Luke 14:7-14
Have you ever heard of “The Social Register”? This is a book published annually in the United States since the 1880’s that lists upper-class, well connected, established families, those that “polite society” wishes to associate with. It is compiled for the wealthy, old-money, patrician families to know who to associate with, which families to allow their sons and daughters to see, which country clubs to join, who to invite to their parties, and so forth. If your family’s name was not in the Social Register, you were not worthy to be friends or associate with. Though it’s influence was much stronger in the past, it is still considered an important guide for many proud, elite, and exclusive upper-class society men and women. In our Scripture passage today from the Gospel of Luke, the Lord Jesus speaks to such thinking. Let’s look at what the Savior says here.
In every age there are those who want to see and be seen. When they go to any social function they want to be sure that they have the best seats (vs. 7). They want to be properly announced and acknowledged because they feel that they are “somebody”. When going into a restaurant they want the best table available, certainly one that is away from the riff-raff, the “common people”. Jesus said that this can easily lead to a humiliating fall. What if someone more important comes and then you are asked to give up your prized seat, and have to find a less desirable one? (vs. 8-9). How much better it is to have a humble attitude, and then be invited to take a better spot at a social gathering (vs. 11).
Many people, both in Jesus’ day and today are eager to raise their social status. They want to be with the “correct people”. They are sure to dress for success. Everything is done with the purpose of keeping up the aura of wealth and propriety, to be seen as a good member of high society, of that Social Register. True followers of the Lord Jesus, instead, should be looking for ways to serve, rather than aiming for prestige. Service is more important in God’s kingdom than status is.
Jesus continues on in His teaching, and speaks some admonitions and teachings that are in direct opposition to the whole thinking of the elite society of His day, and ours today. When someone is planning a big dinner party, and thinking up the guest list, who do they consider inviting? Of course, we think of our friends and/or business associates. And if we are wanting to make an impression on important people, or to get our name in the society columns of the paper, we try to get a big name business or political person, or some famous entertainer to come. Won’t that make us look good! However, will that impress God? Will that make us look good to Him?
Jesus says, instead, that one should invite the poor, the sick, the handicapped, basically the forgotten and overlooked people (vs. 12-13). This is not a prohibition of inviting your friends to fellowship with. However, when one does this, that cannot truly be classified as a spiritual act of true charity. Your friends can, and do, invite you back. I invite her, she invites me, then I invite her again, and it goes back and forth. Our grocery bills balance out, so there is no real charity being given. If I invite someone to a nice dinner, someone who really has no means of inviting me back again, that is an act of love and caring to the poor, and something that God notices and takes account of (vs. 14).
These acts of charity do not have to be limited to just dinner invites. It could be encouraging our child to invite home an underprivileged child for an afternoon of fun. Inviting a needier family on the block to join you, expense paid, at an activity your family is going to. Acts like this are examples of laying up treasure in heaven. Any deed we do for others without a selfish motive, but done in Jesus’ Name, will be rewarded in heaven.
Jesus teaches us to not be exclusive about who we invite, who we associate with. As we know, those of the world only want to be seen with those who make the social register, but that should not be the case with His followers. God’s invitation is for everyone. He doesn't call just those who are of a certain economic level, who live in the best neighborhoods, or carry the best names. We need to remember that “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18). Those who exalt themselves will be brought down.
Hebrews 13:1-8
As we get older, many of us find that very few people or things will give us real security and stay true for us. We hope to find someone or something that we can really count and depend on. How many times do we find that people we know seem to change over the passing of time; they just aren’t the same as they were before. What can be even more painful is when we experience a friend or loved one leaving, either through death or abandonment. Psychologists say that one thing both men and women crave is for security. Knowing that family or friends are there for us is important. In our Scripture passage for today the author of Hebrews shares with us Someone we can count on who will never leave us, and who also will never change. Let’s look into this passage and find out more about this truth.
As our passage opens, the author of Hebrews teaches that true Christian love will produce some actions. One thing that he encourages believers to do is to show hospitality to others (vs. 2). Several times Old Testament saints had unknowingly entertained angels, thinking they were just being hospitable to other people. Abraham was an example of this (Genesis 18). We are also encouraged to have empathy for those in prison or who are being mistreated (vs. 3). Jesus said His true followers would represent Him as they visit those in prison (Matthew 25:36). The author also teaches that marriage vows should be respected (vs. 4).
Another thing that he wants to teach believers is that they should be content with what they have (vs. 5). Many people believe that the larger their bank account is and the more material things they own, the more security in life they will have. They also believe that they will find security and their heart’s content in a spouse, children, or close friends. There is nothing in this world that will give us complete and unfailing security. Spouses may leave you. Jobs will end. Bank accounts empty out. Homes foreclose or fall apart. God is our only true security. God can sufficiently supply our needs. When we become materialistic, we are in essence saying that we don’t really believe that God can take care of us. He is the only one who has promised that His presence will be with us eternally, no matter where we go or what we do. We do not need to fear whatever challenges may come.
