Journal Luke 18 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: And (Jesus) told them a parable…to the effect…that they ought always to pray…and not lose heart.” Luke 18:1
Observation: Always pray. Don’t lose heart.
Is that the objective of every parable or just the parables in Luke 18?
Analysis: I write to think out loud. I hope to encourage others to always read the Scriptures to think and be out loud about it.
“Why, Lord, do you tell us these things? How do you want me to respond? Do I have ears to hear; Eyes to see? A heart that is soft and receptive to Your instructions?”
I remember the story of the soils: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground (where they did not have much soil) and immediately they sprang up—since they had no depth of soil. But, when the sun rose, they were scorched and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seed fell on good soil and produced grain…” (Matt 13:2-8a)
Lastly, then, because I do not want to be the kind of soil where birds devour the seed, where enthusiasm takes the place of deep roots, where I cannot survive affliction because I have no depth, my prayer should include, “Give me understanding, O God. Please!”
How, then, do I get understanding? How important is that to obtain? The Psalmist says,
- Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. (Ps 119:34)
- Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. (Ps 119:73)
- I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. (Ps 119:99)
- The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. (Ps 119:130)
God’s objective? One of many, but pursuant to the subject of understanding, “…that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…” (Col 1:9)
So, then, I can infer with confidence that understanding and depth comes with the knowledge of his will…and that knowledge comes from his testimonies, commandments, his law (rules and precepts): His Word.
I remind myself (with emphasis) that obtaining understanding isn’t just about memorization and taking a test for a pass/fail grade. It is about integrating all the stuff I learn, not to make it knowledge, but make it Wisdom, wisdom that is reflexive.
Cast vision to your heart and mind, set goals and objectives. Do I want to be shallow or deep? Look in the mirror often and preach the Gospel to yourself.
Prayer: Lord God, I do not want to lose your way in my life. The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector comes to mind. Humility, O Lord, make it established in my life; Pray, do not lose heart, pursue the Most High God Jesus with all my might until the End of my days.
Amen.
Ricky Two Shoes