Category NT Book 03 – Luke

Apr 8 2014

The Chief Seats – (Luke 14)

Jesus told another parable beginning in verse while at the dinner at the Pharisee’s house. The scripture says that this parable of the wedding feast was prompted by the way He saw that the guests had chosen the “places of honor.” Some versions call these seats “the chief seats,” while others call them simply the “best seats.” We cannot be sure which these were, but a good assumption might be that the very best seats would be those closest to the host.

What Jesus makes the analogy to is being invited to a wedding feast and choosing one of those places of honor, only to get “bumped down” to a more lowly seat when someone “more distinguished” shows up. It would be better to choose the lowly seats, and then the host might move you to a better seat, bringing you honor instead of embarrassment. This is certainly sound advice, and would definitely make you seem less presumptuous and more polite anyway.

English: An etching by Jan Luyken illustrating...

English: An etching by Jan Luyken illustrating Matthew 25:14-30 in the Bowyer Bible, Bolton, England. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

But beyond the practical advice for everyday life that this parable involves, it resounds with the way that Jesus has taught all along. He tells them that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” He taught this at the sermon on the mount. And he drives this point home to His apostles (Matthew 19:30, Matthew 20:16 , Luke 13:30). The teaching was very relevant for these Pharisees, many of whom had a high opinion of their own importance.

And of course, its relevance to us today is the same as in the passages just mentioned. It is the same mindset that is commanded to us in Matthew 6:3-4, when Jesus tells us to do good for others in secret, so that the right hand doesn’t know what the left is doing. Christians should not be about the business of making themselves feel important. Humbleness and humility are valued by God, and we will be rewarded by Him for the good that we do. That is enough.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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Apr 7 2014

Against Man’s Will – (Luke 14)

It was on the Sabbath, and Jesus had gone to the house of a ruler of the Pharisees to dine. Verse 2 says that there was a man there who had “dropsy.”  The condition that he had was probably edema, which can be caused from congestive heart failure, kidney, or liver failure. If it was pulmonary edema, it could have been severe enough for breathing to be an issue. At any rate, it seems the condition was obvious by his appearance and manner.

 

Deutsch: Christus im Hause des Pharisäers, Jac...

Deutsch: Christus im Hause des Pharisäers, Jacopo Tintoretto, Escorial (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

The last part of verse one says that the Pharisees were watching Jesus carefully even before the man was mentioned. This suggests that although the presence of other people at these dinners was not unusual, this man may have been brought there by the Pharisees in order to trap Jesus. Verse 3 appears to bear that out as well for it says that Jesus “responded” to the lawyers and Pharisees.  He asked them if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not. They remained silent at this question. That itself is noteworthy, because they certainly had plenty to say on the subject on other occasions.

 

Jesus healed the man, of course, and sent him on his way. When Jesus asked which of them would not pull their son or their ox out of a well on the Sabbath if they fell in, they had no answer. Of course, none of them would leave either until the next day. Someone they valued, or a valuable possession would be important enough to them to go against their “law.” But everyone is important to God, and He would not want the suffering of anyone to continue needlessly because of such a law. This itself was further proof that these rabbinical laws were not God’s will.

 

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

 

/Bob’s boy

 

___________________

 

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

 

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

 

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Apr 3 2014

I Finish My Course – (Luke 13)

In verse 30, Jesus had just concluded speaking to the present crowd about the day of judgment and those who would enter into heaven – saying that “some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” There will be many of great social standing, wealth, or popularity who will not make it. But there will also be many who are of meager means, or even socially shunned, that will come to be with the Lord.

Jesus and Nicodemus, Crijn Hendricksz, 1616–1645.

Jesus and Nicodemus, Crijn Hendricksz, 1616–1645. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Then, we might be surprised to read that “in that very hour,” some Pharisees came urging Jesus to leave because Herod was planning to kill him. We are inclined to think of all Pharisees as being adversaries of Jesus. But it is estimated that the number of Pharisees in Israel at the time was in the thousands. Many of those became believers, as Nicodemus did (John 3:1-21, John 19:38-42). Jesus’ answer for them to give Herod included the statement that “the third day I finish my course” was obviously referring to his coming death and resurrection. It would be a statement that would have great meaning for them later.

Jesus then laments Jerusalem, calling it “the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!” He says that He often would have gathered its people “as a hen gathers her brood under her wings.” God loved Israel for so long, and gave its people every chance to serve Him, but here they would reject him for the last time. The sadness for this fact, expressed by Jesus in verses 34-35 had to be very real and very deep.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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Apr 2 2014

The Narrow Door – (Luke 13)

English: Mustard seeds by David Turner Februar...

