Day 21 of Lent: Today’s reading is Luke 12:41-59. Click the blue link to read the passage online.
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In today’s reading, we finish a passage that we began yesterday about Jesus’ warning his disciples about his coming. In verses 41-48, Jesus promises a reward for the faithful. He also encourages us to journey onwards despite hardships and failures. Again we see the grace of God offering guidance and support during difficult times.
As followers of Jesus Christ it is important for us to remember that Jesus does not offer us a pass for carefree, easy, breezy living when we accept him to into our lives. What he does offer us is grace and love to get us through the hard times.
In verses 49-53 Jesus actually tells us that his coming into the world might make our lives a bit harder at times because Jesus’ coming brings about conflict. Jesus does not tolerate the sinful ways of the world. As followers of Jesus we are called to be loyal to our Lord and to stand up for what is right and just. This can often separate us from the world around us. But the love of God is so great and so encompassing that even we these hard times befall us we experience the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus came to turn the world upside and to rid us of our complacent expectations. Jesus wants to experience the fullness of God’s love and to not be trapped by our human ways and wrongdoings.
What are the surprising ways you have experienced God’s grace? What in your life keeps you from living expectantly for God’s grace? What in your life needs to be changed so that your eyes will be more fully focused on Jesus’ presence within you and around you?
Filed under: Luke in Lent
Some surprising ways I’ve experienced God’s grace? If we really believe God is in everything, I suppose there shouldn’t be any surprising ways. But at the time surprising? In the repetitive drudgery of laundry. As a foreigner with no language skills. In the glorious winter sunshine of a south-facing kitchen window. In an alarming fall that doesn’t result in a fracture. In an unexpected reprimand, realizing that it was deserved as well as stopped me from proceeding. In the vestibular soothing of a rocking chair. In burns, bad ones. In the unexpected, unmerited friendships of amazing women. In the sacred piano music of my son. In the old memories of loving family that are evoked by flavor – even the bad flavors. In stopping to reflect back to answer this question.
What keeps me from living expectantly for God’s grace? Perhaps the fact that it’s so completely undeserved. But then, that’s part of the beauty of it.
Loved Debby’s response to this, which certainly reminds one that God is indeed surrounding us w/ his love, care, & grace.
I am with Debby on the final question here. It is my humanness that keeps from believing that God really cares in spite of my many imperfections. God’s love is radical and truly incomprehensible. WE c;an’t love that way. Thank God for God!