes for our wellbeing and for the world we encounter.

Grateful and hopeful in Christ, 

Jon

Moses and the Prophets

Luke 16:19-31

"Do you want to hear God speak? Read your Bible out loud."- John Piper

Our passage in Luke for this week raises a lot of questions! Questions about heaven, hell, and the afterlife.

Many would suggest that the story that Jesus tells in this passage is not simply a parable. But because he uses an actual name, Lazarus - something Jesus doesn't typically do in parables - we can take this to be a true story that actually happened!

So in this real-life story, Jesus speaks of two men. A rich man, and a poor man, Lazarus.

Upon Lazarus' death, Jesus said that "he was carried by the angels to Abraham's side" (16:22). And the rich man, upon his death, went to Hades.

And between these two locations - "Abraham's side and Hades - the distance is great. Uncrossable. Abraham later explains that between them "a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us" (16:26).

And yet, these locations are in some sense, close. Close enough to each other that the rich man was actually able to lift up his eyes and see "Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side" (16:23).

The questions, rightly, come flooding in...

- What is Hades? Is it the same as hell, or different?

- What is this place that is "Abraham's side"? Is it the same as heaven, or different? Is it the "Paradise" that Jesus speaks of on the cross? (Luke 23:43) And why is Abraham of all people seemingly the gatekeeper of this place???

- And how is it that these two places are (sort of) next to each other, albeit with a great chasm between them?

These are all great questions!

And I raise them all to say... be sure to be present on Sunday so that you can hear Steven explain the answers to them all!

Ultimately, we should notice that Jesus does not seem super concerned with answering these questions either. I don't want us to miss how this passage ends, and what Jesus' ultimate takeaway is for us.

---

The rich man's thought process is completely understandable. In Hades, he was "in torment" (16:23) and "in anguish in this flame" (16:24-25).  So he wants to prevent his five siblings from coming there too!

He requests that Abraham send Lazarus as a messenger from the dead to warn his siblings - that they would repent, and not join him in that place of anguish and torment.

But notice what Abraham says to him...

"They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them... If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead."

"Moses and the Prophets" here would be synonymous for the Old Testament Scriptures. So notice what is said here: 

The Scriptures should carry such weight, such authority, such sufficiency for us that we would consider them just as great - no, greater! - than if we had a messenger come back from the dead to tell us something.

If someone came back from the dead and told you something, that would be a life-changing message that you would never forget!

And yet, Jesus is telling us that what we have in the Bible is something far greater. In the Bible, we have the very word of God Himself.

And compared to what is spoken of here in Luke - "Moses and the Prophets" - we have an even more complete message!

We have "the good news of the kingdom of God" (16:16)! The words of Jesus and His followers - the good news of the Son of God's death and resurrection!

---

My question for us is...

Do we prize and uphold the Word of God like that?

In our own minds and hearts, in the daily rhythms of our lives, do we give God's Word this kind of authority, and sufficiency and weight?

If you're like me - and I'm betting that you are - you let a lot of things into your day-to-day life that distract you. Many of these things are not bad, and some are even good!

But before we know it, our time with God in His Word is squeezed out. And no time is left to hear from Him, and be with Him.

Would you join me today in repenting of this distracted living? We can be confident that God will be gracious and kind to help us. 

-Joe

Who's on the Throne?

Luke 16:1-18

We live in a world that constantly tells us we need more: more money, more opportunities, more experiences, more success. We open our phones and are immediately exposed to the lives of millions of people, reminding us of everything we don’t have. We constantly strive to win the approval of others, but it’s a losing game. No matter what we do, someone will always disapprove. But we keep doing it. Why? What are we really pursuing?

Luke 16:13 says, “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Allowing God to take His rightful place at the center of our lives is not always easy. It requires daily sacrifice, discipline, and self-awareness. If we’re not careful, even good, healthy desires can become idols, quietly taking God’s place in our hearts.