During difficult times we may be deserted by family or friends, but the Lord has given us a sure and solid promise that He will never desert us (vs. 5). Knowing that Jesus is always with us should give us comfort and courage, regardless of our circumstances. What can man do to the one who belongs to the Lord? (vs. 6).
In addition to relationships that don’t hold true, bank accounts that dwindle, and possessions that disintegrate, we also find that, even if they remain with us, things and people that we once counted on change. Friends and family say one thing, but do something completely different. The company we once trusted and relied on now has shady leadership. Even our hometown doesn’t look the same anymore! Where do we look for something or someone who is trustworthy? Someone who will give us their word, and never go back on it? Who in this world can we rely on? There is one Person, though, who we will find that never changes, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ (vs. 8). Jesus is completely consistent. He does not change. Jesus is the Eternal God (Deuteronomy 33:27). His ways are everlasting (Habakkuk 3:6). He does not change (Malachi 3:6). Jesus remains the same forever. That is why we can have confidence in Him.
Sometimes during the dark nights of our life we may not feel that the Lord is with us. We may feel abandoned by Him. We may feel that His love for us has changed. We should not build our life upon feelings. Our feelings are unstable and ever changing. Instead, stand upon facts. One fact is that God has said that He will never leave us nor forsake us. We can also hold fast to a sure anchor in the storm, and that anchor is that Jesus never changes. Do not choose a foundation that isn’t stable. When we fix our hope in Jesus, we can be sure that the anchor holds.
Psalm 112
What is your response when bad news comes knocking at your door? For many that response is to panic, and sometimes even totally fall apart. That should not be the case for believers and followers of Jesus Christ. He is a shelter we can run to and a rock in which we can hide when the troubles come. Even when things are difficult, the Lord continues to bless those who follow Him. That is the theme and message from our psalm for today. Let’s look into the Scripture passage together.
God loves to bless those who are obedient to His Word, the Bible. When we obey His commands, delight in and fear the Lord, we can look for Him to bless us. Throughout our passage today the psalmist enumerates these blessings. Some blessings might be actual physical things, like financial blessings (vs. 3). Others are not physical blessings, but rather things like security (vs. 6) and freedom from fear (vs. 7-8). Many people mistakenly think that if only they had more money, then their problems would go away. They think that nothing would ever bring them worry or fear again, that bad news would either never come around, or else it wouldn’t bring them worries. Desiring and accumulating money can bring two problems. One is that it often leads to abusing others in order to get these riches. Also, when one gets riches they are often wrapped up in worry over losing that money. Instead, the Lord wants us to be generous to others with our money (vs. 5). This will help to eliminate financial fears, knowing that it is really God’s money and not ours.
When the bad news and troubles knock on our door we need to stand steadfast on the Lord and His Word, and be encouraged, relying on Him (vs. 6-8). As believers we don’t need to be in a panic then. The unsaved do, as they do not have God to turn to. However, we do. The lost turn to other means and false hopes to help them. Some succumb to drugs or alcohol. They seek fleeting comfort in all the wrong places. Don’t give in to fear when bad news comes. Instead, glorify God, and take courage (John 14:27).
A righteous and godly person will fear the Lord (vs. 1). Fearing the Lord means to respect and revere Him as Almighty God. When we fear Him, God’s dignity will be uplifted, and those faithful to Him will be honored. In total contrast, the wicked man lives a worthless existence without strength, and has nothing of any substance or help to turn to when bad news and problems appear.
When we trust in Jesus completely to take care of us, all of our fears will disappear. That doesn’t mean that all of our problems disappear, for we will have problems as long as we are on this earth. However, when we trust completely in His love and care, our worries and fear disappear. God is always ready and available to carry our burdens. He is never too tired. Our burdens are often too heavy for us to carry, so why don’t we give them over to the Lord.
Proverbs 1:10-19
It’s a sad story when we hear of a good and promising young man or woman, with so much potentially going for them, who somehow gets sucked into the wrong crowd and gets into some serious trouble. Maybe it is the teenaged son or daughter of a friend or acquaintance, or the child of someone we know through church or work. Or perhaps a youth in the neighborhood who we watched grow up from a young child. What went wrong? They were never the neighborhood troublemaker who, when we hear they landed in jail, we are not surprised. But now we hear that Johnny or Mary are in serious trouble, and we shake our heads, wondering what happened. So often the answer lies in who they started to associate with and listen to. How many times does it happen that a young man finds himself sitting in jail awaiting trial, and he says to himself, “If only I hadn’t listened to that person, if only I hadn’t gone along with their plan!” Now it is too late.
