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

Angry

Luke 9:46-62

Have you ever been so angry with someone that you wished them harm? I’m ashamed to admit that I have. My biggest trigger is the news. When I see people treating others cruelly or taking advantage of the weak or poor for their own gain, my blood boils! When bigotry and prejudice crush the marginalized underfoot, it enrages me. It infuriates me when I see people use the name of Christ for material gain or to justify hatred or oppression. I can find myself fantasizing about those who anger me getting what they deserve. At my worst, I can be tempted to ask God to rain righteous judgment on the heads of those who anger me! Maybe you're like me and can find yourself wanting the Lord to give those who offend you what you feel they deserve. In Luke 9:46-62, we learn that even those who were closest to Jesus while he was here on Earth could struggle with misdirected anger.

In the ninth chapter of Luke, we get a glimpse of Jesus and the twelve apostles as they travel towards Jerusalem and Jesus' crucifixion. In verses 46-62, we get a few snapshots of the Apostles acting in some particularly un-Christlike ways, doing things like arguing amongst themselves about which of them is the greatest among them and chastising a man casting out demons in Jesus’ name because he’s not a member of their exclusive group of believers. One that stands out occurs in verses 51-56. In these verses, as they approach a Samaritan village on the way to Jerusalem, Jesus sends some of his followers on ahead to secure lodging and food for the night before traveling on. The Samaritans, who hold Jews in contempt, refuse to let them enter the village once they find out they are heading to Jerusalem. James and John are incensed by the disrespect shown to their beloved teacher and kindly ask Jesus for permission to ask God to rain down fire on the village and wipe it off the map. Jesus declines and, in some manuscripts, even tells James and John that he didn’t come to destroy people but to save them.

There’s a lot of anger in the world right now. It often feels like we’re sinking in a sea of rage, bitter arguments, and even physical violence. Sadly, some of that anger and bitterness is coming from within the Church. As we seek to represent Christ in the world, may we always remember His message to the early disciples—a message of redemption and hope, not anger and condemnation.

Praying for peace with you,

Mike

10,000 Ways

John Piper famously tweeted in 2012, “God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.” His words were an exhortation to trust in the Lord’s love, his sovereignty, and his wisdom, amidst the trials of life we inevitably face. In the second half of Luke 9, Jesus asked the disciples who the crowds said that he was, and after hearing their reply, he followed it up by asking “But you, who do YOU say that I am?” Peter answered easily, “God’s Messiah”. The crowds may have thought Jesus a prophet, but Peter knew who he was. Demons had been driven out, a dead girl had been raised, people had been healed, thousands had been fed with five loaves and two fish. There were no second doubts, or lingering questions. Peter’s testimony on that day would ring through the ages, but it wouldn’t be long before altogether different words would be on his lips and recorded for us to see. On a darker day, the morning of Jesus’ crucifixion, Peter would adamantly deny God’s Messiah. Three times he would say, “I don’t know him!”

Jesus will ask us on our best days, “Who do you say that I am?” so that our confession will stand as a reminder to us on our worst days. 

Throughout Luke’s gospel we see a continual foreshadowing of the cross to come. Death casts a long shadow. Suffering, shame and sorrow still lurk behind the scenes for their moment in the spotlight. While we are quick to recall Peter’s denial of Jesus, we think less often of his proclamation. The truth of God’s nature does not waver, and whether Peter recognized it or not, God was at work in his life in both accounts. I wonder if when Peter was restored to Jesus after the resurrection, he remembered not only the time he denied Jesus in shame, but the one where he boldly asserted with such confidence to Jesus “You are God’s Messiah”, and thought to himself “It’s really true! Jesus IS who he says he is”. For the rest of his days, it wasn’t fear or shame that compelled him, but settled assurance gave him the courage to proclaim the name of Jesus, even unto death. 

How is God at work in you? Are you confident to joyfully profess his name? Or do you feel like Peter at the crucifixion, frightened, unsure and confused? Take heart. God is doing things in your life today in 10,000 ways, the same as he has been all the days of your life. He is using it all- every single circumstance.

