Live in the Light Daily Broadcast

Jesus taught many important, life-changing lessons in His parables... and in this series, Let Me Tell You A Story, we're getting ready to dig deeper into the incredible parables that are unique to the Gospel of Luke. Today, for our first parable, we delve into an awesome story illustrating 'head knowledge' versus 'heart knowledge'. Without a heart on fire—also known as compassion—life in Christ is futile. Where is your heart today? Are you filled with conviction... and compassion?

John Newton's well known hymn, "Amazing Grace" uses words taken directly from today's text. "I was blind but now I see" exclaims the man when Jesus restores his sight. Through the Lord's healing touch, the man is no longer a captive, locked in a world of darkness but now freed to live in one of light! Newton understood that before knowing Christ, we are blind and wretched, enslaved by sin. Only Jesus can rescue us from death and darkness, then welcome us into his marvelous light and the gift of eternal life!

The things that we prioritize in life will ultimately determine the path of our life. Pursuing goals that are temporal or physical are not necessarily wrong, but they must not be placed above those that are spiritual. God's word instructs us to seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness because that is where God's promises to his people are fulfilled. It is where the antidote to anxiety and the place of blessing, peace and joy is found!

The things that we prioritize in life will ultimately determine the path of our life. Pursuing goals that are temporal or physical are not necessarily wrong, but they must not be placed above those that are spiritual and of eternal value. God's word instructs us to seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness because that is where God's promises to his people are fulfilled. It is where the antidote to anxiety and the place of blessing, peace and joy is found!

Tim Keller is quoted as having said that  "every other treasure you have to purchase: Jesus is the only treasure that purchased you". How true is that! Salvation is a free gift and is of infinite, incomparable value - there is nothing that even comes close. In light of this, the bible warns us about placing our trust and value in earthly things that are temporal and can steal Jesus' rightful place in our hearts. Instead, we are called to build up our treasures in heaven, living in light of the Kingdom and the greatest gift of all.

Tim Keller is quoted as having said that, "every other treasure you have to purchase: Jesus is the only treasure that purchased you". How true is that! Salvation is a free gift and is of infinite, incomparable value - there is nothing that even comes close. In light of this, the bible warns us about placing our trust and value in earthly things that are temporal and can steal Jesus' rightful place in our hearts. Instead, we are called to build up our treasures in heaven, living in light of the Kingdom and the greatest gift of all.

Today's passage takes a look at the subject of fasting, but the pure heart is the true goal of this messge. Fasting was a discipline used to deny oneself in order to fervently seek and draw near to the Lord, a practice engaged in and used to draw near to and glorify God. However, in this passage, we learn that the Pharisees would often draw attention to themselves while fasting, ultimately glorifying themselves and stealing the glory from God. Similarly, if we serve or work in his name and with a self-centred attitude or motivation, the Lord sees this hypocrisyand rejects it. Conversely, he also recognizes the pure motivation of genuine heart which seeks to glorify him above all else. He rejects what is false, but blesses what is real!

John Newton's well known hymn, "Amazing Grace" uses words taken directly from today's text. "I was blind but now I see" exclaims the man when Jesus restores his sight. Through the Lord's healing touch, the man is no longer a captive, locked in a world of darkness but now freed to live in one of light! Newton understood that before knowing Christ, we are blind and wretched, enslaved by sin. Only Jesus can rescue us from death and darkness, then welcome us into his marvelous light and the gift of eternal life!

Today's passage takes a look at the subject of fasting, but the pure heart is the true goal of this messge. Fasting was a discipline used to deny oneself in order to fervently seek and draw near to the Lord, a practice engaged in and used to draw near to and glorify God. However, in this passage, we learn that the Pharisees would often draw attention to themselves while fasting, ultimately glorifying themselves and stealing the glory from God. Similarly, if we serve or work in his name and with a self-centred attitude or motivation, the Lord sees this hypocrisy and rejects it. Conversely, he also recognizes the pure motivation of a genuine heart that seeks to glorify him above all else. He rejects what is false, but blesses what is real!

Most people would say it is easy and natural to reciprocate love to someone who loves you and treats you well. We will often go to great lengths to actively show our affection to those we care for no matter the cost. But what about people who dislike, hurt or persecute you - or even hate you? In our flesh, it is difficult to return love for hate, and kindness for cruelty, but that is exactly what Jesus calls us to do! Christ showed only love to his enemies at all times, even washing Judas' feet while knowing that he would betray him the following day. Jesus loved us and died for us when we were still his enemies and did not know him. He demonstrates true, unconditional love as an example of Christian love for those who follow him. We are not to love as the world loves, but to love exceptionally as Jesus did. The bar has been raised!