This process is harder than I thought; I don't mean the reading -- that is so much a part of my life, that it became a habit long ago... But it's really difficult to know where to stop, and decide what to comment on. I've made it through Luke 12 myself, in spite of Luke's long detailed chapters. And now, in addtion to my own highlighting, I have far too many places marked, "BLOG!"
In spite of the difficulty, I'll give it a try. I've noticed a pattern in the last few chapters. See if you agree...
In Luke 10:21 (meaning chapter 10 and verse 21) I found this ... "Thank you For hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike. Yes Father, it pleased you to do it this way." Jesus spoke these words to the team of disciples he sent ahead to the towns and villages he planned to visit. These guys found many villages who couldn't accept their message, and they were instructed not to worry about them, but to move on.
And then, in chapter 11, verse 35 Jesus says this. "Make sure that the light you think you have is not really darkness. If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight is shining on you."
Jesus' words seem to impart warning to his listeners. What is the danger he refers to?
That things are not as they seem.
He warns those who THINK they are wise and clever, that they may be missing the life's biggest truth. In fact, he suggests that those who think they have "light" may in fact be full of darkness.
Isn't it interesting that Jesus himself says there is A TRUTH. THE TRUTH. Something that is irrefutably true. Pretty amazing thing to hear in this "relevant" day and age. You can't sit in a coffee shop without hearing someone proclaim that his "truth" is true for him. (Wouldn't truth be true, period? For everyone?) Not these days.
And it seems equally important to mention that we can be deceived about the condition of our own heart. Jesus wasn't talking about incandescent lights, or candle power, or watts. He was taking about soul-light. Or, perhaps you'd like to call it "soul-truth." He was saying that we humans can think we are pure and clean, even while we are dark and evil.
So, how does anyone know where they stand? I think Jesus gives us a hint. It seems that our first step might be to STOP believing that we are so wise and clever. Maybe we should, like a trusting child, ASSUME that there is more to life than we can see and feel and touch. Maybe, we should be so childlike that we are willing to ASK for help, admit our confusion, and seek some good advice about our spiritual condition. A healthy child doesn't feel foolish or incompetent when he asks for help. He just admits his need and waits for his loving parent to help. You can ask a fellow traveler for advice... Or, you can ask your Heavenly Father. He'd love to guide you to the truth.
Maybe it's time for all of us to return to our youth!
Tell, me, what have you seen in Luke's account?
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2 comments:
Hi, Bette! Jennifer here from LCC (Prayer Shawl Ministry). Wow, I read lots of blogs and belong to email groups, but none so far with Our LORD & His Word as front & CENTER. Wonderful idea and I look forward to visiting often!!
From your 5/31 entry: In Luke 10:21 (meaning chapter 10 and verse 21) I found this ... "Thank you For hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike. Yes Father, it pleased you to do it this way."
The Lord gave me the amazing privilege of leading my mom to the Lord and His salvation 2 years ago, but only after she became "childlike" through many physical struggles including 3 back surgeries in 4 years. Her husband, however, has been very resistant to Jesus. He is opposite my mom in many ways because he "doesn't have a need in the world" type of lifestyle. I am reminded by your bringing this verse to light that it is God who hides or not hides, so salvation can come by His hand alone (vs. my mom's husband's timing, or my timing for that matter!).
Keep blogging!!!
-Jennifer
So true Jennifer! And, I think there is some wisdom here for those of us who think - because of our experience with Jesus - that we have everything all lined up. Maybe deception is possible for us as well. Maybe we can think we're right, when we're foolish. We can argue and preach and excuse our behavior, when really, we have a dark corner in our lives. Maybe we can cover up our own darkness, sweep it under the rug, and believe that we're living a light-filled life. It seems that a child-like humility is necessary for all of us to keep on keeping in the light. Yes? bette
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