Category: Good Life Journal

Scripture:

[11] For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Observation:

Jesus humbly came to eat at the wedding feast.

The people at the banquet would be watching – He is representing God.

Jesus noticed how the people at the banquet positioned themselves around the feast.   Many pridefully feeling like they deserved to sit at a place of honor.

Jesus says to show humility and honor will be given in due time and in fact, present oneself pridefully and you will be brought low in time as well.

Application:

Simple. Pride gets a person into trouble. Pride tells the Lord that you did it without Him. That you made yourself an expert, that you can perform some task better than someone else, that you are smarter than someone else, whatever it is.. all because of what you did and who you are, without giving all the credit to Jesus.  Or maybe it’s that the we feel the Lord blessed us with a talent and we took it to the next level without Him. We should all take a pride check. There is really no question that we owe it all to Him.

The people around us are watching us as Christians, observing how we handle ourselves in different situations. It is obvious when we carry ourselves with the humility of Christ or when we exhibit the sin of pride.

When you think about the fact that we represent Christ wherever we go, and the results of our actions where humility vs. pride is concerned, the decision is easy. Jesus is explicit. Stay humble and you will be exalted. Pridefully exalt yourself and you will be humbled. It is your choice.

Prayer:

Lord keep me humble in all situations. Help me control my pride. Remind me that I represent You at all times. I especially need that reminder in this secular world around unbelievers, when my patience is tried or my humility is tested. In Jesus name I pray this. Amen.

Journal Luke 13 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “There were some present at that very time who told (Jesus) about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

And (Jesus) answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way?  No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them; do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?  No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”” Luke 13:1-5

Observation: Even during Jesus’ time, there were those who were trying to find escape clause reasons in the Gospel.  “You are bad, therefore no salvation life available for you…”

Is Jesus’ arm so short He cannot save whom He chooses?  Of course not.

Analysis: Sometimes I need to try putting meat on the bones concerning certain passages.

In the rest of Luke 13, there are some easy and familiar passages to write about.  Not today for me.  Wherever I see places that folks want to chat with Jesus and ask questions, it is enough to pay attention to because more than likely, the same kinds of questions asked of Jesus are the same questions asked today.

“What about [that thing] or [the other thing]?  Flood, earthquake, fire, explosions?  Is God’s DISPLEASURE with mankind being shown?  Did those poor folks DESERVE that because of their sin?”

That’s what is really being inquired of here.  Four key words/insinuations: SIN, DESERVE, DISPLEASURE, and CONSEQUENCES.

Any Christian can fall into that mode of thinking.  I can absolutely lose sight of the Gospel—if I ever had a handle on the Gospel at all?

“Oh, no, I have a full grip on the Gospel”, I might think.  But then, I only remember 2005, New Orleans, and Katrina and fall into shame with what I thought then.

That’s the angle of what these folks were asking Jesus: These folks DESERVED what they got, right?”  Extrapolation: “If I don’t do what they did to deserve God’s punishment, then I will be OK before God?”

“ALL have sinned.  ALL have fallen short…”  It is astounding that as soon as those two statements show up, thoughts start going in the direction of: “except him; except those; but not her….”  Excuses begin to flow like water, even from Christian mouths.

No wonder Spurgeon taught about the Gospel every time he was up.

Prayer: Father, you are good to remind man of the Gospel every day.  You are good to remind those who claim redemption of the need to grow deeper in the Gospel every day.  It is good to be reminded that the Gospel is only good news to the ones you call, and it is not good to those who have no ears to hear.  Joy unspeakable on one side; weeping and gnashing of teeth on the other.  All have sinned, daily I am proof.  I am also proof of your redemptive love.  AMEN.

Scripture-

Luke 12:4-5 – “I tell you my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after they have nothing more they can do.  But I will warn you whom to fear:  fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell.  Yes, I tell you fear him!”

Observation-

Jesus is teaching the disciples and a large crowd when he tells them what on the surface appears contradictory but reaches our own sin nature to have a fear of other humans.  This message is definitely counter cultural.  However, in verse 5, Jesus warns us that we should have a fear of God as he is the ultimate judge possessing the keys to hell or eternal life with Him.