The truth is, our relationship with God is the only thing we can trust with complete certainty. Everything else can change in an instant. Relationships disappoint us, the stock market crashes, careers shift, and our dreams don’t always unfold the way we imagined. When we build our identity and worth on things that are temporary, we’re bound to be disappointed. Nothing this world offers can satisfy us the way God can.

What if we pursued God with the same determination that we pursue success, approval, and everything else we think will satisfy us? What if the energy we spent earning the approval of others was instead invested in knowing Him more deeply? I’m reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” When God is our first priority, we can trust Him to provide exactly what we need. Everything else becomes a blessing rather than something we desperately cling to.

So where do we start? Luke 16:10 says, “One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much.” We start with what God has placed in front of us today. We don’t have to wait until we’ve become the next version of ourselves to live the life He’s called us to. We don’t need to be married, lead a company, or stand on a stage in front of thousands of people. The ordinary moments of everyday life are where faithfulness is formed. The small decisions we make in these moments shape our hearts and prepare us for what lies ahead. As we choose to seek God first in the little things, we discover that He is not only enough, but He is everything we’ve been searching for all along.

Carmen K

Come

Luke 15:11-32

If you’re a parent or work in education, you’ve probably had to confront unacceptable behavior at some point. Ideally, the child accepts the given discipline and takes steps to change that behavior, though it may take a few reminders here and there for the desired behavior to stick. Unfortunately, there are times when despite your best efforts, the behavior doesn’t change and may even get worse. At that point you usually have to sit down with a kid and have a heart-to-heart conversation about the reality that they are running out of opportunities to change the unacceptable behavior in question and that the next step will not be pleasant for anyone involved. In my job as a bus monitor, I have had more of these conversations than I would like. This happens when they have earned enough office referrals that the next step is losing the privilege of riding the bus. This is the point where I ask them how their parents are going to feel about having to drive them to school every morning. This kind of uncomfortable conversation is often, colloquially, referred to as a “come to Jesus” moment.

In this week’s scripture Jesus shares one of his best-known parables. It involves two sons and their father. The younger son, the so-called “bad” son, is selfish, wasteful, and shallow. The older son considers himself the “good” son because he has stayed at home, been obedient to his father, and hasn’t strayed from expectations. The father is loving, patient, and gracious. The younger son’s selfish and wasteful actions eventually cost him everything and forced him to reevaluate his choices and turn from his wickedness, which eventually led him back to the loving arms of his father. His return home and the acceptance and love he is shown by his father exposes his older brother’s true feelings. It’s revealed that the older brother sees his own relationship with his father as transactional. His obedience to his father is not based on love, but rather on what he believes that obedience should entitle him to.

Both brothers have their own “come to Jesus” moments. One brother must face the consequences of his sinful behavior and the other is shown his own hard-heartedness. The father responds to each of his sons with unconditional love and healing grace. The story calls each of us to examine our own actions and motives. Do we reject Jesus and seek our own agendas, like the younger son? Or perhaps we are like the older son, believing that there are just some people beyond the forgiveness he bought with his blood. Those kinds of questions can truly help us to come to Jesus.

With joy,

Mike

I Once Was Lost

Luke 15:1-10

Often I’m reminded of the transcendence of God when I’m in nature. The vastness of creation and the realization that the complexities of life could not happen by random chance have kept me tethered to faith even when the Lord feels distant. This summer, studying the human body in A&P 2 has had a similar effect. What is it for you? What has reminded you of God’s existence even when you can’t feel his presence?

If God exists, (and the world we see points to his existence), how can humanity know what God is like? This is the question world religions attempt to answer. Throughout history, humanity has sought to appease the gods. And that’s always what religion asks of us, right? Do more, work harder, be better. The Pharisees were really great at that- showcasing their goodness to please Yahweh. 

But Jesus tells a mixed crowd- “This is what God is like, if you’re lost, he’s leaving to find you. You’ve spent zero percent of your life looking for him? It doesn’t matter. He’s running, searching, leaving no stone unturned looking for YOU. Why? Because you’re lost. Because he loves you. BECAUSE THAT IS THE KIND OF GOD HE IS.”

