Church guide

Rejected God's Plan Luke 7:28-30 (KJV) 28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. 29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. "Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last" (Luke 13:30 NRSV). Luke helps us see the great reversals that God's justice brings. Those who had all the advantages of being religious insiders often rejected Jesus because he called them to repent. Those who were outsiders, who knew they were sinners, and who were looking for a way out of their sinful bondage, repented and let Jesus completely reorient their lives. Even today, many of us who have had all the advantages of being raised around faith can find it hard not to tone down Jesus' call to change our lives and follow him as Lord. Let's use the failure of those who rejected Jesus as our warning! We are all saved by grace and are called to follow Jesus with our all! Abba Father, please help me never let my familiarity with faith blind me to true and whole-hearted belief in Jesus and service in his Kingdom. I don't want anything to dilute my devotion to your Son as my Lord or to turn my heart away from his sacrifice, so please give me the discernment I need when Satan tries to use my weaknesses to blind me to your truth. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

None Greater ... except Christians! Luke 7:27-28 (KJV) 27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. John was incredible! The voice of God through the prophets had not been heard for hundreds of years in Israel. When John the Baptizer came on the scene, people flocked to hear him. They recognized in the clarity of his words something that could come only from God. He lived his life and used his ministry to serve Jesus and open the hearts of people for the coming of the Christ. John spoke the truth regardless of who listened or who cared. This integrity and godly character were what got John in trouble with Herod. As great as John was, Jesus says that those in God's Kingdom are greater still — not because of what those in the Kingdom have done or will do, but because of the grace of God given through Jesus' atoning sacrifice and because of their adoption into the family of God. Heavenly Father, thank you for the incredible example of John the Baptizer. Use me to be a servant for the message of Jesus. Help me to have the integrity of John as I try to speak your truth. Give me the courage to do your will, even under threat and opposition. Thank you for adopting me as your child and making me a part of your Kingdom. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

More than a Prophet Luke 7:24-26 (KJV) 24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. 26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. John the Baptizer had changed everything! The voice of God in the prophets had been silent for hundreds of years. When John burst onto the scene, the people heard the human voice of John; but underneath that voice, they felt the power and presence of God. John came and was a prophet who pointed others to Jesus. But John was much more than a prophet; he was a trailblazer. He made the way ready for the Messiah and opened the hearts of the people to the Savior who was the Lamb of God. He spoke with integrity and lived with the singular focus of preparing the way for God's Messiah. He was known by his godly character, his passionate preaching of God's message, and his unquenchable passion for making people ready for the Messiah. He was Jesus' cousin, forerunner, and servant. Yes, John was much more than a prophet! O God Almighty, the great God who keeps his promises and is faithful to his people, thank you for sending John. I appreciate his example of service to Jesus. I am convicted by the integrity and clarity of his message regardless of his audience. Help me to be more like John in my service to my King, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

The Proof Is in the Preacher's Life Luke 7:20-23 King James Version (KJV) 20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. 22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. 23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. I used to remind preaching students, "God could use a donkey to speak his will, so simply having a message from God doesn't make us all that unique." I was referring to Balaam's donkey, of course (Numbers 22). What makes the messenger important for God is when the message and the messenger's life line up. In today's verses, Jesus reached back and used the less-known language about the Messiah and his service to the lost, forgotten, and needy to remind John that he, Jesus, is the Christ of God. To help reinforce his claim, he asked John's disciples to report to John what they saw him do and heard him say. Jesus was what he said, and Jesus did what the prophets proclaimed he would do. John's words were right when he had talked about the Messiah, even if his personal expectations of all that the Messiah would do were not quite what Jesus did. In our weaker moments, we may want a Messiah that is a little different than Jesus — one who is not so straight talking about obedience and not so demanding about discipleship. But, Jesus did the will of God, doing and saying what God wanted him to do and say. It is not Jesus who needs to change, but our expectations and our behaviors! Holy God, who so lovingly sent your Son to be my Savior, open my mind and my heart to know and understand who Jesus is and who he wants me to be. In the name of your Son, Christ Jesus my Lord, I pray. Amen.