Lord, give us eyes to see. 

Natalie

The God Who Provides

Luke 9:1-17

Have you ever heard of “analysis paralysis?” According to a quick Google search, it can be thought of as “the state of overthinking or over-analyzing a situation, causing decision-making to become frozen and preventing action.”

At the beginning of this passage, Jesus sends his disciples on a journey of preaching the Kingdom of God and healing the sick, instructing them to bring almost nothing with them and to rely on the hospitality of the local people. I don’t know about you, but I think “analysis paralysis” pretty accurately describes the state I would be in if I were in the disciples’ shoes.

Don’t get me wrong, I love to travel, and I consider myself a pretty adventurous person, but going somewhere with nothing but the clothes on my back and having no idea where I’d be sleeping, sounds a bit crazy to me. If I were the disciples, I probably would have got so in my head about all the things that could have gone wrong, that I would have just backed out altogether.

Even just committing to a journey like this shows the deep trust and complete devotion these men had toward Jesus. They were willing to leave behind all forms of comfort and safety and walk forward with complete reliance on God’s provision. We see this same theme occur again later in the passage, when Jesus instructs the disciples to feed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish.

Jesus directs the disciples to have the people sit down in groups as if they were preparing to eat a meal together, and they do just that, knowing what little resources they have. They obeyed even when they didn’t understand how it could possibly work. I also think it’s really cool that Jesus chose to allow the disciples to play such a key role in this miracle. He could have done it all alone but allowed them to be a part of it.

This passage teaches us a lot about what it looks like to walk closely with Jesus. It teaches us that when God calls us to do something, He will provide all that we need to make it happen. It’s tempting to want to be in control, to plan, and to figure everything out yourself, but things rarely play out in a way that allows for that.

Oftentimes, we must take a step without knowing how things are going to work out, and most of the time, that can be terrifying, but we can rest assured knowing that God will provide everything we need. It makes me think of Matthew 6:28-30, “Consider the lilies of the field how they grow: they neither toil nor spin…But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you…”

God cares about us and wants to provide for us. He can do incredible, miraculous things with what we choose to trust him with. So today, don’t get stuck in the state of “analysis paralysis.”

Take that one small step God is asking you to take, put everything you have in His hands, and watch what He can do.

Carmen K

On The Way to a Healing

Luke 8:40-56

It was just another day where she stood on the outskirts of the crowd not too close to anyone, but wondering what was going on.  She heard people shouting His name.  Was this the Teacher, the Healer she had heard proclaimed, the one who caused blinded eyes to open, the lame to walk and even cast out demons?  She had heard the stories from far off of people receiving their loved ones back from death and even lepers being cleansed.  What was His name?  Jesus, yes that was what they were shouting as they pressed in all around Him.  If only she could receive a healing from this anointed one.  But she was unclean.  It had been twelve years since anyone touched her, hugged her, got close enough to look into her eyes.  The bleeding would not stop.  It separated her from everyone she knew, and the discouragement and loneliness were overwhelming. 

From the end of February through most of March my body was attacked by a virus that caused me to go from a nasty cough to feeling so weak and full of body aches that I could only stay up for short amounts of time.  For at least six weeks I experienced headaches and sneezing and sore throat and ears that kept me away from church and other activities because I didn’t want to pass this on to anyone else.  I made my kids stay away because I didn’t want them to get it.  Just as I began to feel better, another round would hit me. It was pretty miserable.  I can’t imagine having an illness that kept me away from people for twelve years.   

