Faithful on Fridays Blog

Scene Eleven

We’ve seen a pattern with what Luke includes in his gospel and what he leaves out. That pattern is repentance, forgiveness, and humility as you learn to walk in the Kingdom of God. Luke was progressively learning what faith in God was all about. The Kingdom of God was a new concept for him; he must’ve had many questions.

• Who gets into this invisible kingdom?
• How do you do it?
• Can you be expelled?
• What’s the value of living in faith?
• How can I trust it when I can’t see it?

The Jesus Story, experienced by so many of Luke’s interviewees, is evidence of it’s authenticity … that’s why he included so many healings, miracles, and parables. Jesus said the Kingdom of God was a mystery and only understood by believers.

He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders,” Mark 4:11 

That brings us to Chapter 17:7-19 where Jesus gives even more examples of what this faith walk looks like. It’s about grace (vs. 10) not your good works, it’s about gratitude the one returning leper showed, and it’s about simple faith. 

Speaking of faith, only Luke includes the marvelous parable (Chapter 18) of the persistent widow who demanded justice from an unjust judge. Her faith drove her to continually come before him and Jesus asked His followers if they have that kind of faith. Do we continually come before our loving Heavenly Father (contrasted with the unjust judge) with our prayer needs, or do we give up? Will our faith drive us to our knees as the next story describes a humble and repentant tax collector contrasted with a self-righteous Pharisee? 

Chapter 19 has a unique story of a familiar man named Zacchaeus; read through his story and see why Luke was fascinated with it. This man was humbled by the Lord (vs. 8) and willing to restore everything he’d stolen and then some. Jesus declared that He, salvation in the flesh, came to seek and save people just like him. That’s the heart condition Jesus still looks for.

Next week we’ll dive into the uniqueness of Chapter 21 since Chapter 20 is repeated in the other gospels, but let’s take a moment to consider this man named Luke once again. He’s a doctor who’s focused on people, but also a Gentile who knows very little about Judaism. Jesus was the Jewish Messiah who was God coming in the flesh to redeem mankind: both Jew and Gentile. Luke was listening and learning with each story about his Savior: what He said, how He taught, who He focused on, and he was getting to know Him without walking with Him. That’s why Luke wrote his gospel account, so we Gentiles could get to know This Man, the Messiah and Lord, who loves us and suffered death in our place. Who is This Man? 

Book of Job: Scene Two

There are very few places in Scripture where God draws back the heavenly curtain and allows us to observe the spiritual world, thankfully, Job 1-2 accomplishes that. Satan was given a free hand in order to test Job; yes, God does that. He never tempts us, but He can test us to show our faith level. Job recognized that:

What is man, that You make so much of him, and that You set Your heart on him, visit him every morning and test him every moment? Job 7:17-18 

God acknowledged four character traits in Job which are mentioned several times: blameless, upright, God-fearing, and turned from evil. Great character reference, for sure. Being blameless means you have integrity and strong ethics; it doesn’t mean sinless. Job was upright, conscientious and a straight shooter and he feared God with reverence and awe. Lastly, Job turned from evil in his everyday life, and that ‘turning’ includes repentance. These attributes are crucial to understand because they’re his defense. He couldn’t understand why God would permit him to suffer when he was such a great guy and did everything right! 

We do the same thing. We’re church-goers, read our Bible, pray … therefore we shouldn’t suffer either: but we do. It’s not that ‘bad things happen to bad people’ as Job’s friends determined, but that bad things eventually happen to all people. That’s a hard truth to swallow.

As the drama of chapters one and two unfold Satan is given some leeway to test Job’s faith-level. Eventually he destroyed Job’s wealth, family, and health in order to give him a reason to renounce or curse God. 

In the midst of his deep sorrow Job’s first response was commendable: humility, worship (1:20-22), and words of truth. Everything he had was a gift from his sovereign God and he wouldn’t blame Him:

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21b

Since Satan’s tactics were ineffective, Job’s wife, all that he had left on earth, took over the indictment, “Get off your high horse, give up, and die.”

When life issues get tough it’s easier to walk away from them, but God gives us insight into the spiritual realm reminding us that Satan is working to destroy you, conversely, He’s actually building your faith.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7 

Job spoke only twice in these two discouraging chapters and both times his words were pleasing to God; He didn’t sin or blame Him. Get ready because those words begin a slow decline as Job enters into depression and finally self-justification: it becomes all about him.