Doubts and Questions Luke 7:18-19 (KJV) 18 And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? We sometimes exalt key figures in the Scriptures to the legendary status of "Bible characters." We don't allow them to have bad days, doubts, lapses of passion, or faith dilemmas. However, Jesus was the only flesh and blood "Bible character" who was sinless. All the others had feet of clay. Even John the Baptist, with all of his passion and integrity, wanted to know for sure that Jesus was who John claimed him to be. Jesus' demonstration of what John prophesied was different from what John expected, at least from the distance John viewed him. (Remember, Herod had John in prison and would soon execute him.) The crucial issue about John was that he kept seeking the truth, even in his moments of confusion. So often when we have doubts, we can let the doubts overtake us, and we grow silent and afraid to seek the truth. Jesus never discouraged truth seekers! Jesus was not afraid to answer questions from his critics, the skeptics, or even his followers who doubted. In your struggles, you will no doubt pass through a valley or two of doubt or confusion. Don't be afraid; be honest with Jesus about your struggles. So often, that is exactly where we find the Lord; he is there waiting for the seeker who honestly comes to him with questions. Heavenly Father, please help me never be afraid of coming to Jesus with honest questions as I seek to know the truth from him and about him. Give me wisdom and faith as I seek you; and in finding you, I know I will find the truth. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Fear and Praise Luke 7:16-17 (KJV) 16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. 17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about. Talk about a mind-blowing experience: Seeing this dead boy raised from the dead was unbelievable. Naturally, there was a holy fear of Jesus and his power by those who witnessed this event. They recognized that raising this boy was not a trick, but the power and presence of God himself on display. Praise and confession of God's greatness were the proper responses to such an event. The people realized they had seen the work and care of God. They also felt it was important to share this news with others. Holy fear, praise, recognition of God's greatness, and evangelism are the proper responses the people bring. These must also be our responses to the mighty work of God in our times. Give me the eyes of faith, O holy God, to see and the spiritual discernment to know how best to honor and praise you for your great acts of blessing, mercy, and grace. You are holy God, so teach me reverence. You are concerned and involved with my daily wounds and struggles, so teach me discernment so that I can better see your hand at work. As you show your presence in my life, use me to help spread the story of your grace and deliverance to others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Reunion! Luke 7:14-15 (KJV) 14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. Jesus spoke to the dead young man and made him alive. Then Luke says it so beautifully, "And Jesus gave him back to his mother." Despite death, Jesus brings reunion! Despite sorrow, Jesus brings back joy. This event is a preview of our future in Christ. One day, all those who are dead in Christ will hear his voice and rise from the dead with immortal bodies and join Jesus. Those believers who are still alive when Christ comes will also be changed and go to be with the Lord forever (1 Corinthians 15:51-53). Christ's return will be a time of great rejoicing as all Christians will be reunited with each other and united with their Lord. Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise of reunion with those that I love who have died before me. Thank you for their faith and Jesus' power over death that ensures our reunion. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Compassion for Those Who Grieve Luke 7:11-13 (KJV) 11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. 12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. Jesus' heart went out to this woman who was left all alone. While many mourned with her, Jesus longed to comfort her. His heart was full of compassion. He could say what no one else could say: "Don't cry!" Most of us can only cry with those who have lost loved ones. Only Jesus can wipe away our tears. Jesus is touched by our loss and by our mortal limitations. That's why he came to earth. We can be assured that he feels our losses in the same way. When we cry in grief, we do not cry alone. Father God, thank you for sending Jesus to be the answer to our sentence of death. I am profoundly touched by his empathy and concern for those who have lost loved ones. Use me to bless those touched by death and to share your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Completely Healed! Luke 7:10 (KJV) 10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. The Roman soldier's trust in Jesus' power was more than warranted! The servant for whom he was concerned was completely healed — not partially healed, not temporarily healed, not incrementally healed, but completely healed! When we open our lives to the authority of Jesus, when we trust him at his word and do what he says, Jesus can do amazing things to bring us complete healing. The issue isn't his authority or his power or his grace but our willingness to take him at his word and trust in his work. Even if we never experience the complete healing on this side of eternity, we will ultimately go to Jesus' house and find ourselves complete in every way. Dear Almighty God, I do anticipate the day that you make me complete in every way. Until that day, I commit to take Jesus at his word and show my trust in him by my wholehearted obedience. I know that my body is made of dust, mortal in every way. However, dear Father, I trust that you have made me your child through the power of the Holy Spirit and that I will experience my relationship with you in perfection when Jesus comes to bring me home in glory. Give me the strength to live this trust with passion and conviction. In Jesus' name. Amen.