The illness this woman had was, most likely, specific to women, and men are not fully able to understand, although they might be compassionate and sympathetic.  The constant bleeding, the cramping, the anemia and weakness that would follow, always washing clothes and herself to keep from being too offensive to anyone.  The cycle of life that God put in women to prepare them to bear children had gone terribly wrong and could not be fixed by any doctors of that day.  And then the separation from her family and others because of the laws that governed such things in those days took its toll. I hope I have not been too graphic, but the suffering of this woman was great and took over her entire life.  So when she knew Jesus was in that crowd she began to have hope that maybe He was the answer to her twelve year dilemma.  If only...if only she could get His attention.  But that would be wrong because she was unclean.  She heard conversations at the edge of the crowd that He was headed to the house of Jairus to heal his 12 year old daughter who was dying. Jairus was an important person in the synagogue.  How could she interrupt the Teacher’s journey to help this daughter? Funny, she thought, that this child was born when her sickness started.  This twelve year old child was a physical human representation of the time she had suffered with her own affliction.   

And suddenly a decision was made. For better or worse she had to get to Jesus.  If only she could touch the hem of His garment perhaps she would be healed.  She dropped to her knees and began to press through the crowd of people surrounding Him.  Stones in the road cut at her knees and people unknowingly stepped on her hands and legs.  After all, who was expecting a person to be crawling on the ground amongst them?   

And then there He was.  The fringe of His garment was before her and she reached out and ever so gently touched it.  All of a sudden her attention was off herself as Jesus turned around and said, “Who touched me?”  Fear gripped her as her desperate attempt to touch Jesus had been found out.  One of His disciples, the one called Peter, was incredulous at the question, “Who touched me?” “Master,” he said, “there is a crowd of people around you! How can you ask such a question?” But Jesus responded, “I felt power go out of me.”  

The crowd opened up and there she was on her knees, trembling, expecting a rebuke about being unclean and approaching Jesus, interrupting Him as He went to a more important place.  But instead as she explained to Him and all the people the reason for touching His garment, she saw compassion in His eyes not anger. “Daughter, be of good comfort, your faith has made you whole.  Go in peace.”  The most precious words she had ever heard.  She could feel that her body had been healed and her heart rejoiced.   

But as she rejoiced another came with bad news that the little girl had died and Jesus needn’t bother to continue to the house of Jairus.  Was it her fault?  Had she taken up His time and caused the child to die?  No.  Her divine appointment with Jesus did not hinder Him from healing the daughter of Jairus too. 

The good news is that God’s power is not limited by time or circumstances.  God can work out the healing of your desperate situations even as He works out similar situations for others.  He has the power over sickness and death and, no matter how He chooses to make you whole, in faith, you can go in peace. Be of good comfort. 

Jo 

Remember

Luke 24:1-12

I decided that I no longer believed in God about the time I entered middle school. Science textbooks had, in my opinion, done a very good job explaining how the universe had been formed and how all life had come to exist. My Christian friends tried to get me to read the Bible; however, I figured, “What’s the point?” Why waste time reading some ancient book of mythology when modern science explained everything so perfectly?! What could some guy who died two thousand years ago say that could have any meaning to me? On top of it all, I was supposed to believe that this man, Jesus, didn’t stay dead. I may not have been a great scholar, but even I knew that “dead is dead!” But what if I was wrong? What if there was more than what science could explain? What would that mean for my life?

This week's scripture takes place on the first Easter morning. Several women, followers of Jesus, have come to pay their last respects by completing the Jewish burial rites of anointing the deceased's body with oil and spices. This would be one last act of love for their master, teacher, and friend. They didn’t expect to find the tomb empty and Jesus' body nowhere to be found! Suddenly, two angels appear and ask these women a profound question, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” Then the angels give the women a command, “Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” Scripture then tells us that, “And they remembered his words.” The women returned to share the news but the apostles, perhaps too deep in their own grief to hope, refused to believe them. After all, as simple as they are, they know that “dead is dead. However, Peter, who always seemed to lead with his emotions, immediately runs to the tomb to see for himself, perhaps wondering, “What if it’s true?”

Many people around the world will attend worship services this Easter for many different reasons. Some will attend to be with their families; some will come to fulfill a yearly sense of tradition. Some will come like the women at the tomb, as a way to honor someone who was a “good man,” but not God incarnate, raised from the dead. Some will come like those apostles who refused to believe that Jesus was alive, because, as nice as resurrection sounds, no one comes back from the dead. However, many will come and take the angel’s advice and remember. They will hear the Easter story and remember all that Christ has done and is doing in their lives and in the world! When we hear the story of Easter, will we respond like the scoffers and believe the story is too good to be true? Or will we be like the women and tell others the good news! May we all react like Peter and feel our hearts race as our hope is reborn.