We love him because he first loved us. At just the right time, Christ died for us. The Father came running. The Shepherd went searching. Friends, we are SO loved. Our lost neighbors are SO loved. All roads do NOT lead to heaven because the other roads are inaccessible, unattainable. One path gets us home, and it’s the road to Golgotha, Jesus body broken for YOU, for US, taking on every failure, every sin. Jesus became the cursed so we might be freed from the curse of death. 

All that is required of us now? 

Repent. Believe. Love. Because he has already made the way. 

God, may we be undone this week as we contemplate your incomprehensible amazing grace.

Natalie

It Will Cost You

Luke 14:25-35

I may have bitten off more than I can chew, but I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to do this Reflection. I listened to a few sermons, so I got it right from the horse's mouth.  I didn't want to drop the ball or cause any monkey business, so I was all ears as I listened to wise, godly men. Now the ball is my court, so I will apply some elbow grease, even though I am a bundle of nerves. Hopefully, I am not barking up the wrong tree.

Isn't that the silliest opening paragraph you have ever read?  It is full of American idioms which are used frequently in our conversations.  There was no biting or chewing, no chicken or horse was involved, and I don't have a greasy elbow. I am just giving you examples of a style of communication that has been used for centuries, all the way back to Bible times.

In Luke 14:26, Jesus makes a statement that sounds very harsh.  He tells His listeners, "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple."  Is Jesus teaching us to hate?

In John 13:34 Jesus says, "Love one another as I have loved you."  "Love your neighbor as yourself," are His words in Matthew 22:39. Luke 6:35 tells us that Jesus even taught us to "love our enemies and do good." His teachings are full of commands to conduct ourselves in loving, kind, forgiving ways toward others. So in keeping with a rule of interpreting the Bible with the Bible, I believe we can safely say, Jesus is NOT telling us to hate.

This is an example of a Jewish idiom. It is a way of saying that we are to love the Lord so much that our love for our family will seem, by comparison, to be hate. Our love for Christ should be so great that we do not put any person, relationship, or even ourselves ahead of Him.  He is asking for our whole heart.

Jesus then says that "whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."  Bearing one's cross is a metaphor of dying to one's own desires, prioritizing Christ above family, personal comforts, career, and wealth. How many of us have conquered this one? It is not a popular idea to "die daily" as Paul says or to deny ourselves for the cause of Christ. And the teaching just gets more difficult.

 Jesus tells them they must count the cost, give up their possessions.  This is hard!  Don't we count all of our possessions as blessings from God?  Aren't we thankful for our homes, our cars, our money in the bank?  Aren't those things good gifts from the Lord?  Again, let's look at the rest of scripture.  Hospitality was highly regarded in Bible times. Paul and his team depended on and were deeply grateful for the hospitality that facilitated their ministry.  John commends Gaius for his hospitality to brothers who were strangers to him. "You do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God." There would have been no hospitality if Christians didn't have anything to give.

In light of this, we could conclude that giving up our possessions means holding them loosely, realizing they belong to God anyway and being willing to use them however God would ask of us, being willing to do without to help another, to be spent for Christ.

In the book "My Utmost for His Highest," Oswald Chambers says, "Narrow all your interests until your mind, heart, and body are focused on Jesus Christ."  He also says, "The more you fulfill yourself, the less you will seek God."  I find that very profound and very true.  In pursuing our own interests, acquiring what we desire for ourselves, becoming centered on what we want, what we have, what we are capable of, we very often lose that urgent need of God for every moment and everything in our lives.

This is a portion of scripture that surely causes self examination - or at least it should.  When David was directed by God to sacrifice to the Lord, a man offered to give him the land for the altar, the animal, and even the wood for the fire.  David refused. In II Samuel 24:24 he says, "I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing." When God sent Ananias to pray for Paul's sight to be restored after the Damascus Road experience, He said, "I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake." And Paul went anyway.  He went because he had an unmistakable encounter with the living Savior that changed everything.  In Philippians 3:7 Paul writes, "Whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ." Paul counted earthly things as loss, rubbish compared to the surpassing value of knowing Jesus.