Application –

The words Jesus spoke 2000 years ago to his followers are so applicable to us in this uncertain time we are living in today.  There are many things we can be fearful of from the virus, to unemployment and civil unrest in our cities.  It is hard to watch the news and not have some level of concern.  Yet, Jesus specifically is teaching us not be fearful of another human as they can only kill the body.  We need to have a healthy, reverent fear for God and see Him as our creator, redeemer and soverign judge of the world.  This doesn’t mean to keep God at a distance rather to seek Him and draw near to Him as he loves, desires a relationship with us.

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word and your warning.  Let me live to follow and fear you not other humans.

Journal Luke 11 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went and reclined at table.  The Pharisee was ASTONISHED to see that he did not first wash before dinner.

And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside…you are full of greed and wickedness.  You fools!  Did not he who made the outside make the inside also?  (Luke 11:37-40)

Observation: Observable, surface piety, without change within, is the contemptuous definition of religion.  The inclination to be a Pharisee isn’t relegated to the 1^st century alone.

Analysis: Jesus didn’t give any person associated with the established “religious” order a break.  None of them.

Quote in verse 45: “One of the lawyers answered him, ‘Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also.”  Jesus basically answered, “Yes, I did.  How perceptive…” and they went on to explain why.

Why, then, is this important to study, to regard?  Because, without warning, anybody can fall into the Pharisee Trap.  What is the Pharisee Trap?  To think what I do, defines what I am.  If I look pious, then I must be pious.  If I look like a Christian, then I must be a Christian.

The difference is Pursuit.

Did these guys pursue piety to honor God?  Jesus identified their motivations, “Woe to you Pharisees!  For you love the best seat in the synagogues and greeting in the marketplaces.” (v43)

Does this define what I am?  Sometimes, if I am transparent about it.  It isn’t a one and done decision; that possible Pharisee attitude is a “look in the mirror” exercise and, if found, confess and lay it at the foot of the Cross.

What do I want?  What is that description?  Not only do I look in the Word to define that, but I can look at the Heroes of the Faith and our Church fathers to think it through.  John Bunyan was said about, “If you cut him, he will bleed the bible.”  And what do I know about Wilberforce, Spurgeon, Whitefield, Edwards and more recently, Packer, Sproul, Sinclair, Dever, Tozer, Bridges, and Piper?

Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God.  Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”

Pursuing God is serious business.  It leads to joy but includes difficulties.  The Road of Righteousness is narrow and full of obstacles—and at the end, Joy forevermore.

Prayer: Father, I remember that pastor that told the youth group, “If you want to accept Christ, be sure you mean business…” or something similar.  I remember going outside under the awning and not looking back.  Things haven’t always been smooth.  I haven’t followed you fully every day.  But, maybe, in the last part of my life, I haven’t swerved too much.  Doesn’t matter.  Today is the day of salvation.  Your mercies are new today.  Your Grace is all that I need…today.

Keep my feet pointed in your direction.  Keep my eye fully upon You.  You are my keeper, my defender, my joy.  AMEN.

Journal Luke 10 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village.

And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.  And (Martha) had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.

But Martha was distracted with much serving.  And (Martha) went up to (Jesus) and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?  Tell her then to help me.”

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha: You are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.  Mary has chosen the good portion which will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10:38-42

Observation: I’ll bet this section of scripture gets written about a lot, probably because the scene is so prevalent in real life.  It is so easy to be caught up with “doing things” than “being still.”

Analysis: Did anyone see at the beginning of this chapter the reference of “the 72?”  These guys don’t get talked about much.  Wonder why?

Martha and Mary: Out of all the things that are possible to write about in Luke 10, these two girls may catch the eye the most.  Probably because of the polar opposites of attitude they display and because it is so prevalent in the life of the church that I see.

Do, do, do: Martha.  Hear, hear, hear: Mary.  This isn’t just to pick on the women because men do the same thing.  Ever see a guy willing to work, but not necessarily willing to be still and learn?  So the attitude is gender equal.

Stretch this out into the life of a family where hospitality is being done.  How much happiness is there in preparations because of a certain expectation of hearing from the Lord?  Preparations can sap all expectations.

Stretch this out to the life of a local church.  A broad definition of a local church can be, “are they inward focused, or outward focused?  Do they do a lot of work (purportedly for the Lord) or are they buried in dry learning or worse yet, overbearing flesh-centered religion (you know, like a Pharisee)?”

No matter how it is looked at, it still comes down to evaluating the face in the mirror.  It is no good to assign these characteristics to others before contemplating where I end up between them.  Where am I supposed to be?