=Examples from the Outside Luke 7:7, 9 (KJV) 7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Jesus loved to shock those who heard him into listening and sometimes did so by making outsiders the heroes of his stories and actions. Like the stories of the "Good Samaritan" (Luke 10:30-37), Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), the widow of Zarephath (Luke 4:24-26), and Naaman the Syrian (Luke 4:27-30), the Roman soldier is the hero in these events. Jesus wants the people to see the importance of faith that trusts in his authority to act redemptively and bring salvation. For those of us who have been Christians awhile, new Christians — especially those who have come from outside our social circle and our range of experience — have much to teach us about the joy of salvation. The freshness of their faith, the new-found joy of knowing Jesus, and the challenges they face in living for Jesus can renew our faith and expand our joy as we try to encourage them in their walk with the Lord. Rather than trying to find problems in their new walk with Jesus, let's look for ways they are positive examples for other believers. Heavenly Father, thank you for your children who are new in your spiritual family and who display that new and fresh joy of being your child. Please use those who have been Christians longer to encourage these newer Christians in their walk with Jesus, and use the newer Christians as powerful examples of faith and trust for those who have been Christians longer than they have. Help each of us to see our deep need to love and appreciate each other. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Trust in Authority Luke 7:6-8 (KJV) 6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: 7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. 8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. It takes someone of authority to truly and fully appreciate someone else who exercises authority. Here is a man of authority who showed his faith in Jesus' authority and showed his own humility, a humility that was most unexpected for his position. He trusted in the power of Jesus and the power of Jesus' will and word. His faith was exemplary. Do we have that same faith? Do we believe in Jesus' promises and trust in his word with the same humility? O Lord, I believe, but help my faith grow and mature. Help my actions match Jesus' word more fully as I learn to trust Jesus' promises more completely. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Kindness Displayed Luke 7:2-5 (KJV) 2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. 3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: 5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. In a world of prejudice and rank, this is a story that warms the heart and points us to our better truths! While Jews plead the case of a non-Jew to Jesus, an officer of rank pleads the case of his slave. Of course, for Jesus, these distinctions didn't make a difference, but they did to the people of his day. This story is a great reminder that in the grace of Jesus, race, rank, and reputation pale in comparison to his desire to save and bless all people who will come to him as Lord. O Lord God Almighty, please forgive me for the barriers and the labels that I allow to be erected between me and others who are your precious creations and who so desperately need your grace. Use me to help make your people more open to all peoples so that our earthly reality can mirror the complete racial and social diversity and the equality that exist in the glory of heaven. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A Love for the City! Luke 7:1 (KJV) 7 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. I've lived in the country. I've lived in the city. I've lived in the suburbs. Each has its own rhythm. Each has its own advantages. Each has its own drawbacks. A good bit of Jesus' ministry occurred on the mountainsides or along the Sea of Galilee, but he felt a call to the city. That's where the need was greatest because that's where most people lived. So, after his time of ministry in teaching in the countryside, he went back to the city to share himself with the city-dwellers who needed God's good news of hope and salvation. In Luke's gospel, he tells us the story of Jesus' earthly ministry. Then, in the book of Acts, he tells us the story of Jesus' heavenly ministry through the Spirit in the early church. In both cases, Luke reminds us of Jesus' love for the cities and his desire to save the masses. Everyone needs to know Jesus, so no matter where we find ourselves living, I can't help but believe that the Master will place the lost of the cities on our hearts. He calls those of us in cities to share hope, joy, and salvation with those who do not yet know him, and he calls all of us to include full support of efforts to reach city-dwellers in our ministry. O LORD, God of the nations and lover of all people, please move me to be more selfless as I look at where I invest my time and my energies. Open my heart to the needs of people everywhere. Especially open my eyes to the strategic opportunity to reach those in the cities and the great cities of the world. Teach me how to be more effective in reaching the lost who do not know Jesus so that they can experience your grace, hope, and salvation. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