English: Mustard seeds by David Turner February 23, 2005 Edited by Consequencefree to replace the coin with an SI measurement reference (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Jesus compares the kingdom of God first to a mustard seed. The mustard seed is not the smallest seed in the world, but it is very small and was probably the smallest used in Israel at the time. The mustard tree is probably more precisely a very large plant, growing up to heights of about nine feet, and that would make it very firmly rooted as well. The mustard condiment is made from grinding the seeds of the mustard tree. And so, this tree produces a lot of seeds.

 

The analogy is that His church, which would begin very small, would grow slowly into something world-wide. This is in stark contrast to what people were expecting. They expected it to come swiftly, like a large hammer driving a wedge that would conquer Israel’s foes.

 

Jesus then compares the kingdom to a little bit of leaven that is hidden in three measures of flour, and it becomes all leavened. There is some difference of opinion as to what is meant here by “three measures.” But some say that quantity would be enough to feed one hundred people, The meaning for us to consider it that a small group of righteous people can have a huge impact on the world.

 

Rajasthan 226

Rajasthan 226 (Photo credit: pranav_seth)

 

In verse 23, someone asked Jesus if the number of people that will be saved will be few. Jesus did not directly answer that person, but spoke to those present, saying that many “will seek to enter and will not be able.” He makes the comparison to a master of a house who has shut the door, while others knock – wishing to be let in. This does not mean that many will strive to enter “through the narrow door” and not be able to. Many will wish to enter in once the door is closed (final judgment). Still others, sadly, will believe they can get in though the “broad door” – living their lives as the world entices them to live, rather than striving to please God.

 

It is a matter of the heart. We often tend to wonder how much sin and worldly pleasure we can get away with and still get through that door. Instead, we should wonder how much more we can learn about the Lord and what pleases him.

 

(This year’s’ reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

 

/Bob’s boy

 

___________________

 

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

 

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

 

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Apr 1 2014

Stooped, But In His Image – (Luke 13)

In verse 10, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues again. This is the last of such occasions that Luke records, which some commentators have taken to mean that it was the last time He taught in one. Of course, that does not necessarily follow, and is actually unlikely. The woman there that had a “disabling spirit” had been stooped (bent over) for 18 years, and could not straighten herself.

It is easy to look at these instances and assume (as many do) that it was ignorance of medical and physical problems that caused such events to be attributed to demons. But Luke and the other gospel writers wrote about plenty of sick, blind, lame, and even paralyzed people that were not possessed by  demons in that age. So they (and the Lord)  clearly knew the difference. And Jesus said of the woman in verse 15 that she was one whom “Satan bound for eighteen years.” It was a phenomenon which we surmise that God allowed to happen beginning some time before jesus’ ministry began (how long before, we just do not know). It was subdued somewhat by Jesus and His disciples (Luke 10:17). It ended at the end of the apostolic age, along with the healing, prophesying, and other miraculous gifts of the age (1 Corinthians 13:8-13).

Oxen

Oxen

The “ruler of the synagogue,” of course, was angry at Jesus for healing someone on the Sabbath. But instead of confronting Jesus about it, he told the people who were present that this “work” should be done on one of the other six days. These Pharisees with their laws that did not come from God would expect the best treatment for themselves from everyone all of the time. And as Jesus points out, any of them would unbind their ox or donkey and lead it to water on the Sabbath. By that analogy, He showed that they treated animals better than people who were sick or suffering.

Jesus shamed them (all those Pharisees who were present and agreed with the ruler), calling them hypocrites, and making the point even more relevant by denoting the woman as “a daughter of Abraham.” Did such a woman not deserve to be unbound as well?  The others present evidently agreed with this reasoning, as verse 17 says that “all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.”

How often do those who are in need become “invisible” to us today, as we go about our busy lives with much “more important” things? The woman in this passage had been of no consequence to the Pharisees. But Jesus always saw those who were suffering or in need with compassion. Like all people, this woman was made in God’s image, and all of us are important to Him.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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Mar 31 2014

The Vinedresser – (Luke 13)

Chapter 13 begins with the words “there were some present at that very time.” What that time refers to must have to do with chapter 12, obviously, since Luke did not write this gospel with chapter divisions. Luke does not write about events in strict chronological order. But in this case, it seems reasonable that the “very time” he refers to goes back to verse 1 of chapter 12. There, Jesus began to speak when “in the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another.” 

HERODIAN KINGS of JUDAEA. Herod Archelaus. 4 B...