Scene Ten

Included in Luke’s gospel are many stories he alone included as the interviews continued (chapters 14-16). Why so many more parables? As we work our way through them we’ll find some patterns and doctors love patterns: in family histories, illnesses, and diagnoses. There are back to back parables in Chapter 14 and even though they’re different they contain a similar theme: humility. The first one used the example of being invited to a dinner party, but also, Jesus included being the host of that party; He magnificently weaved the heart-attitude from each perspective. That lower story gave Him the opportunity to speak to the people of the coming, final Marriage Banquet at the end of time. Humility is the key. 

In the second story Jesus spoke again about a great banquet in case you didn’t get it the first time. Invitations were sent out, excuses came pouring in, and the host filled his house with others who accepted his invitation. It seems that our Savior was clearly teaching there’s a cost to discipleship that everyone is not willing to pay. 

Counting the cost for following Christ is serious business (vs. 25-33) as Luke is learning, like a builder or a wartime king; being a disciple is giving up what the world has to offer in exchange for what God offers. As we follow Christ that upper story becomes so much more valuable: peace, contentment, joy … much higher value than financial gain without them. 

Chapter 15 contains three stories of ‘lost things’, however, only Luke includes the lost coin and lost (or prodigal) son. Whenever lost things are found, as each story portrays, there is great rejoicing. Luke was clearly fascinated by Jesus, the Master Storyteller, and he was learning to be a follower of This Man.

Lastly, chapter 16 contains a unique and puzzling parable of a ‘shrewd manager’ whose story is identified as exaggerated contrast; that means you don’t pick apart every detail, but look at the ridiculous differences and Jesus’ kicker at the end. He wants His followers to be shrewd, insightful, and discerning, with razor-sharp intelligence like the dishonest manager. Not being dishonest but planning ahead, looking at your future, and making a plan. How do we act shrewdly in this life as a disciple of Christ? How about righting some wrongs within our power (bringing justice), showing generosity through acts of service, and maintaining insightful awareness of the circumstances of others, shrewdly lending a helping hand? That’s the contrast that sets us apart from the ‘sons of this world’ as ‘sons of light’ loving our neighbors as we do ourselves. That’s the kicker and what made the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, so mad.

Luke’s reaction to these stories must’ve hit home since he was undoubtedly raised with wealth, received a higher education, and was probably well-off financially now. Was Luke comparing his own life, where his priorities were, as he listened to people share the Jesus Story? Maybe we should too.

Scene One

There’s an age-old question that asks, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” In the book of Job four men try to help a friend answer that question by simply saying, “Bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people.” True? No, so the question remains.

In the Hebrew divisions of the Old Testament Job is considered part of the Writings, undoubtedly because its a drama. I love drama and Job is growing on me as I’m learning to better understand it. 

Job may be the oldest recorded book of the Bible, author unknown, and gives us insight into the purposes of God, especially in suffering. The meaning of his name gives us our first revelation. Job comes from the Hebrew word meaning object of hostility and hatred, as an enemy. That’s not good. We find that same word used by God when he spoke to Satan:

“And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike His heel.” Genesis 3:15

Satan hates us, those born of a woman, because the Savior of the World would come from her. He tried to kill the Messiah but Jesus will eventually crush his head, his authority. 

Job lived in the land of Uz, probably northern Arabia, where he would’ve heard the message of Yahweh from one of the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob. He was quite wealthy and a family man of high moral character who trusted in God. His sons took turns giving a Saturday night party along with their sisters and we know where that can lead. Job, as a good father, went to God every year to offer an animal’s blood to cover their sin just in case they got out of control. I get that. 

Since we know that Satan hates Job we can better understand why the writer included this scene when the angels and Satan check in with God with a face to face (ch. 1&2). Where is this meeting taking place? Possibly the second heaven (2 Cor. 12:2) where it seems progress reports are discussed and assignments given out … stretching your faith yet?

Satan, whose name means adversary and prosecutor, reported that he’s been patrolling and studying his opponents: mankind. Here’s where things get sticky; God shines the spotlight on His servant, Job. This is the opening scene that introduces the reader to the main story. “Of course Job’s life is perfect,” answered Satan, “You’ve hedged him in with Your blessings. Remove the hedge and he’ll renounce you.” God responds to the challenge by loosely saying, “OK, take your best shot.” That assignment is played out in 42 chapters as Job works his way through suffering and understanding who God is.

I think we all come to that place eventually trying to answer that hard question why believers suffer. Stay with me as we consider the book of Job.

Scene Nine

It’s said the four gospels tell the same story yet with different perspectives, however, it’s never been clearer since I’ve been comparing them. Being the only non-Jew Luke’s view is most similar to ours, curious about Judaism, and needing clarification on the Jesus drama.