Be assured, God doesn't want you to go home and put all your stuff on Marketplace.  He just wants you to be willing to give Him everything. He mostly wants your whole heart, all your love, and your thanksgiving.  After all, He gave EVERYTHING for you.

Love in Christ,

Jo

Table-Top Conversations

Luke 14:1-24

One of the highlight moments of my week happened on Sunday night when I was eating supper later than usual just before bedtime and by myself then my son came in and sat down beside me at the table.  He asked me how things were going and shared some experiences from his day which led to real joy and laughter for me but more importantly getting to spend time with my dear son, man to man.  When I was a senior in High School, I wrote an essay about table-top conversations in my home growing up and how those moments had impacted my life in very good ways.  Sometimes my parents would remind me of that essay and that they were proud.  Of course, they would be proud that their grown children would value sharing those moments at their gracious dining room table.  Not much has changed still today as I am seeking the same with my adult children by God’s grace!

In our text this week, we see Jesus sharing deep spiritual truths with others as He sits with them at a dinner table.  In response to one man’s statement about feasting in the kingdom of God, Jesus tells a parable about a great banquet that some are invited to attend but they make excuse and decline the invitation.  As a result, these miss out completely on tasting of the banquet.  Through His parable, Jesus is reminding people that they should not reject the invitation God is giving through Him or they will miss out completely.  In humility, we must come to see our desperate need for Jesus to bring us to God.  But in doing that, we are welcomed as dear children into God’s presence to share in the feast of His Kingdom!  There is another table that Jesus invites us to so we can know that God’s wrath on sin that each of us deserve was satisfied through His broken body and shed blood.  Jesus continues the conversation with people over a Supper table. 

May we be a people that are humbled by the truth of the gospel and receptive to the invitation of God to trust in Jesus as the one and only way.  May the Master of the church by His gracious Spirit now come and recline at the table of our hearts in a way that brings joy while we look forward to greater eternal fellowship with Him in His Kingdom.  Let us be a church that represents now to the world a glimpse of what it looks like in Heaven as we share His grace with others as it has been bestowed upon us as dear children to the praise of His glory!

Grateful and hopeful in Christ, 

Jon

Living with Eternity in View

Luke 13:22-35

Eternity is truly such a difficult concept to wrap our human minds around. It’s so easy for us to fall into the mindset that this life is all there is when, as Christians, we believe that it’s just the beginning. It got me thinking about what it might look like if we did a better job of living with an eternal mindset. That is, living in a way that keeps eternity in view: making decisions based on what matters forever, not just on what feels temporarily important.

Let’s reflect: How might living with this kind of perspective impact the way you react to minor inconveniences? How would it affect your overall view of other humans? How would your priorities shift? Before you keep reading, take a second to sit with these questions.

I think walking through life with this perspective would help all of us realize what truly matters. To name a few things, it would bring our attention back to our relationship with God and others; it would help us view every single person as someone with eternal value; it would help us care less about worldly success, and it would give us hope and endurance through the hardships of life on this side of eternity.

In Luke 13:24, Jesus says, “strive to enter through the narrow door.” When I first read this my initial response is “hmmm…strive?” Doesn’t asking us to strive go against the whole point of Jesus dying on the cross for us? Doesn’t the Bible teach us that we don’t have to strive? That the work was already done through Jesus? That God loves us as we are?

While it is true that we are saved by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8), this passage reminds us that a true relationship with God takes effort. We shouldn’t settle for simply knowing about Jesus. We should be ‘striving’ to know Jesus and to live a life that reflects and honors our relationship with Him. Not in a way that requires perfection but in a way that does involve persistence and determination. The word strive here implies that building this kind of relationship is not easy. It involves being willing to make sacrifices and surrender to God, even when it costs you.