HERODIAN KINGS of JUDAEA. Herod Archelaus. 4 BCE – 6 CE. Æ Prutah (17mm, 2.72 g, 9h). Jerusalem mint. HPWDOU, double cornucopiae / Galley left, EQNARCOU (retrograde) below. Meshorer 70; RPC I 4914; Hendin 503. Good VF, dark green patina with light earthen encrustation. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Some of the group of these people He was speaking to now told Him about some “Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.” This incident is not mentioned anywhere else in scripture, and some commentators note that Josephus had not written about it either. We could hardly expect any historian from those times to have written about every time Roman soldiers killed any of the Jews.

Josephus does record an incident (Wars of the Jews, Book 2, Chapter 1) whereupon Herod Archelaus (brother of Herod Antipas) sent soldiers into the temple, and people were killed while they sacrificed. An estimated 3000 were killed. It is not much of a stretch to imagine that Pilate was capable of doing something similar at some point. Josephus also wrote that the Galileans were the most seditious of the Jews.

Model of the Pool of Siloam as it may have looked in the time of Jesus.

Model of the Pool of Siloam as it may have looked in the time of Jesus.

The second incident in verse 4 was brought up by Jesus himself. 18 people were killed when the “tower in Siloam” fell on them. This incident is, of course, not documented anywhere either. But some archaeologists believe they have found ruins where a second tower may have been built.

The point of both these citations, as Jesus explains, is that none of these people in either incident were killed because they were more sinful than anyone else. It was not an act of God, as people then especially tended to believe. But He tells them that they also will perish unless they repent. They knew the different type of perishing to which He was referring.

Jesus then tells them the parable of the barren fig tree in verses 6-9. The man in the parable who owned the vineyard is analogous to God. The fig tree represents the Jewish people. The vinedresser is Jesus.  The three years of looking for fruit from the tree relate to the first three years of Jesus’ ministry. The lack of fruit parallels their rejection of Jesus. The vinedresser asks the owner to let him cultivate it for a year, and if it still bears no fruit, he can cut it down. As with all of His parables, those who did not wish to learn and understand would not do so. But some certainly did.

Doubtless, many would recall the parable when 70 A.D came around.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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Mar 28 2014

A Big Undertaking – 1 Chronicles 22

David had been forbidden to build a “house” for the Lord (verse 8, 1 Kings 5:3) because he had “shed much blood and waged great wars.”  The point of this was not that God held David to have done wrong in waging these wars. After all, much of it was accomplished with God’s help. It makes the most sense, though, that the perception of David was that of a warrior; and by those outside the kingdom, perhaps (incorrectly) a ruthless warrior at that. A temple built by David for the Lord would remind outsiders of any other temple for a false god.

 

Michelangelo david solomon

Michelangelo david solomon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Much of the rest of this chapter in not found in the Books of Samuel. While Solomon was still too young (and before David became too old), David desired to get things prepared, so that Solomon could be ready to build it whenever he came of age. He gathered the foreigners that lived in Israel for labor. He then brought in innumerable cedar timbers, had iron made into nails and gates, and provided great quantities of bronze.

 

Then he called for Solomon, and gave him his charge concerning the temple. David emphasized to Solomon how important it was to keep to the law of Moses. Then David said “Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed.” This reminds of the words Moses spoke to Joshua as he “passed the torch” to him in Deuteronomy 31:6. With God’s help, David had subdued all of the nation’s enemies and secured the land. Now Solomon could rule in peace and build the temple.

 

David told him that he provided 100, 000 talents of gold, and a million talents of silver, along with all of the bronze and iron. The measure of a talent has historically been somewhat inconsistent. But here, it is generally thought to be about 75 lbs per talent. Peace, prosperity, and preparation were David’s gifts to his son for this monumental task. But he would not be alone. David commanded all of the leaders to help his son. And of course, there was God.

 

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

 

/Bob’s boy

 

___________________

 

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

 

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

 

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Mar 27 2014

Fire On the Earth – Not Peace! – (Luke 12)

English: Northwest Crown Fire Experiment, Nort...

English: Northwest Crown Fire Experiment, Northwest Territories, Canada Français : Feu de forêt expérimental (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Verse 49 is just not easy to understand. It’s true. Incredibly, today yours truly read six largely different viewpoints from six commentators on that verse! The verse reads (in the ESV) “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!” And it is one of those that could possibly have a double meaning. But I don’t think so. I believe that what Jesus meant here is that the fire He came to start was the message of salvation, preaching Jesus Christ crucified, and that this fire (also lit aflame in the hearts of men and women) would spread throughout the world. And He wishes that it would begin already.

Now admittedly, He had not yet been crucified when He spoke those words. But notice in the next verse he said “I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!” Of course, there is not total agreement on what this verse means. But for the most part, scholars interpret this as referring to his death, burial, and resurrection. The phrase “how great is my distress until it is accomplished” likely means two things – He wants to have it over with, and He certainly dreads it (He will prove that to be true soon in the garden at Gethsemane).

