Luke 10

In my Bible software program (Logos) I have the ability to automatically highlight the text based on predetermined criteria. For example all all verb imperatives (commands) are always highlighted green. In Luke 10:1-24 Jesus sends out his disciples to do ministry. Look at the imperatives (commands) in English... Pray,Go (x 2), Carry, Say (x 3), Remain, Eat, Heal, Know, Rejoice (x2). While I could comment on each of these commands, let's just look at the first two (pray & go).

And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves." Luke 10:3-2 (ESV)

What catches my attention is that Jesus first commands them to pray for laborers, and then he commands them to go as laborers. In other words THEY become the ANSWER to their own prayer. Perhaps God is calling us to follow up our prayer with action! SWC

Luke 9

What do you do everyday? Get up, Shower, eat, brush teeth, fix bed, dress, drive, read and et cetera. When Jesus challenged his disciples to, "take up his cross," he adds the word, "daily." This should be a part of our regular routine, like breathing. The challenge with this is that breathing is easy and helps to keep us alive. The one who carries a cross does so to death. SWC

For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? Luke 9:25 (ESV)

Luke 8

Mary--A few posts back I asked, "How many Mary's are there in the New Testament?" Since Mary Magdalene's name appears here in Luke8:2 I'd thought I'd answer the question. Mary was a very popular name during the first century and if you are like me it can become confusing which Mary the New Testament is referring to. Below is a list with some limited details and Scripture references.

(1) Mary the Mother of Jesus
Luke 1:26-27

(2) Mary Magdalene
Jesus cast seven demons out of her
Followed Jesus
At the Cross
Witnessed the resurrection
Luke 8:2

(3) Mary of Bethany
Sister of Martha and Lazarus
John 11:28-33

(4) Mary the mother of John Mark
Believers met in her home
Acts 12:12

(5) Mary of Rome
Romans 16:6

(6) Mary the Mother of James and Joseph*
Matthew 27:56

*This Mary is know by several names, but context point to the same woman
Also known as, "the other Mary" (Matthew 27:61)
Also known as, "Mary the mother of Joses" (Mark 15:40-47)
Also known as, "Mary the mother of James" (Luke 24:10)
Also known as, "Mary the wife of Clopas" (John 19:25)

Luke 7

There is a myth in weight loss called, "Spot reduction." The myth goes something like this, "I can reduce fat in a specific area on my body by focusing exercise on it--like abs or triceps. The biological truth however is that weight loss happens evenly throughout our entire body regardless of what muscles are focused on.

There was a myth among the people of Jesus day, "We should stay away from sinners." Jesus had a different idea. He made sure that he brushed shoulders with people who needed mercy and grace--sinners. He never followed their behavior or became negatively influenced by them, but allowed sinners a chance at forgiveness. Who are we rubbing shoulders with today? SWC

Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little." Luke 7:44-47 (ESV)

Luke 6

Luke chapter six contains an abbreviated version of the Sermon on the Mount. In the beatitudes Luke records four blessings and four woes.

1. Poor = future kingdom (Rich now = no future reward)
2. Hungry = future satisfaction (Full now = future hunger)
3. Weep = future laughing (Laugh now = future mourning)
4. Persecuted = future joy & reward in heaven (Loved now = implied future sorrow and loss of heaven)

As I was changing in the locker room last night I watched a few minutes of the news. There were a number of local stories about injustice, one after another. In each story criminal behavior hurt innocent people. I thought to myself, "How long?" Jesus gives the answer: SWC

Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. Luke 6:23 (ESV)

Luke 5

Sin is missing the mark. In Luke chapter five the Greek word for sin (ἁμαρτία) is used seven times (Luke 5:8, 20, 21, 23, 24, 30, 32). Peter misses the mark, the Paralytic misses the mark, Levi misses the mark. You and I miss the mark too.

I love the story where Jesus heals the Paralytic. Before he heals his physical problem Jesus heals his spiritual problem, "Man, your sins are forgiven." We have lots of physical challenges in life like financial difficulties and broken bodies. Let's make a spiritual commitment to take care of our sin first. SWC

Luke 4

Three times in this chapter Jesus is connected to the power of the Holy Spirit.

Luke 4:1 "Full of the Holy Spirit"
Luke 4:14 "In the power of the Spirit"
Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me"

Christians are permanently indwelled by the Holy Spirit. However the level of filling, or control, of the Spirit on our lives is dependent on our willingness to surrender and follow. It is also connected to the amount of sin on our hearts. Am I in control or is God? I'm betting that God can do a better job then I can. SWC

Luke 3

I wonder if John the Baptist really liked to eat locusts? I never tried. Don't think I want to either. Part of John's message was to, "Bear fruits in keeping with repentance." When I pick out fruit at the store I'm really selective. I look, touch, smell, squeeze. I want the best. God wants our fruit to be the best. Genuine repentance bears the best looking fruit. In other words our actions reflect the heart.

When our fruit becomes bruised we need to approach God in prayer. SWC

Luke 2

Death. I'm getting closer. It seemed so far away when I was in grade school. I remember one of my high school teachers musing about what life would be like for us in the year 2000. That was 1983 and now it's 2008! I like what Simeon says as he reflects on his mortality, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace." (Luke 2:22) Simeon was ready! He knew and believed in Jesus. Death for a believer can be met with peace.

If you have time check out this extremely popular video clip from a recent Oprah show. The theme? Death. SWC Professor Randy Pausch's Last Lecture

Luke 1

The mission of John the Baptist was to prepare the people for Jesus. At least two of John's disciples, Andrew and his brother Simon Peter, would eventually become disciples of Christ. John prepared the foundation of their spiritual life--on this Jesus built. For what ministry is God preparing you for? Your faith is stronger, your worship sweeter, your ministry toolbox bigger, your skills refined. Some of us are going to Nicaragua this summer as we seek to carry out the ministry that we have been prepared for. Perhaps God has prepared you for this too? SWC

he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared. Luke 1:17 (ESV)