How Are We Going to Build? Luke 6:47-49 (KJV) 47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: 48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. 49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. So often in modern Western culture, intention counts for more than action and emotion means more than effort. Into our self-absorbed and interior culture, Jesus comes and weds intention and action, emotion and effort. Simply being moved by Jesus' words, simply being convicted of the truth, or simply intellectually accepting what Jesus says is destructive. Jesus says that passion, conviction, and faith without life-change, obedience, and action are futile. This vain faith, emotion, and conviction aren't merely short-sighted or lacking; they are self-destructive, wasteful, and disastrous. Faith that doesn't call us to act, emotion that doesn't move us to effort, and conviction that doesn't motivate us to change are empty, void, and vain. Such "religion" becomes an inoculation against holiness, godly character, and redemptive action. I believe with all of my heart that Jesus would come to us today and say our greatest need is to learn to obey humbly and thankfully. Forgive me, Father; forgive us, Father, for our attention to just words, emotions, and passions while ignoring our need to obey. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, please, dear Father, move me to make my actions as well as my emotions, convictions, and beliefs consistent with your will. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Just Do It! Luke 6:46 (KJV) 46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Jesus has one simple point: "If I am your Lord, then you will obey what I tell you. If you don't, then I'm not your Lord." It's that simple. It's that clear. So why have we grown so passionless about obeying what he says? After all, if we have trouble with obedience, our fundamental problem is really a lack of love for Jesus. He said, "If a man love me, he will keep my words.'' So, as our passion for the Lord grows, so also should our obedience. If we love the Lord, then we'll do what he says! Abba Father, give me a passion for obeying your will just as you have filled my heart with your love through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Look at Your Heart Luke 6:43-45 (KJV) 43 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Ultimately, all the principles Jesus talks about in Luke 6 are heart issues. Our hearts, not just our actions, need to be conformed to God's will. Yes, our actions are crucial. Yes, obedience is necessary. However, that obedience needs to be heartfelt and heart-driven. When it is, then our hearts determine the fruit we bear. So let's ask God to guard our hearts, cleanse our hearts, and conform our hearts to his own. Holy God, purify my heart. Remove from it all bitterness and rivalry. Get rid of self-interest and evil. Fill my heart with your love by the power of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Blind to Our Faults Luke 6:41-42 (KJV) 41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye. The problem with sin and forgiveness, with inconsistency, with questionable motives, and with unjust criticism is not with someone else. We must look inward at ourselves. We must look critically at ourselves. We must look correctively at ourselves. God holds us responsible for ourselves. Jesus wants us to see that our primary job is to deal with our own problems, sins, weaknesses, mistakes, inconsistencies, wrong motives, etc. Only after I've begun to address these problems in my own life can I begin to help others address the sin in their lives — and even then, I must approach them with humility, love, and grace, knowing that I'm a sinner saved by grace. O God, my heavenly Father, please forgive me for my sins. I know that I fall short of what you want me to be and what I want to be. Please help me never to use someone else's weaknesses or stumbling as an excuse for my shortcomings. In addition, Father, please open my eyes so that I never avoid my own shortcomings by pointing to the deficiencies of another. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Becoming Like Our Teacher Luke 6:39-40 (KJV) 39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? 40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. Who is the greatest embodiment of generosity, forgiveness, and grace who has ever lived? It is Jesus, of course. So Jesus becomes our example. To follow lesser examples is to be led into a trap. Our goal isn't just to be good, but to be godly. Our goal isn't to be the best of our peers, but to be like Jesus in our interactions with our peers. So let's set our sights on Jesus as our example, especially in the way he extended grace and dealt generously with the people around him. O LORD God Almighty, my precious Abba Father, when each day is done, may you find me more closely conformed to the character of your Son and my Savior. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

The Principle of Generosity Luke 6:38 (KJV) 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Two areas where many of us can be the stingiest are money and forgiveness. So after all that Jesus taught us in the previous statements about graciousness and generosity, he now sums it up with these two principles: 1) Our blessings will be based on our willingness to bless others, and 2) our measure of treating and judging others will be the basis used for how we are treated and judged by others and by God. In other words, God has been gracious with us; we can either share that graciousness or abuse it. Grace is wonderful and free until we take it off the market and out of circulation in our relationships. If we stymie, hold, or remove God's grace from circulation, it becomes damaged and lost with us. This stern warning reminds us again how seriously God takes our generosity with others. Father God, forgive my miserly forgiveness in the past. Forgive my previous condemning attitude toward others. Open my heart to share your generosity. Open my heart to give others the benefit of the doubt instead of judging them. Use me as a conduit of your generosity and grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Don't Do It! Luke 6:37 (KJV) 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Jesus isn't talking hypothetically. He is talking about a problem that has plagued the petty human race for centuries. God doesn't want us judging people's motives and actions. Only he can see inside a person's heart. He loathes the all-too-human practice of judging others' intentions and deeds. We have no right to judge God's servants! If someone's actions are good and kind, we are to accept them as genuine. We are not to judge others. Jesus reminds us that the spirit of judgment with which we treat others will also be the spirit of judgment that becomes the standard others and God will use to judge us. Instead, we are to be a forgiving people because we know the transforming power of God's forgiveness! Father of glory, I pray intentionally and specifically for the forgiveness and blessing of those who have wronged me or those I love. Forgive me for judging their motives and assuming their intentions. Please give me the courage and the Spirit of Christ that I need as I seek to be as gracious to others as Jesus has been to me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.