Today’s reading comes from Luke 16-18 follow the link provided here to read the ESV online.
The older I get the more I realize that most critics of the Bible have never actually read the scriptures. Do you see the portrait of Jesus here? Taking on Pharisees. Healing the sick. Welcoming the Children. Speaking words of warning and comfort. Counseling a rich man to go all in for God. Speaking up for the helpless. That was just three chapters in the middle of Luke.
The gospel of Luke is so counter cultural it’s not funny. Have you noticed all the stories about rich men? The rich young ruler, the rich man and Lazarus, and from yesterday, the poor brother who wasted his inheritance (yes he wasted it just like a drunk on booze) and the other brother who never left home. There is a two fold theme opening up here… God accepts those who have nothing to offer and those who have lots of money often have the hardest time seeing there way to God because of it (16:14). Either way, you can’t love money more than God (16:13).
The big take away for me today was the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (18:9-14). There is really only one way to approach God and that is to be humble. Often, it is easier to see the sins of others and miss my own sin. To be humble is a gift of God’s grace. To know your sin before a holy and a righteous God, while uncomfortable, it ultimately the most profitable thing that can happen in your life.
FATHER, I pray that you would guard my heart from loving anything more than you. I pray that our hearts would always be humble. I ask that our consciences would be sensitive to you and that you would guard our hearts from idols. Thank you for the grace of leading your people. Convict us of sin and bring healing to our souls. IN JESUS NAME, AMEN.
What did you take away from today’s reading? What are your thoughts or questions? Feel free to comment below and enter the discussion.
The Hill House 