David Bahn - Reflections

We may always have the poor among us. But that should not erode our awareness of them or blind us to the opportunities we have to serve them. After all that is what Jesus did to serve poor miserable sinners such as us. He didn't overlook us. He served and saved us and calls us to do the same. Furthermore, Jesus has risen from the dead. Surely we will listen to him!

This parable is one of a trio in the Lost and Found chapter. The lost and found sheep, one of 100. The lost and found coin, one of 10. The lost and found son, one of two. But there is a refrain at the end of the first two parables. This third one describes this truth: “There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Will we join the celebration? Will we return to God if we are far off? Will we come in if we’re standing aloof in bitterness and anger? Every gathering of God’s people is to be a foretaste of the joy to come, a celebration of God’s grace and joy in the fellowship of the redeemed. Don't be mad or sad. Be glad and rejoice in God's grace every day.

The feast of which Jesus speaks is for those who have been made new. They love God and their neighbor. They rejoice when the outcast is redeemed. They celebrate as all God's people gather around Jesus, giving him the honor and praise he deserves. We will certainly not want to miss this feast!

This is the Feast Hymn on Youtube

Jesus was committed only to pleasing God and loving others. 

So he healed the bent over woman. On the Sabbath. In front of the whole synagogue. And he took away her infirmity. And he took on their ire. He calls them to account in the process, saying, "And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?”

There are two reactions to Jesus' healing touch. Luke tells us, "As he said these things, all his adversaries were put to shame, and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him." 

Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem. He is aware that this is a critical time, and the danger of getting derailed is imminent. The pressure is building from the criticisms of the Jewish leaders and the impatient crowds and the confused disciples. These are not peaceful times in his ministry. Jesus must stay the course if he is to usher in the reign and rule of God.

Prayer is not about my eloquence or performance, but about God’s presence and embrace. He hears, even when my words feel weak, and He welcomes me, even when I struggle to find the right ones. It's not about my ability to pray well, but about his gracious invitation to be with him, and his promise to hear when I call.

Jesus asked who acted like a neighbor in order to get the lawyer out of the loophole looking paradigm and see how God's love is to be shared with all kinds and sorts of people. Even syncretistic foreigners. 

Jesus, however, didn't ask questions about how we are to treat one another. He was clear, direct, and unwavering in His command to "love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12). Go and do likewise. No question here. Just go and love like God has loved you. 

Next time you feel discouraged about your faithfulness, effectiveness, character, or qualifications, consider this: If I'm reading this right the 12 are hung up on their own personal preferences and protections while the 72 are sent to do amazing things. Yet the 12 are still the 12, and the 72 are not to boast in their personal accomplishments.

Real disciples follow Jesus - however well they are able. And that is our calling. And our names are recorded in heaven.

Do we recognize the majesty of God in this man, Jesus? Do we see it only in the dramatic healing of the man's son, or the majesty of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration? God's majesty is veiled in the person, life, ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But make no mistake: This Jesus is God's majestic Son, Savior, Redeemer, Lord, and Friend!

Here's the Michael W. Smith link.

Sometimes our faithful witness can make us seem fanatical. People might feel as though we're getting carried away with Jesus. Maybe so. But Jesus carried away our sins to the cross, and then he was carried away from his cross to a borrowed tomb. Now he reigns at the right hand of God. He did that to secure our eternal salvation and give us hope and a future.