Jesus says, “Mary has chosen the good portion…”  Where does that leave Martha?  That Martha-type should take it before the Holy Spirit for that answer, with this understanding of self-examination: I can play the victim; I can play “don’t you see how hard I work?  Make it just, Lord.  Bring justice to the (my) situation.  Regard my plight…”

Martha: “Don’t you care about me?”  Mary cares about the Lord.  Harsh distinction.  Sometimes the distinction is questionable.  In every situation though, the question needs to be asked personally…

Prayer:  Lord, when the distinctions of the spirit need to be examined closely, my mind needs to be right.  Right how?  In line with the Scriptures, fully (or even partially) renewed (Ro 12:2).  I can be fragile.  Personal toughness isn’t good enough, being tough with the mind of Christ is what I need.  Make me see Your will for stuff like this, brush aside my so-called “needs” and fully embrace You.  Make Your will my will.  AMEN.

Scripture: “And He called the twelve together…and sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal…And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

And He sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him.  But the people did not receive (Jesus) because his face was set toward Jerusalem.  And when his disciples (James and John) saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”  But (Jesus) turned and rebuked them.” Excerpts from Luke 9:1-6 and 52-55

Observation:  I can get so full of myself just like the Disciples.  Jesus gives me an assignment and, given enough time, I can twist it all sorts of ways, just like “Preach the Kingdom of God” to wanting to imitate Elijah.  Is it about the words from that morality play, “South Park?”  “Respect my authority?”

Analysis:  There are times where I think these records by the Holy Spirit are used for multiple reasons, some no less than to show us the absurdity of the Disciples.  Why, if it weren’t the fact that there were Twelve of them, I could think I am looking at a Three Stooges skit.

It seems to have started innocently enough.

Jesus gathered the twelve together.  He said, “Look guys, I have taught you what the Kingdom of God consists of.  I have taught others about the Kingdom of God in your hearing.  I am modeling what the Kingdom of God looks like for Man.   Now I am sending you out on assignment, to proclaim, talk, preach, hang out, model the Kingdom of God in our surrounding areas.  Heal folks.  Come back in a few weeks and tell me all about it.  Take off.”

So, they did.  And they returned.  And man, did they have stories to tell.  One might have thought they learned something more along the way.  Whoops, that would be a stretch in assumption.

Later, Jesus and the band, intending to go to Jerusalem, would pass through a village of the Samaritans.  Wanting to stay for a time, they were refused by the Samaritans.  So, James and John, full of good cheer and enthused from their “missionary trip” came to Jesus and said, perhaps with a straight face, “Why, Lord, that is sooo rude of them.  How about, what do you think about us calling…I dunno…fire from heaven?  That’s a biblical response, right?  We’re on scriptural solid ground with that?”

What sort of rebuke (not correction, rebuke) did Jesus give them?  Maybe scathing?  Disappointed?

I have been (and am) just like these guys.  A little bit of opposition and I am imagining the priests of Baal in front of me, and I am empowered to call fire from heaven and execute justice.  Pretty presumptuous of me, for sure.

When I am instructed to preach the Kingdom of God/the Gospel (close relations to each other and sometimes interchangeable), I should know more than the punch lines, which includes the opposition responses, what they mean, how they occur, and what to do about them.  Take election for instance.  A foundational precept is that: we preach; God draws and saves.  It is not like I am called to the plate to pinch hit and I am expected by the Holy Spirit to hit a home run.  No, I am expected to try and hit the ball, period.  God handles everything else.

Be satisfied in speaking and living the Gospel in holiness, my friends.  Results are all His.

Prayer: Lord, so much more to say in this chapter.  All sorts of stuff to home in upon.  This is what caught my eye this morning.  Lord, while I am confident that calling fire from heaven is going to be appropriate one day, it is not today nor anytime soon.  Allow me to learn and emulate the Gospel of the Kingdom, that Gospel of Peace between God and Man.  AMEN.

Scripture:

[3] When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. [4] And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, [5] for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” [6] And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. [7] Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. [8] For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” [9] When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” [10] And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

Observation:

The centurion was a caring man – at least for this servant whom he could have justifyably killed for being terminally ill.

The centurion had faith. When the centurion “heard about Jesus” – he heard what Jesus was saying and doing and he believed in Him. He knew Jesus could heal. And, he believed that Jesus didn’t even need to come to his house in order to heal the servant.

The centurion was respected even by those he was sent to oppress. The elders vouched for him.