Newborn Portrait Session

Newborn Portrait Session (Photo credit: kristaguenin)

Beginning in verse 51, Jesus then talks about the differences that many families would have with the gospel. He said “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division…father against son and son against father, mother against daughter…” Today, perhaps more than ever in recent history, we see that very thing happening in families all over. Families are not converted or saved together, for the most part. Salvation comes to individuals, and often there is division among the family members concerning the Lord. Sometimes, those divisions even becomes bitterness toward each other.

In verses 54-56, Jesus speaks especially to that present generation. They have learned to predict the weather, but they cannot see the truth standing right in front of them – that the Messiah they have longed for has come. Verses 57-59 are good advice for anyone in a legal matter. Try to settle it with your adversary before (and even instead of) letting it go to court. But it is better advice for those who want to be saved. Seek forgiveness, as God has made it supremely possible, rather than facing God on the day of judgment.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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Mar 26 2014

Stay Dressed For Action – (Luke 12)

In verse 35, Jesus is speaking about being prepared, but not everyone is understanding it fully, much less the parable that He speaks. Peter makes that fact clear in verse 41, when he asks “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” He begins by telling them to “stay dressed for action” (literally, “let your loins stay girded”), and “keep your lamps burning.” He speaks in terms of servants who keep watch while they wait for their master to return. They would be ready to serve him as soon as he returned, perhaps taking turns keeping watch. Those who “stay awake” and ready are blessed.

Vision from Book of Revelation

Vision from Book of Revelation (Photo credit: cliff1066™)

Referring to Himself as well (in the second coming), he speaks of having them recline at table, as He serves them – reminds us of the heavenly banquet of the “marriage supper of the lamb” (Revelation 19:9). He says that if he finds them awake and ready on the second or third watch, they are surely blessed. Having gone past the first watch with nothing happening, the servants would be normally inclined to be lackadaisical. But he points out that the master of the house would not leave his house unguarded if he knew when the thief would come.  As Christians, we would be ready at the right time for certain if we knew exactly when Jesus will return.

But that is the point. We do not know, and so we must always be prepared. The comparison is made then to the servants who are overseers of other servants. They know what is expected of them, but the wicked ones beat the others, thinking themselves far removed from the authority of the absent master. But the righteous behave well , and are just and compassionate all of the time because that is how their hearts are, and it is what is expected of them. Jesus wants us to live always as servants with that sort of heart – one who will always be ready because we want to do what is right.

It is our love for the Lord first, and our love for others secondly that will compel us to always be ready doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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Mar 25 2014

Where the Heart Is – (Luke 12)

While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, someone spoke up and asked Jesus to tell his brother to divide the inheritance with him. We can assume that this was a younger brother, as the eldest would have had the “double-portion” of the estate, and so also would have control. We are not told whether he was just seeking to get what he was rightly owed, or he  wanted a bigger share. Since the parable that follows was about covetousness, the latter is likely, and Jesus, of course, refused to get involved in the dispute.

The Parable of the Rich Fool by Rembrandt, 1627.

The Parable of the Rich Fool by Rembrandt, 1627. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the parable of the rich fool, the man had more already than he needed. But instead of using his wealth to help those in need, he was only concerned with being able to keep accumulating more. And so, he did just that. But then God told him that his soul was required of him that very night – not next week or next year, but now. So, God asked, who would possess all of these things that he had prepared for himself. The point is obvious. The man should have devoted as much effort to laying up treasures in heaven – doing good with his wealth, and becoming rich toward God. Riches will mean nothing at the end of this short life.

In verses 22-34, Jesus tells us not to worry and fret about what we will wear or what we eat. He reminds us how God even provides food for the birds of the air. Surely, we are more valued by Him! Jesus is not telling us that we cannot make plans to provide for our families and our future. The scriptures are plentiful with words to the contrary. But the wise words he speaks are often difficult for us to absorb – “which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?” This makes so much sense, but it is so very difficult for those of us who daily battle with anxiety.

English: An anxious person

English: An anxious person (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Jesus says, “instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” In the earlier chapter, Jesus told His disciples not to fear those who can kill the body. Now He tells them not to be afraid because God wants to give us the kingdom. If we truly devote ourselves to being His children, keeping His commandments, doing good to others, and giving to those in need, not only will God provide for our basic needs here on earth, but He will provide us with a place with Him forever. What more could we want?

There is nothing that can happen to us in this life that will matter when we cross into eternity with the Lord – nothing! To this end, Jesus tells us to provide ourselves with “moneybags” that do not grow old. Where our treasure is, our hearts will be also. My heart has been focused too much of my life on the cares of this world. I remind myself of these things Jesus said, and keep trying to change that day by day.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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