Remembering with you,

Mike

A Spectacular View

Luke 19:28-40

Last week, I had the privilege to hike up to the highest point of the Shenandoah National Park alongside my adult children.  It took some effort to get there but each step of the way was filled with anticipation of what we would see from the peak.  I can assure you that once we got there, we took time to soak in such a spectacular view that even pictures couldn’t capture what it was like.  It was the kind of viewpoint that will humble a person and give them a greater sense of wonder.

In our text this week, we see mention of other spectacular views.  Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem which he approaches from the mount of Olivet.  In my ESV Study Bible there are notes that say the place where Jesus was positioned on that mount was visited often by Him and His disciples as it provided a spectacular view of the temple mount.  Certainly, they would spend some time once again to take it all in.  As Jesus made His way down the mount, the crowd of followers around Him could have missed a more spectacular view but they didn’t.  They were gazing upon their long-awaited Messiah in whom they had already seen mighty works.  Now they couldn’t help themselves, they had to exclaim praise to God for the Messianic King who had come to them as promised.  Jesus is ready for them to recognize this truth about Him and says that even if they were silent then the very stones would have cried out in praise.

None could imagine what would happen next as they would watch their Hope from heaven submit Himself as a Suffering Servant to be crucified within the week.  For them, it would be so confusing but later it would be known by many that this was one of the most spectacular views we have of Jesus as our Savior.  His passionate purpose led Him to submit to horrendous suffering and the heart wrenching pain of death.  All of it to reveal the greatest love the world will ever know by the King who conquered sin and death so that those who trust in Him can and will have eternal life in His Kingdom.  What a spectacular view God has given the world of the Peacemaker and High King of heaven!  

For us today, it still gets so confusing as to why things happen.  We are too easily distracted from seeing God while we peek about continuously lured by worldly views.  But God invites us to the most spectacular view that was ever provided in the perfect life of Jesus Christ and His finishing work.  It’s Gospel Good News for all the world!  Instead of doomscrolling through life, we should seek the best viewpoint.  Let us be a church that fixes our attention once again on the most alluring view of all in the Founder and Finisher of our faith.  As we take the time to soak it in, may we be people that are humbled and filled with wonder while we await the promised return of our Righteous Redeemer and Glorious King Jesus.  May our very hearts cry out in praise and may our lives be transformed to be primarily about His Kingdom!

Grateful and hopeful in Christ, 

Jon

Wanting to Justify Himself

Luke 10:25-37

"When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem."
- Luke 9:51

Scholars agree that chapter 9, verse 51 of Luke's Gospel is a turning point in the book.

Up to this point, as Luke is telling the story of Jesus, it has mainly been a story of His ministry "at home." That is, in the Galilee and Nazareth region.

But things shift at the end of chapter 9.
From now on, Jesus will be "on the road."

And it's at this moment - as Luke tells the story - that a “journey” is beginning for Jesus.

And at the end of this journey is a rugged cross, and an empty tomb.

From this point in the Gospel (9:51), all the way to Palm Sunday (19:28), Jesus's face is set "to go to Jerusalem."

And therefore, in the chapters and verses in between,
With every parable,
With every miracle,
With every teaching,
With every healing,

Jesus is marching closer and closer to Jerusalem.

An object is out on the horizon, drawing closer and closer.

A wooden, rugged cross, outside Jerusalem.

His face is set to go to Jerusalem.
The days were drawing near for Him to be taken up.

---

It's against this backdrop above that I want us to consider the passage for this week, Luke 10:25-37.

You probably know the passage as,
"The Parable of the Good Samaritan."

In this section of Scripture, Jesus has a conversation with a lawyer. And when you hear that word "lawyer", you might think of a modern-day lawyer.