Chapters 11-13 consist of several accounts unique to Luke so let’s dive in. After Jesus’ disciples requested a teaching on prayer He responded by telling a story desiring them to understand the relationship of His Father to their needs. The Man in the Middle (11:5-8) will help Luke, and also us, to keep praying for people, never giving up. The contrast of three friends reveals the value of persistence. Jesus yearned for His followers, including us, to understand coming to our Father with shameless, continual, and relentless prayer. There’s no inconvenient time for God, He’s already listening and ready to answer our prayers … in His time.

Our Savior told another story called the Rich Fool (12:13-21, 34) where His point was the upper story of eternity far outweighing the lower story of this earthly life. Luke was undoubtedly raised to believe that worldly wealth, success, and position were all that mattered. Jesus desired understanding of how that’s short-sighted; eternity is all that matters. I’m sure Luke had to realign his foolish thinking, like the rich man, to live for God by loving Him first and others second: very Jewish. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart is also.”

His disciples heard several news reports about vague situations where disasters caused people to die (13:1-5). Was it because of their sin? It’s a familiar question for us today. Only Luke reports this incidence given from his interviewee and must’ve been on the edge of his seat attentively listening to Jesus’ response. Simply put, personal disaster of any kind, then or now, doesn’t equal personal sin. He used this opportunity to repeat the value of repentance leading to eternal life.

The parable of the Barren Fig Tree and the woman healed in a synagogue on the Sabbath are both unique to Luke. Jesus taught again on Intercessory Prayer (like the Man in the Middle) this time using a fruit tree as His analogy; expect fruit after three years, if it doesn’t grow then remove it. The arborist begged for more time, he was the ‘man in the middle’ or intercessor, believing he could bring change. 

Later, our Lord went into the synagogue on the Sabbath and mercifully freed a woman from a demonic spirit causing her body to show signs of advanced scoliosis, spina bifada, or cerebral palsy, being unable to stand up straight. What an impressive story this must’ve been to Dr. Luke! Sickness and disease can be caused by demons! Again, Jesus cared more about people than rules. 

Finally, some caring Pharisees warned Jesus about King Herod (vs. 31-33), but He wouldn’t be deterred from The Plan to unequivocally love people enough to die for them. His story would move forward.

Beatitudes Part Nine: Persecuted

Many of you know the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, but do you know it’s history? It fits beautifully with the last two beatitudes which speak of another reason people call you blessed: persecution. 

What’s the connection of persecution with the song? Let me explain. In the 16th century Roman Catholics were persecuted in England for their faith. Surprisingly, the persecution wasn’t from unbelievers, it was from other Christians. Yes, in our bleak past, believers have always suffered, but not always from outside the faith. Shamefully, we have tormented one another in the name of Christ. 

This song was written as a memory device for learning Christian doctrine. Here how it goes:

• My true love is Jesus Christ, our returning King.
• A partridge in a pear tree is the Savior, pictured as a mother who serves as a decoy to protect her young
• Two turtle doves– Old and New Testaments
• Three French hens– faith, hope, and love
• Four calling birds– four gospels
• Five golden rings– Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament
• Six geese-a-laying– six days of creation
• Seven swans-a-swimming– seven gifts of the Spirit
• Eight maids-a-milking– eight beatitudes
• Nine ladies dancing– nine fruits of the Spirit
• Ten lords-a-leaping– ten commandments 
• Eleven pipers piping– eleven faithful disciples
• Twelve drummers drumming– twelve articles of the Apostles Creed

Jesus taught there will always be persecution for believers, apparently, if you live a godly life you can expect persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). What could possibly have sustained believers through the ages as they took their stand under threat of torture, imprisonment, loss of income, or family? Could it be that their belief in the gospel was reality to them? It wasn’t some cosmic belief system, but faith that was experienced and intimate. The Encyclopedia of Christian Martyrs tells the stories of over 200,000 Christians from over 50 nations who lost their lives rather than deny their faith. This beatitude tells us they have a great reward waiting for them. 

