I've made it through Luke 18. How are you doing? You can see that on some days, I make great strides and others -- well, I'm always in the WORD, but I don't always make much progress. Still,over the last few chapters, I've been thinking about Jesus' dealings with people.
I find myself struck by his remarkable ability to see into the real needs of people. No matter how many people clamored after him, begging for favors, asking for information, even trying to trick him, Jesus responds in entirely unique ways to each. He's not a One Answer Fits All kind of guy. With his disciples, he tells story after story, trying to make them understand the principles of the kingdom. With ten lepers seeking healing, he sends them on their way -- without any apparent intervention. Only after they head off, do they find themselves miraculously healed. With children, he blessed them, letting them come just as close to him as the adults did. When a religious leader came calling, Jesus really challenged him. It seems that money owned the man, rather than the man owning money. Jesus advice was to give it all away. (By the way, this fellow is the only one to whom Jesus gave this instruction) It seems that Jesus knew THIS MAN would only be TRULY free when money no longer held him.
So, that leads me to a couple of questions: If Jesus was so creative at reaching and touching people, why do Christians sometimes get stuck in a One Answer mode? Why do we sometimes feel that every interaction with the unchurched, or the non-believer must unfold in a carefully prescribed way?
On the other hand, if you have just begun wondering about Jesus, have you asked HIM to help you understand him in a way that makes sense to you? Does that seem reasonable? I mean if Jesus was who he said he was, then he's probably still trying to explain heavenly principles to those who want to understand. If you're interested. Ask him. See what happens! Bette
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2 comments:
Hmm...we've been doing some counseling with a man who's not a believer. He says, while he believes in God, that he doesn't feel sinful and doesn't really need saving. It's the first time I've come across someone who has expressed themself this way. I'm thinking, and your posting confirmed it, that he might be more drawn to Jesus as a Friend. As he would get to know his new Friend, he would then see how his actions and thoughts hurt Jesus and take Him as Saviour. After all, though there is One Solution, it can answer many questions.
This winter I had a Bible Study on the Book of Esther and after reading your Blog think you are a "woman for such a time as this."
By using the technology of today you have the ability to reach many people who truly enjoy blogging. I will be sharing this with my e-mail buddies. Thank you.
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