There have been times in my life where I’ve walked away from good, beautiful things to honor my relationship with God. Making decisions like that is never easy and sometimes I look back and wonder if I got it all wrong. However, as soon as I begin to look at things from an eternal perspective, all the doubts and questions fade away. Our central purpose on this side of eternity is to know and love God and to extend His love and grace to others. Every time we live in a way that aligns with that, we are making decisions that matter not only for our earthly lives, but for eternity.

My biggest hope is that at the end of our lives, when we come face to face with God, He will not look at any of us and say, ”I do not know you or where you come from” (Luke 13:25), but rather “Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

Carmen K

Do Not Despise the Day of Small Things

Luke 13:10-21

In this passage, Jesus heals a woman who was disabled for 18 years. The ESV describes the disability in this way, she was "bent over and could not fully straighten herself."

It's interesting to note that the disability doesn't appear to be simply physical, but also spiritual. 13:11 says that she had "a disabling spirit," and later Jesus says in 13:16 that in this disability, this woman was "bound by Satan" for 18 years.

And Jesus heals her. He lays his hands on her, she is made straight, and she glorifies God!

At face value, we might read the details of this miracle and think: nothing is incredibly significant here. "Surely the kingdom of God is not advancing and expanding in this!"

This woman, likely elderly, would have been "past her prime," and not able to significantly contribute to society in any way, even when healthy. Furthermore, Luke doesn't even seem interested in mentioning *where* this is! We don't know if this happened in any sort of well-populated city, with lots of witnesses to the miracle. Luke just tells us this happened in "one of the synagogues."

But make no mistake,
The kingdom of God was breaking through here.

The King of the kingdom was breaking the chains of Satan! *Eighteen* year old chains!

And this was no ordinary woman! For Jesus speaks of her with dignity: she was "a daughter of Abraham." (13:16)

Jesus wanted to teach those gathered in that place today - and us today - what His kingdom is like. He says in verse 18 that His kingdom:

"... is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests and its branches."

I don't plant a lot of mustard seeds. (I don't plant ANY mustard seeds.) But I know how small mustard seeds are, because one of Becky and I's favorite things to eat is the pretzels at Old Bakery. (You gotta try one sometime!) And we love the mustard that comes with these pretzels. And let me tell you - a mustard seed is super tiny!

But from a grain of mustard can come a huge tree.

The kingdom of God is often in-breaking in small, microscopic, nearly invisible kinds of ways. Through events, actions, and conversations that we might think insignificant.

But that's because we "lean on our own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5).

Our minds are "conformed to this world," and to this age (Romans 12:2).

And we "despise the day of small things" (Zechariah 4:10) 

The question for us to consider today is:

In what ways am I not seeing the kingdom of God breaking in? In what ways am I limiting God's power?

- Maybe it's a conversation or a relationship that you think would have no impact on the kingdom of God.

- Maybe you are viewing your time alone with God in His Word and in prayer as insignificant, and so you're neglecting it.

- Maybe there's an opportunity to serve others, but you don't see the point. "The kingdom of God wouldn't advance through me serving there, and serving them!"

- Maybe there's a timetable that you think is hopeless. "It's too late for this to happen." But you forget that "with the Lord one day is as a thousand years." 2 Peter 3:8

Let us see and hear this invitation from the King of the kingdom today!

Even in what seems insignificant, mundane, or impossible, we trust His power and His reign.

"Not by might,

nor by power,

but by my Spirit,

says the Lord of hosts."
Zechariah 4:6

- Joe

Crisis

Luke 12:49–13:9

One definition of the word crisis is “an emotionally significant event or radical change of status in a person's life.” In 2004, I faced a major personal crisis. I had been offered a full-time position in vocational ministry, but taking it would mean leaving a full-time job that I had held for sixteen years. The job I already had offered incredible insurance, four weeks of paid vacation, and good money. The ministry position offered no insurance; in fact, it would require that I go on Gwen’s insurance, which would be an added expense. There was no paid vacation in the ministry position, and no unemployment if it fell through. A decision had to be made: take the “risky” job that I felt God was calling me to or remain in the safe job that offered more material benefits for my family.