Read Hebrews 11 this week, consider what others have gone through as they stood in the power of the Spirit under extreme treatment or read the stories of other martyrs: Ignatius of Antioch or Polykarp from the first century, the Waldenses, the Inquisitions, Bishops Latimer, Ridley, and Cranmer later on. Down through history men and women alike have endured suffering for the sake of the gospel. For us in America it’s a part of faith we haven’t yet experienced, consequently that’s all the more reason to read their stories and know what’s happening today to Christians around the world. The Voice of the Martyrs has a website helping you stay informed in order to pray for these brothers and sisters. What a great New Years resolution this could be; definitely of more value than losing 10 lbs (only to gain them back) or getting on an exercise regiment (which you’ll soon quit). “Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven!” Matt. 5:12a

Scene Eight

I delight to find hidden treasures in Dr. Luke’s gospel; join me in our search from Chapter 10. Jesus was gathering His reconnaissance team, 72 men whom He sent out as apostles (that’s the Greek word for ‘sent ones’), to check the spiritual temperature of the communities He’d be visiting. They were given the ability as ‘sent ones’ to heal, deliver, and preach that the Kingdom of God had arrived: His name is Jesus. The Kingdom of God, remember Luke’s a Gentile, is the ultimate rule and reign of the Messiah not only in heaven but also on earth. What was going through Luke’s mind? Jesus was a King, like the (lower story) emperor Hadrian? Only the Holy Spirit can give one the upper story of an invisible kingdom, ruled by an invisible God, who loves and cares about us. That remains true today.

When the 72 returned they cried out in surprise that it worked! Even the demons obeyed their voice of freedom for the people and many were delivered. However wonderful that authority was, Jesus cautioned them with the most important point; their names are written in heaven. Physical healings and deliverances are wonderful benefits, but the upper story of salvation, eternal life with God, trumps the lower story.

Another treasure I read as I compared all four gospels is Luke’s record of Jesus ‘rejoicing in the Holy Spirit’ (vs. 21) at that conversation. Since Jesus is the Son of Man, a physical person who temporarily gave up His heavenly position and come to earth, He relied on the Spirit, and delighted in His empowerment. I also love listening to people describe their encounters with God; it makes my heart rejoice in the Spirit as well. 

Finally, the last treasure from Chapter 10 is the Good Samaritan story. You probably know it well, it’s unique to Luke, but did you realize it was Jesus’ response to a question asked to disqualify Him as the promised Messiah? An expert in the Torah, the Mosaic Law, asked Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life and Jesus asked him about the Law, “How do you read it?” In other words, what’s your take on it, how do you interpret ‘eternal Inheritance’, what do you think? I love that about Jesus, He always aims at the heart. 

This lawyer knew what God expected from His people: love Him first and others second. However, he also knew he missed that mark and needed to self-justify. That’s why the parable is so important and why Luke alone included it. He didn’t know the Law, but he understood loving God, showing mercy, and walking humbly: that’s the sum-total of the Law and the lawyer missed it. Jesus didn’t leave him in that guilt though, He simply told him to go and act like the Samaritan or Gentile, as ridiculous as that seemed, and show mercy to people. It’s that simple and remains the way you inherit eternal life even today.

Beatitudes Part Eight: Peacemakers

In 1960 presidential candidate Sen. John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to volunteer 2 yrs. of their life to helping others. In 1961 President Kennedy, signed an Executive Order to establish the Peace Corps. It’s goal was and remains to be an instrument of world peace and friendship to other countries.

As we approach the next beatitude from Matt. 5 let’s first be reminded that peace, shalom, with God is the initial step in becoming a peacemaker. As much as I admire and respect the work of the Peace Corps., there is no true peace without Jesus first.

Yet now He has reconciled you to Himself through the death of Christ in His physical body. As a result, He has brought you into His own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault. Colossians 1:22

I think Jesus’ point was that experiencing spiritual wholeness from God causes a desire to bring wholeness to others. This desire to be a peacemaker creates passion for reconciliation between people in our lives. We, in essence, are enlisted in God’s Peace Corps. 

What is reconciliation? You may remember from English Class that the prefix ‘re’ means to do it again. Do what again? Look at the root word conciliate. Even though we don’t hear that word often it’s crucial to understanding re-conciliation. It’s meaning is to overcome hostility by making friendly overtures. Get it? If you’re in God’s Peace Corps. then you’re His instrument of reconciliation. You are His co-worker and agent. Sound important? It is. It’s so important that He calls peacemakers His children: sons of God.

The holidays are prime-time for reconciliation. Families that are torn apart through unresolved hurt or disagreements are in dire need of a peacemaker. What can you do? 

Pray and ask God for an opening. Express to Him that you want to bring harmony back into your family, but don’t know how. He’ll give you the wisdom and understanding to see both perspectives and speak to them. As a believer in Jesus Christ you have a ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18) in your family, your neighborhood, your church, or even at work. 

Is your desire to reestablish relationships, restore friendships, or reunite people? Pray, express your desire, and listen to that quiet voice of His as He directs you. Your example of seeing different perspectives will make a difference. It may not happen this year, but God is a God of action and He will start the ball rolling toward true peace between people through your prayers. Initiate a conversation, send a card, extend an invitation; be an initiator of peace.