But in the New Testament, "lawyer" simply means: an expert in the law. That is, the law of Moses. Similar to one of the Scribes or Pharisees.

It is worth noting the "cycle" structure of their conversation:

- The lawyer asks Jesus a question
   - Jesus replies by asking the lawyer a question
- The lawyer answers Jesus's question
   - Jesus gives a final reply

The cycle happens twice: in 10:25-28, and again in 10:29-37.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (that you likely know) is contained in that second cycle. But for this writing, our focus will mostly be on the first cycle.

Because, before this familiar parable, there is an important part of their conversation that we don't want to miss.

---

--> Lawyer:
   "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

--> Jesus:
   "What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?"

(He knows who He's talking to - so He asks an "expert" on his own subject matter!)

--> Lawyer:
   "You shall love the Lord your God
   with all your heart,
   and with all your soul,
   and with all your strength,
   and with all your mind;
   and your neighbor as yourself.”

--> Jesus:
   "You have answered correctly.
   Do this, and you will live."

Jesus confirms the Lawyer's thinking as a (technically) possible solution for eternal life:

"Yes, if you keep the Law - this Law that is summed up as Loving God and Loving People - if you keep that Law perfectly, you will live. You will have eternal life."

But notice the Lawyer's response (10:29). It's really the key moment of this whole conversation.

Luke tells us that the Lawyer was "wanting to justify himself."

This expert in the Law had been confronted with God's holy, righteous standard:
- Love God with all that you are
- Love your neighbor as yourself

And the Lawyer knew that he didn't measure up.

He thought,
"Hmm, I'll have to find a way to make this work. Maybe there's a loophole, some way that I can bend the Law, fudge the numbers..."

So the second cycle begins. He goes on to ask Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" - thinking he might find a loophole there.

And we know from the rest of the passage: he didn't!
Jesus tells the Parable to the Good Samaritan, and exposes this Law Expert's lack of love, and the prejudice in his heart.

But consider this question with me,
What should the Lawyer's response have been?

By knowing that he didn't measure up, he was on the right track...

But instead of turning *inward*, he should have turned *outward*.

If the lawyer's response had only been something like this:

--> Lawyer:
"But Teacher, I could never keep the Law perfectly.

The Law says to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

But I am an idolater at heart.
My heart is prone to the worship of other things.
Worship of created things, and not the Creator.
I am prone to making things, people, and ideas my source of joy and hope.

I do not love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

And the Law says to love my neighbor as myself.
But I cannot do that perfectly either!

I am self-righteous toward others, and look down on them.
I have hatred in my heart towards Samaritans.

I do not always love my neighbor as myself.

Teacher,
I could never keep God's Law perfectly.
The righteousness that God requires - I do not possess that within myself.

So, I must throw myself on the mercy of God!

Is it possible that God could give us another way to have eternal life?
Is there another way to be righteous before Him?

Is it possible to have someone else's righteousness credited to us?
Someone else's righteousness applied to us?"

---

Remember: the Teacher with whom this Lawyer spoke was on a journey.
He had his face set toward Jerusalem.
The days were drawing near for Him to be taken up.
He was headed to the cross.

And on the cross,
He would die in the place of those who had broken God’s law.
Those who did not love God.
Those who did not love their neighbor.

*HE* had kept God’s Law perfectly.
He had always loved His Father
   With all His heart
   With all His soul,
   With all His strength,
   With all His mind.
And He had always loved His neighbor as Himself.

But on the cross,
He would be treated by His Father
As one who had failed to keep the Law.
As though He had not loved God, or His neighbor.

So that we who repent and trust in what Jesus has done *CAN HAVE* eternal life.

We can stand before God, with no need to "justify ourselves."
Because our righteousness isn't found in keeping the Law.
We stand with the righteousness of Jesus, given to us through His cross.

"For his sake
I have suffered the loss of all things
And count them as rubbish
In order that I may gain Christ
And be found in Him,
Not having a righteousness of my own
That comes from the law,
But that which comes through faith in Christ,
The righteousness from God that depends on faith."
Philippians 3:8-9

- Joe