Another definition of crisis is “a situation that has reached a critical phase.” In this week’s scripture focus, we find Jesus drawing closer to Jerusalem and the cross; his ministry on Earth is approaching its most critical phase, its crisis point. In verses 49 through 53, he explains that after his death and resurrection, everyone will have to choose whether they will put their faith in him or deny him. His resurrection will not unite all mankind; on the contrary, it will inevitably bring division, as many will put their faith in Jesus and be saved, while many others will not. The Gospel draws a distinct line in the sand; on one side are those who accept Christ as King, and on the other are those who do not—in other words, the saved and the unsaved.

A pastor friend of mine used to say, “The Gospel demands a change!” I agree with that, but I think that before it demands a change, it demands a choice. This week’s scripture choice calls us to be alert and aware of what God is doing in the world and in our hearts. Jesus’ words in these passages tell us that while we still have time, we must either accept Christ as our Savior or, if we already have, then we must share the Good News of salvation with the world! In the final verses of this scripture, Jesus shares a parable about a vineyard owner, a fig tree, and a gardener that teaches a sobering truth. The truth is that God’s grace is infinite, but his patience is not. We must choose how we can answer the call to help further God’s Kingdom here on earth. Who will you share Christ with today?

Praying with you and for you,

Mike

Keep the Flame Burning

Luke 12:35 – 48 

“Be dressed in readiness and keep your lamps alight.  And be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns...” 

In the verses before our text Jesus told them about a man who was concerned with his earthly goods and wanted to build bigger barns to hold all his “stuff.”  He calls him a fool because he has the wealth of the world but is not rich toward God.  He tells them not to be anxious about such things, but to seek God’s kingdom and all they needed would be provided. 

In verse 35 Jesus speaks of being “dressed in readiness.” Ready for what?  The answer follows when He tells us to be like men waiting for their master’s return.  

The Jewish ritual of betrothal is rich with the symbolism of Christ’s return. There was a ceremony where the bride and groom met with friends and family as witnesses and they pledged themselves to one another. The bridegroom paid a price for the bride...and then they all went home, the bride to her family’s house and the bridegroom to his father’s. The bridegroom would spend the next months preparing a place in his father’s house for his bride and waiting for his father to say the time had come to go and take her for his wife. The bride had been making herself ready and waiting with her bridal clothes and her attendants, making sure that their lamps were kept burning so they would be ready for the sound of the trumpet. Yes, there was a trumpet sounded when the father declared it was time for his son to go get his bride. 

In John 14:2-4 Jesus tells His disciples “...I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”  That is a PROMISE.  Forty days after Jesus rose from the grave, angels confirmed this promise as He ascended into heaven. “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking at the sky?  This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”   

Mark 13:32 & 33 tells us that “...of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.  Take heed, therefore, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time is.” 

Waiting is difficult, but Jesus loves us so much, He tells us exactly how we should wait. First, we are to be “dressed in readiness.” This doesn’t mean we are to array ourselves in fancy clothes and adornments, but rather we must allow the Savior to clothe us. 

Isaiah 61: 10 says “For he has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness.”  Ephesians tells us to “keep our feet shod with the readiness of the gospel.” Colossians 3:12 instructs God’s dearly loved chosen people to “clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  In the garden, Adam and Eve tried to hide their nakedness and sin with fig leaves, but God’s redemptive love wraps us in His own righteousness. 

Jesus also tells them to keep their lamps lit and burning.  In scripture, a burning lamp signifies God’s active, holy presence, and the oil represents the Holy Spirit.  The Jews were commanded to never let the fire go out upon the altar. (Leviticus 6:3) God admonishes us to be spiritually alert, actively serving Him and prepared for His return.   

He also tells us not to be afraid, not to be anxious, to let your treasure be heavenly things. This earthly life is not all there is for us. We have a wonderful promise from Jesus that He is coming back for us.  He will be coming for those clothed in the righteousness of salvation for which He paid a great price.  He will be coming for those living in the light of His holy presence.  He will be coming for those who are pursuing the Master’s work. He wants us to be with Him where He is.  In Luke 12:32 Jesus says, “For your Father has chosen gladly to give you the Kingdom.”  How great a love the Lord has for those who belong to Him.” 