St. Francis of Assisi wrote this:

“Preach the gospel, if necessary, use words.”

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18 

Welcome to God’s Peace Corps! May you plant many seeds this year.

Scene Seven

With Christmas coming let’s focus on Jesus calling Himself the Son of Man looking at a few reasons why this is important during this season.

First of all, the prophet Daniel wrote about the Messiah coming to the Ancient of Days (God, the Father) calling Him the Son of Man. He’s the Son of God and also the Son of Man, who’d be miraculously conceived by a virgin (Is. 7:14), born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), and raised in Nazareth (Is. 11:1). John 1:14 tells us Jesus was a human being living among His people: He’s the physical Son of Man. As Son of God He accepted the Plan of Redemption for mankind by giving up His divine form in heaven and taking on the form of man to complete the task (Phil. 2:6-8). 

Let’s look at a few statements of Jesus indicating why He called Himself by this name.

• He told a Hebrew teacher that animals have homes, but He, as the Son of Man has none (Matt. 8:20). Jesus knew heaven was His home and when the assignment was completed and He’d return there.

• The religious leaders asked for a sign proving He was the Messiah and Jesus pointed to Jonah who spent 3 days inside a fish and He, as the Son of Man will spend 3 days in Hades after His death (Matt. 12:40). 

• Jesus told His followers that when we acknowledge Him, He’ll acknowledge us in return. However, the reverse is true; deny the Son of Man and He’ll have no choice but to deny you (Luke 12:8-9).

• Jesus was the Son of Man with authority to forgive sins and heal people (Luke 5:17-26) since He came to seek and save lost mankind (Luke 19:10).

• After revealing Himself as the Messiah, the physical Son of Man, Peter declared that He was the Son of the Living God. They didn’t get His dual nature yet, but eventually they would (Matt. 16:27-28).

• Jesus called Himself the Son of Man who serves people as an example for us and to give His life as a physical ransom (Matt. 20:28) preparing them for His death as He’s physically ‘lifted up’ on a cross (John 8:28).

• The Son of Man is looking for faith on earth when He returns, but will He find it (Luke 18:8)? He’s preparing His followers for His death, but also His return.

• The ‘coming of the Son of Man’ will be in a glorified body, but He’ll retain His dual nature (Matt.  24:27).

Jesus is returning in a physical body because He’s the Son of Man, but also the Son of God who physically suffered, physically died, physically rose again, and physically ascended back into heaven. He’s the Son of Man who’ll return on the clouds in human form to retrieve us for eternity. That’s why His name, Son of Man, is important as we celebrate His first coming at Christmas.

Beatitudes Part Seven: Pure in Heart

When I was teaching a science unit on weather to fifth graders we discussed the mystery of wind explaining that even though you can’t see the wind you know it’s real. You can observe its effects in creation: a flag blowing, your face burning with an icy-cold or burning-hot gust, a sound or odor that invisibly travels through the air. Wind isn’t tangible, you can’t literally touch it, but you know it’s there. Jesus even used this phenomenon in His illustration of our spiritual rebirth.

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 

Our sixth beatitude is pureness of heart, that hidden part of you (1 Peter 3:4) that only God can know. It’s the place our desires come from as well as our behavior to fulfill those desires; it all begins in the heart, living to please God and not ourselves. Now stay with me, I’ll soon connect the wind. Desiring a pure heart sets the bar pretty high for a believer in Jesus Christ since our sinful nature drives us to patterns of behavior that make us feel good. Conversely, the Holy Spirit compels us toward holy thinking and therefore, holy living. Phil. 4:8 gives us a list of things to think on … things that are pure made that list. What we think about we usually act on, so true. 

We may think that since we go to church most Sundays, occasionally read our Bible, send in a financial gift, and maybe even volunteer our time and energy to a ministry, we have this pure heart. On the contrary, Jesus said that unless our righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees we will never enter into kingdom living. The scribes and Pharisees were all about having the right behavior without the right heart. They looked good on the outside but God knew their heart. Our standard is higher; it’s love for God and love for others. Paul tells us:

The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 1 Timothy 1:5 

What does all this have to do with the wind? Watch Jesus’ connection. When you have a pure heart, the right motives and attitudes that drive your behavior, you will see God. 

You’ll observe His work in your life, mysterious, like the wind, and watch your circumstances change. Do you want to see God? Ps. 24:3-6 gives you instructions. Constantly check your heart and analyze why you do things. God wants you to see that flag blowing, feel His presence, hear His voice, and give you the peace that only He can deliver. You are blessed when you desire to please God more than yourself: that’s a pure heart and that’s how you see God.