Mark 8.36 - For God and My Stomach

We lived in a beautiful African country during eight troubled years of their history - through four scary coup d’états. Their national treasury was drained by each dictator who drove off with their Benz convoy full of loot! Their noble motto, “For God and My Country” was mocked by their war weary people, “For God and My Stomach.” People longed that even a bad leader would stay for a season to reduce the “eating.” Politicians in my homeland are not much better. Re-election – looking out for number 1 – is the primary mission of far too many. Even many pastors have jumped on that “gravy train.” Selfishness is global! Every one of us has put “stomach” ahead of “serving others” at one time or another.  But Jesus asks, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8.36).

Mark 11.9,10 - THE Week

Palm Sunday to Easter frames the time that has fixed the eternal destiny of the whole world. Jesus’ Palm Sunday ride on a borrowed donkey sparked events in Jerusalem that God ordained before time.  Dozens acclaimed Him, waving palm branches (politically significant since Judas Maccabeus drove the Syrians out of the Temple). ‘Hosanna’ - a word freighted with revolutionary expectation - ‘save us’ -  intending ‘save us from the Romans’! Indeed, He was coming into their city to save them – in a way nobody imagined! Sometimes this enthusiastic display is called the ‘Triumphal Entry’ yet that won’t really happen until Jesus comes again in time-stopping Glory. While the crowds exalted in their agenda for Him, Jesus was probably lost in His own thoughts. Why, those near him must have wondered, would He burst into tears amidst their happy shouts? (Luke 19.41) He alone knew what this time meant.

Luke 1.52,53 - God is Not Fair!

Fair? What does fair mean when demanded by sinful people in this evil world? For many “fair” means “revenge!” “Fair” in this story would mean each guy gets the same talents. Like the dictionary says, “not exhibiting any bias, and therefore reasonable or impartial.” But Jesus’ mother said her Son “has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; …filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty” (Luke 1.52,53). Some are born successful, others stillborn; some in safe nations, others in war zones. Peter demanded to know why Jesus ordained his martyrdom and longevity for the “beloved disciple.” Jesus answered, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21.22). God is not fair. If He were, we’d all be in Hell! But He is generous in mercy and abundant in grace.

Luke 1.49,50 - Homeless Holy Family

At the dawn of Advent let us remember our Lord had no where to lay His head. He was “the long-expected Messiah,” but Mary and Joseph never asked to host Him! Nazareth had unwed mom’s before, but none claimed innocent virginity. As the stunned couple navigated doubts of family and friends, they were summoned to David’s city – a hundred kilometers while heavy with child. The holy parents were surprised, the holy city was shuttered. The Savior of the world knocked on locked doors. Only the cows heard His cries. Like our Lord, His church today can be helpless, homeless, and harassed. But his mom learned her Son can always be trusted, “He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation” (Luke 1.49,50). Hear our cry, Lord Jesus!

Luke 4.16 - G.I.G.O.

What goes in, comes out…even for Jesus. He cites Scripture from the cross that He learned the hard way – like we must. It seems strange the Divine Author of Scripture needed to learn it line by line like any man. But He did. Jesus faithfully attended a Bible based church (Luke 4.16). In the Synagogue Hebrew Scripture was read, studied, and recited from memory. Jewish boys declared their transition to manhood with Scripture. Jesus was a good Jewish boy! G.I.G.O. - the “good” Words that went “in” to our Lord’s soul was the “good” confession that came “out” – even while he hung from a cross.  Is God’s Word hidden in your heart? Often the hardest part of Bible reading is getting started - carving time out of our busyness – turning off our toys and finding a quiet space. Keep reading book by book day by day – just like Jesus!

Luke 4.18 - Proclaim Liberty for the Captives…really!!?

There are 21 to 36 million people in slavery today, more than at any other time in human history. Economic collapse and social upheaval have fueled the resurgence of slavery. Child soldiers, sex slaves, prisoners of war, refugees, economic debtors are trapped in this hideous web. And they are cheap! A slave in the American South in 1850 averaged $40,000 in today’s money; today slaves average $90!  Their abundant “supply” means that when they become troublesome or no longer useful they’re dumped or killed. Slaves are found globally, including 90 cities in the USA.  Jesus mission still is urgent, “to proclaim good news to the poor…liberty to the captives…to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4.18). Much good has been done in the last 20 years by the International Justice Mission www.ijm.org. They report 4,376 rescued in 2014. See also www.antislavery.org, and www.freetheslaves.net

Luke 7.36-50 - Makin’ Points

Mary wasn’t trying to make points, but we’re still talking about her gift. She could care less what others saw or said. Rubbing someone’s feet with your hair is a shameful pose. Hurtful disdain from the party VIP’s slowly blew over. Her focus was on loving this man soon to die for her. In the Gospels we find Mary laser-focused on Jesus’ Words, sitting at His feet. He had raised her brother, but torture awaited Him. Today we give gifts and Facebook our magnitude. Churches mount donor plaques on their walls. But self-accolade cannot earn God’s affirmation. Maybe we’re worried Jesus might not see it if we don’t Tweet it. Dare we give just for nothing? He did. When we grasp something of the abandon of His self-giving, we’ll not be so eager to photo bomb His award ceremony – “Thine, O Lord, is the glory and the points!”