There is a wonderful Greek word, prosdechomai, used in Luke 2 of Simeon who recognized Jesus as the Messiah when He was just 40 days old.  It means to wait eagerly, conveying the idea of welcoming someone with an eager or expectant heart. It is also used in Titus 2:12 & 13 as it says “...live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” 

“Those who hopefully wait for Me will not be put to shame.”  Isaiah 49:23 

Waiting for Jesus, 

Jo 

Not Made for Pioneer Life

When I was a kid, the only vacation I ever wanted to take was to the beach. My parents packed food and drinks and hauled a cooler along with beach toys, chairs, and an umbrella. Meanwhile, I was free to frolick in the waves, search for shells and work on my tan. Every few years my parents would decide we should take a trip “out West”. I loathed those trips, and groaned through long car rides, uphill hikes, and numerous stops to read every.single.monument on the side of the road. I still like to remind my Dad of the time we went to look at wagon ruts on the Oregon Trail. Imagine- we could have been at the beach, soaking in the sun, but instead we drove one million miles to look at faint tracks in the dirt. Thrilling. 

As family lore has it, on the final night, we ditched the tent and stayed in a Holiday Inn where I jumped into a chlorinated pool and declared “NOW we are on vacation!” It was on this trip that I had a realization: I would have made a terrible pioneer. 

I’m quite accustomed to modern amenities and while my perspective has shifted some as an adult, I still think the Lord put me on earth at just the right time in history! Sometimes though, I think all the technology hasn’t made life easier- with more possessions, there is more maintenance required. I’ve noticed in my lifetime there has been a shift not only to acquire more things, but to acquire them more rapidly, and replace them more frequently. 

Jesus’ words in Luke 12:15 have been in my head all week, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” If I were a pioneer, I would have had to condense all my worldly belongings to fit in a covered wagon. If I had to leave my home tomorrow and could only take a few things, what would I bring? What’s so important to me that I’d want to cram it inside my minivan? I think I could pare it down to only a few necessities, and if that’s the case, why do I keep accumulating more stuff? Jesus said life does not consist in an abundance of possessions, but the culture and my own house say something different. 

I don’t think I’m a greedy person, but when does hoarding up earthly goods (and experiences) cross the line from need to greed?

After these wise words from Jesus, he tells a parable about a rich man, and then proceeds to tell his disciples not to worry about earthly possessions. Why? God knows they need food and clothes. Their Father will provide what they need. “Can any of you add one moment to your life span by worrying,” Jesus asks them. “If then you’re not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest?”

Indeed. 

I wonder if worry is a symptom of greed. And if greed is the illness, what’s the root cause? It might be different for each of us, but I think the cure is to live with open hands, hearts tuned to the impulse of the Spirit, trusting in the provision of the Father- who sent the Son- to provide exactly what we need, when we need it. 

Unlike the pioneers, we won’t die of dysentery on the Oregon Trail, but we will all one day die, leaving behind every single possession. Let’s store up treasures in heaven- treasures that last forever. 

Natalie  

Reflection Luke 11v33-36 A Poem

"Your eye is the lamp of the body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is also full of light."Oh this big light of mine-SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

Classical music playing on low, 

Reading the Bible by an open window. 

Sounds of summer blending in with the violin 

Children playing, laughing, last days of school ease 

A candle flickering, I see the light and begin to read.

No one lights a lamp and puts it in the cellar 

Under a basket—no 

Oh This little light of mine, how do I let it shine 

When windows shut

When music stops 

When laughter is cut short by cry of pain

When darkness runs wild around me determined to extinguish the flame 

My eyes shut tight—no light 

My eyes wide open—fixed on Him 

Now illuminated by His mercy and grace 

His light shines and fans my faith

Oh this big light of mine-SHINE!

-Nikki