The centurion was humble – he commanded at least 100 men and yet said he is not worthy to have Jesus come under his roof.

Even though we was in charge of at least 100 warriors send to oppress the jews, the centurion submitted to Jesus’ authority.

The centurion did not need to be broken and on his knees to come to Jesus as many in scripture are. He had faith and he came.

Application:

I think some of us get so wrapped up in this world and what or who we control, that we loose sight of the power and majesty of the King of kings. The One we owe our salvation to. We need to be broken until we look to Him for guidance. We need to be broken  to pray to Him and speak with Him. Not this centurion. In charge of at least a hundred warriors with a mission to oppress the very individual, our Lord in human form, and yet he has faith and looks to Him

That we should be that humble – in charge of a hundred warriors but knowing the the Lord is above him.

That we should be so faithful – “hearing of Jesus” and knowing that he can heal the sick without even seeing them.

Jesus said the centurion had more faith than the people in Israel. Let us all have the faith of the centurion and turn to Jesus for our needs. He knows everything about us but we still need to show Him the faith He deserves.

Prayer:

Lord when I’m getting too proud of myself and forget that all I have and all I am comes from you, help me with humility. Remind me that you are Lord of all. Remind me you created the universe and tuned it so well to baffle scientists for thousands of years. When I’m feeling overconfident, like I can handle a problem by myself, give me faith to come to you first.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Journal Luke 6 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?

Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man…building a house…who dug deep and…laid the foundation on the rock.  And, when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it BECAUSE it had been well built.

But, the one who hears and does not do them (obey My words) is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation.  When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:46-49

Observation: What are the differences in paying lip-service to the Word and not?  What are the differences between the Gospel as a word and not as a lifestyle?

Analysis: The more I write, the more I am convicted of my lack, my shortfalls…

I am not down on myself, falling into despair…I recognize I have a long way to go on the narrow road.

How many days do I portray a “lip service” Christian?  A guy who knows all the right things to say, all the gestures to do with my eyes, with my hands?  And still can candidly say, “My heart is far from You…”

That’s who Jesus is talking to here—me.

Going through the exercise of the Reading Plan and Journaling, I get to turn the Bible from a book to a mirror.  When I look at and READ scripture, letting the Holy Spirit talk to me, there is so much to gain.  Yes, there are places where the Scriptures are talking about someone else, BUT only as an example of my actions first.

The metaphor of “house-building, temple-building” and the like is very relevant in this manner: To build a strong dwelling place, you first must have a plan.”  And that is not different in building a spiritual place in me, i.e., becoming mature, becoming a disciple.

I was reading Piper’s “50 reasons why Jesus came to die” this morning (a study book of Saturday Morning Coffee at IHOP—meeting next on 8/15 at 730am).  There was a statement that caught my eye, “But his heart was perfectly in love with God, and he acted consistently with that love.” (pg 25)  Point: If I say “I love God” then my goal and objective is to act consistently with that love and first and foremost direct that love to God alone.

I ran across this quote from Jonathan Edwards the other day: “A true love of God must begin with a delight in his Holiness.”  It follows, therefore, that to delight in obeying his commandments, his directives, that which comes before all of that is a delight in His Holiness.

To be grounded in Him means I am parallel grounded in his Word, delighting in and embracing.  Obedience without having this foundation is somehow lacking and may be off the mark in total.

Prayer:  Lord, please, please don’t let these be only words on a pack for me.  I WANT this to be DRIVEN in my heart.  AMEN.

Luke 5:8, 10-11 – But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus knees, saying, “Depart from me for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”  and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.  And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”  And when they brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

Observation-

Jesus has just performed a miracle in showing Peter and the others where to cast their net to be overflowing with fish after they had been fishing all night and catching nothing.  Peter recognizes the deity of Jesus as he falls before him and professes his sin.   Jesus reassures Peter to not be fearful.  When the boats hit the shore, they immediately follow Jesus.

Application –

This story of Jesus’ miracle and calling the first disciples is a synopsis of the gospel I must follow each and every day.  Number one, I need to recognize my own sin and need for a savior.  Humble myself at the feet of Jesus and not see myself as someone who is religious and righteous.  I can’t just be aware of my own sin and not do anything.  My action needs to be to follow Jesus, grow more like him where people can see Jesus in and through me.  My life needs to focus on Jesus and the great commission to in turn make disciples and teach them.

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for loving me enough to send Jesus to save me from my sin.  Let me recognize my sin, repent and humbly follow you to grow your Kingdom.

