Journal Luke 6 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “(Jesus) also told them a parable:
“Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
(Therefore), why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye?
You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.” Luke 6:39-42 emphasis mine
Observation: Is this section of Scripture only about logging in the congregation or is it about waking up to the facts about discipleship?
Analysis: “Be honest, open, candid with honorable concern, merciful practice, and with fierce personal transparency.”
Besides this quote, scripture is MORE direct and blunt: “Examine yourselves, to see if you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” (2 Cor 13:5)
Jesus’ parable speaks of the tendency of Man to assert self-wisdom, dominance, and self-importance over others.
Man yearns to be boss. Yearns, craves, covets, aches… All the opposites of humility and servanthood…which I have to battle with daily.
I noticed this sentence: “A disciple is not above his teacher…” I can attest to this truth, this FACT. However, functionally I do not embrace what this means, I can be blunt with my own heart about that. What I want to do is Jesus’ following statement: “…but everyone when HE IS FULLY TRAINED will be like his teacher.”
Stop. Look. Listen.
Where am I on the training continuum? What am I planning to do about training? Do I really want to be like Jesus, making personal effort in concert with the Holy Spirit and godly men in the here and now? Or am I hoping for a lottery gift of godliness where I don’t have to exert effort?
The “logging” practice Jesus speaks about is only 1 aspect on the way of discipleship. Looking at others before looking at the face in the mirror is the way of, let’s face it (pun?), rebellion. Perhaps soft rebellion, but rebellion just the same. If I can’t be blunt about what I see in myself, confess and repent as often as I need to, what am I trying to correct others about?
Paul was not alone in asserting others to examine themselves. Jeramiah did as well to the nation of Israel: “Let us test and examine our ways and return to the Lord!” (Lam 3:40) Neither were preaching to unbelievers but exhorting the people of God.
Take this as you will. I am preaching this to the face in the mirror. Pray for conviction if this is tugging at a heart. Note that, in parallel with the scripture, this is not for “Dan needs to read this,” the call for examination is always the mirror.
I want to be a trained disciple.
Prayer: Father, my desire is to be trained. I know that while I might have spoken this desire over my years, the application I have made has been haphazard.
Mold me, Potter, into the vessel you desire.
Amen.
Ricky Two Shoes