When we look for a star like the wise men did, we should keep searching with diligence. Our stars today may be a friend, a song, a bible verse, or a point made in a sermon. – Pastor Steve Ramsdell
The lesson for me in reading Luke 9: “Understanding the Kingdom” is that greatness is achieved through humility because then there is sincerity and a dependence on God. There is plenty of work to be done in this world and we should understand that God is not interested in how we do things but that His good work is done.
The competition we face in this world is between good and evil. It is not between other groups simply because they do things different. We should appreciate and affirm others who stand for good; understanding that God is interested more about the why rather than what or how.
We should humbly step up to the plate and rely on God’s power to accomplish the task before us. Here’s a video to help us understand more about the why; that God is the reason for every good thing and we should give glory to Him: The Afters – Every Good Thing.
The disciples know at this point that Jesus is the Christ of God. They are all expecting the kingdom of God to be established on earth at any moment but in reading Luke 9:37-62, a statement of Jesus contrast with their expectations. Jesus says “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men (v. 44).”
The disciples marveled at everything Jesus did. They knew He had great power because they had witnessed the miracles and He had just healed a boy with an evil spirit but they misunderstood the kingdom of God. They then began to compete against each other and an argument broke out as to who would be the greatest among them.
At this point, Jesus took a small child and told the disciples, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me: and whoever welcomes me welcomes the ONE who sent me. For he who is least among you all – he is the greatest (v. 48).” The lesson is that greatness is achieved through humility because then there is sincerity and a dependence on God.
Then John told Jesus that they had seen a man driving out demons in His name and that they were trying to stop the man because he was not a part of their group. Jesus told John, “Do not stop him.” Jesus said, “For whoever is not against you is for you (v. 50).”
Jesus was explaining about priorities and that fulfilling God’s purpose is more important than other matters in life. Significance is more important than survival (v. 46-47), serving is more important than being served (v. 48-49), and stepping up to the plate is more important than staying put and playing it safe (v. 59-62).
The competition we face in this world is between good and evil. It is not between other groups simply because they are different. We should appreciate and affirm others who stand for good. Father God, we pray today to have the right attitude and not compete against other groups but work together against the evil we face in this world. This day with You, remind us that everyone has tremendous value in Your eyes.
Happy Thanksgiving
Our attention is undivided;
And thankful for the path provided.
It’s a wonderful time of praise;
For the ways You have guided.
We seek You every day;
And in You we believe.
Thankful for Your provision;
Grateful for all we receive.
Thanks for all that is right and good;
For all Your intervening;
For the joy You provide;
And for all that gives true meaning.
By Mark Shields – © 11-26-2014
Life is never perfect and only one person has ever been perfect. The ONE is Jesus who lived on earth and went through the same stuff we do today. He spoke faith, hope, and love as He lived on earth and we have His example to follow.
What is in our heart comes out in how we live. The scripture tells us to love God first and second to love our neighbor as ourselves. A way to step ahead is to study the life of Christ and work to apply faith, hope, and love in our everyday experiences.
Without Jesus, there is doubt, negative thoughts, and discontent but living the way Jesus tells us to puts good in the heart: Here is an inspirational video to get us stepping in that direction today: Speak Life – TobyMac.
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