Scripture:

“And Jesus answered him, “It is written…” (Luke 4:4a)

“And Jesus answered him, “It is written…” (Luke 4:8a)

“And Jesus answered (the devil), “It is said, You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” (Luke 4:12)

But, to note: “And he (the devil) took him (Jesus) to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for IT IS WRITTEN…” (Luke 4:9)

Observation: This is the first time we see an interaction between the devil (the Tempter) and Jesus.  And what do I see?  More than a bit of Scripture swordplay…

Analysis: Scriptural swordplay and bible jousting gets a bad rap and deservedly so.  Most of that practice is one-upmanship sort of stuff.

However, if I take a broader and more holistic view, doesn’t the Bible encourage me to do just that?  Let me take the prideful “I know more scripture” attitude out of it but think about how to live my life in reverence to the Most High?

That silly phrase that many have learned “God (or the Bible) says it, therefore I believe it” may be lacking somewhat in conviction and it becomes a phrase awarding being obstinate in the flesh.  Shouldn’t that phrase become, “God (or the Bible) says it, therefore I will OBEY it?”

The Word of God is the necessary parcel to be used to have my mind transformed.  The Word is Life.  I need to transplant my sinful, dead mind.  I need to use something alive to affect that transformation.  Therefore, the Living Word of God is the instrument of God’s Grace to affect that change.

Jesus, when confronted with temptation by the devil, didn’t answer him saying, “In My Name…” or anything like that.  He didn’t even say, “No.”  Jesus set us an example to follow. I respond with “It is written…”

It is worthy to note that the devil can use this too.  I will see it with ordinary folks trying to argue.  Who’s right?  Who’s wrong?  Best be prepared with careful study and when the answer comes to mind “I don’t know…” be a Berean and go find out what is true and factual.

Nevertheless, if I base my life on the review, “I do this because ‘lt is written…” I can’t go wrong—

Prayer: “On Christ the solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand…”  Lord, when I stand on You, the Living Word, I stand firm on a foundation that is NOT a concept, NOT an idea, but someone whom, though unseen, is real.  I find you pulsating through the written Word of God, objective and factual.  I am humbled to be able to just start to understand You and your Gospel.  AMEN

Journal Luke 3 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “He (John) said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers!  Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Bear fruits in keeping with repentance.  And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’  For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.

Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees.  Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”  Luke 3:7-9

Observation: This passage is certainly talking about somebody else.  It cannot be referring to folks who claim coverage like children of Abraham…right?

Analysis: I find it increasingly sobering when I remember that these Bible documents were written for the Church.

While some use the Bible to justify talking to unbelievers, the Word of God was written and compiled so that I might grow in wisdom, righteousness, and maturity—I might be taught.

There is one thing that gets in the way of being taught: “Oh, I already know that, I don’t need to hear it again.”

John told the Israelites standing around and listening to John preach, “Repent!!  Draw near to God.”  What did these folks do?  They stood back and watched.  They thought to themselves, “Not me, I don’t need that. Those poor souls.  If they were a child of Abraham like me, they would be secure in their faith.”

The Gospel bears repeating day after day.  It isn’t a one and done thing to the face in the mirror.  “I got it.  I have the Gospel.  Now I am equipped.  Time for someone else to be converted.”  And what happens?  I forget.

It was said that Spurgeon was asked, “Why do you preach the Gospel every day?”  He reportedly answered, “Because daily we forget it.”  In Paul’s letters he brings up the Gospel to be taught in the churches, not for some evangelism campaign, but because the Gospel is the basis of all biblical maturity.

Therefore, the clear expectation is to “bring forth fruits in keeping with repentance.”  It is clear throughout the Scriptures.

Attaining?  That is different in that perfect righteousness can never be attained this side of heaven.  Does it stop me?  I realize that every morning I wake up I must put my trust in Jesus, according to the Gospel.  I cannot trust what happened the day before.  “His mercies are new every day.”

