Journal Luke 13 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “And someone said to (Jesus), “Lord, will those who are saved be few?”
And (Jesus) said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’
Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’
But he will say, ‘I tell you I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’” Luke 13:23-27
Observation: Have I ever heard of the term, “Salvation by osmosis?” No, I haven’t, but it sure seems to have been practiced well over 2,000 years—it is not a recent development…
Analysis: Reading this passage, it is obvious that Jesus sidestepped the answer, He didn’t answer “yes” or “no” to a patently evident Yes/No question.
I am either frustrated or humored by this tactic, maybe frustratingly humored? I wish I was smart enough to do what Jesus does.
How many folks do I know that I suspect of practicing “salvation by osmosis?”
How many times in the day do I suspect myself of the same practice?
Talking with a brother at breakfast this morning, we both acknowledge that this (as well as Matthew 7:22-23, “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your Name and cast out demons in your Name and do many mighty works in your Name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me you workers of lawlessness.’”) are probably the scariest verses in the Bible.
That statement requires a “why?” And the answer is, not by works or by deeds am I saved, but by pursuing Him and seeking His Face all my days. Yeah, yeah, I know “by grace through faith” but what does that mean practically?
What do I treasure? What do I WANT to treasure?
A clue is found at the end of the Book.
What do the Elders do? What do the Creatures do? What does all of heaven do?
They worship the Lamb.
Last set of questions (and maybe the most pertinent today):
- How do I PRACTICALLY worship the Lamb?
- Can I list those actions out?
Prayer: Father, it is something when you pin me up to the wall and tell me, “Stop paying me lip service” and make me responsibly worship You, right?
I have so much to answer for…
Amen.
Ricky Two Shoes