Prayer:  Lord, even today I find it hard to bring the Gospel down to its basics and foundations with other folks.  I get the sensation that it is felt that I am nitpicking.  But like I read in Luke 1 and 2, those folks had a daily surrender and the ones who were called out were those who put their trust and faith in a past fact or act.  My practice is to build one stone on another and candidly forgetting the previous stone and how important it is.  Make it so in my life and thinking that don’t forget the foundations of the Faith and keep making the Gospel the most important thing in my life.  AMEN

Scripture: “Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  And (Simeon) came in the Spirit into the Temple and when the parents (Joseph and Mary) brought in the child Jesus (to do for him according to the custom of the Law) he (Simeon) took him up in his arms and blessed God and said….(Luke 2:25-28)

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.  She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was 84.  She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day.  And coming up at that very hour (when Simeon spoke over Jesus) she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:36-38

Observation:  Simeon and Anna, two ordinary people surrendered to an extraordinary God.

Analysis: I like to dig into the background of the people around Jesus.  Know why?  Because those people are me.

The record here in the beginning of Luke is 33 years before the crucifixion…and Luke records there were people, only a few to be sure but more than just Joe and Mary, that God revealed his Son to.  These people were not (according to the record) preached to, they did not have a philosophical change of attitude, they were not convinced by logical (but ultimately self-serving) arguments—they sought God because He opened their hearts to do so.

What a thought: Simeon and Anna, for separate convictions, reasons, and circumstances, SOUGHT the Lord, waiting (syn. for the future in the making) for the Gift to all creation, Jesus (the consolation and redemption of Israel).

Do I see people like that around me?  Do I see people like that when I look in the mirror?

Cringing, I candidly confess, no.  And to my sorrow, most times it doesn’t bother me at all.  Why?

For me, it is because I am not cultivating those things that are obvious to Simeon and Anna in my own heart and soul; that stuff is oblivious to me while I dedicate myself to the Rays win/loss record or trying to figure out my retirement plans, etc.

So, what would be my corrective action?  I probably could bring up tried and true options, but I am hoping to learn more (maybe different stuff, maybe increased conviction on already known actions, as I go through Luke.

Prayer:  Father God, hallowed is Your Name.  I feel like a fishing bobber being pulled down to the depths but, once the pull is off, bloop I go back to the surface.  Why is it that I cannot seem to stay in the depths of your Word, your Love, your Spirit for any length of time?  Help me O God.  AMEN.

Scripture:

[10] An excellent wife who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels.

[11]The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

[12] She does him good, and not harm,

all the days of her life.

[30] Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

[31] Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Observation:

This is the depiction of what we know now as the Proverbs 31 woman – what was thought to be an ideal godly woman.

Verses 10 – 12 and 30 – 31 make good bookends.

vs 1-10 tell how precious and valuable  this virtuous woman is in the eyes of man.

vs 30 – 31 tell how this godly woman will be praised and rewarded by God.

Application:

The attributes of the Proverbs 31 woman are still relevant and very important today – worshiping God and defined by strength, dignity, wisdom, faithfulness.

This godly woman should expect the same attributes in her man – worshiping God and defined by strength, dignity, wisdom, faithfulness.

It isn’t charm and outer beauty that makes this woman more precious than jewels. Those characteristics can be deceiving and ultimately fade. Loving the Lord and worshiping him is what truly refines and defines her.

Just like any of us, her salvation comes by grace through faith. But, this woman of virtue will be honored by God for her virtue and for living a life worshiping, honoring, and glorifying him. Again, this is just as relevant and  important for a man.

Prayer:

Lord thank you for selecting me to be the husband of a God fearing wife who worships you and sets you rightfully above all else. Without you shaping me, she would have no interest in being my wife. Help me be the man of character, strength, wisdom and faithfulness that she deserves. Lord I pray that the women of our church use this as a checklist of what you desire from a godly woman and that the men of our church not only look for a virtuous woman but be the man of character this type of woman deserves. I pray all of this in Jesus’ mighty name.

Proverbs 29:18 – Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint

Observation-

People who aren’t seeking wisdom lack divine guidance.  Where there is no wisdom and God is not in the equation people act lawless without inhibition.

Application –

I must have a posture of humility before God and not be pridefulin my own way.  Wisdom does not come naturally as I have to continually seek the wisdom that only comes from being in the word, listening to the word preached and communicating with God.  Absent of the wisdom of God and his will for me, I would have no guidance and just roll without control.  Verse 8 says, “Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.”  I can’t help but think about how we are seeing spiritual warfare at work and people turn from God in our streets.  This creates a sense of urgency to share the Good News with people who are searching for hope and we have the only answer in Jesus.

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for your love, grace and mercy in sending Jesus to save us from our sin so we can have a relationship with you.  Let me seek your wisdom and the power of the Holy Spirit guide me to share the gospel to bring you glory.