In our Scripture passage today, from among the opening words of the Book of Proverbs, we read a warning from a parent to a child that all should listen to. A large part of the Book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon, and a portion of that came from lessons he learned from his father, King David. As our passage begins, Solomon is speaking to his son, giving him warnings, that if listened to and heeded, will help him avoid much trouble in life. The number one lesson here, that he wishes his son to learn, is to not follow or go along with the wrong bunch of people (vs. 10). Scriptures here label them as “sinners”, those who do not know the Lord God, and do not follow His Word. When they try to lure us to follow their path, one that does not line up with what God has told us in His Word, we need to refuse.
Years ago there was an anti-drug campaign which used as one of their slogans the phrase “Just Say No!” Some people laughed at that as being too simplistic, but in reality the thought is true, and comes straight from the Bible, “do not consent” (vs. 10). When we give in, we choose to act against God’s will. The path of sin leads to devastation. However, following the Lord leads to wisdom and life.
Sin is enticing. The lure that our troublemakers in this passage are using to entice this young man with is getting rich with stolen goods. As we read this passage they plan on committing robbery, attacking some innocent person, and possibly even committing bodily harm or murder, all with the hope of getting money and riches. The troublemakers think this is a quick route to prosperity, and our misguided young man is tempted to become one of the crowd. The sin entices him to go along with the others, and not listen to the truth (vs. 11). Peer pressure can be very strong, and godly parents need to take the time to instruct their children, starting at an early age, to be able to withstand that with God’s wisdom.
We all need to realize that sin is deadly. We cannot be friendly with sin and remain unaffected. Sin must be rejected at the first temptation. We must refuse even the slightest association with it, avoiding even the beginnings of sin. If our young man here followed the advice of his father, and told these others “no!” right from the start, he would not end up in jail facing charges of robbery, bodily assault, and possibly murder. God warns us all here to “not walk in the way with them” (vs. 15).
Who is behind all of this? On the surface it is those sinners who have turned away from God, those thieves, murderers, gang members, drug dealers, etc. Behind all of them is Satan. He is the one who is ultimately trying to lure all of our young people to follow his path, and not God’s. He is the one tempting this young man, and all of us, to go after some evil, making us feel we cannot live without some possession or more money (vs. 19). We need God’s wisdom to recognize these greedy desires before they destroy us, as they have many a young person.
As we read this passage, seeking to learn its lessons, both for ourselves and our young people, we need to be wary of the subtle traps that Satan sets for us all. When someone sets a trap, they don’t set it while the intended victim is watching us (vs. 17). They want to do it in secret, which is exactly what these sinners, and Satan behind them all, is doing. We need to warn our young people, and ourselves as well, to not be a fool and walk right into it. “When sinners entice you, do not consent!”
Luke 13:22-30
A number of years ago I was on vacation visiting a national park in the mountains of the west. One day while there I was looking over the guidebooks, deciding what to see next. One place I wanted to see was described as a hidden lake, crystal blue, surrounded by stately pines. The only way to reach this hidden lake was taking a path that branched off of a main hiking path. The path to the lake was more difficult to hike, as it was narrower, and over rougher and more challenging terrain. The main path was an easier one to walk. It was wider, well-worn, even with occasional benches to rest on. Many more people chose to just stay on that path, as it was easier to walk. But choosing to go off on the other, more difficult path, was well worth it, once you reached the lake.
In our Scripture reading today, Jesus describes a narrow gate, the gate that those who would be saved must enter through, in order to enter God’s eternal kingdom. Though many people show a casual, surface interest in Jesus, and things “spiritual”, true committed followers are not great in number. Jesus does not want half-hearted followers. He tells us here in this passage, and in Matthew 7:13-14, that the way is narrow, and few find it. This shows clearly that those who say that “all are saved”, and everyone will get to heaven, are mistaken.
Entering the narrow gate is difficult because of its cost in our human pride, our love for sin, and because of the world and Satan’s opposition to the truth (vs. 24). We cannot work to earn our way to heaven. Salvation is not by works, as so many Scriptures attest. However, one must put forth some effort to go in through the narrow gate. We must earnestly desire to know Jesus, and diligently strive to follow Him, whatever the cost.
Jesus continues on in His teaching, and says that come Judgment Day there will be many who will protest that they are not in Heaven. They will knock and pound on the door, seeking to enter, but God will tell them to depart, as He does not know them (vs. 25-27). They had no true salvation, no saving relationship with Jesus. Just being religious or going to church will not guarantee entrance. Neither is just knowing who He is. Many people know something about God, but only a few have acknowledged their sins and accepted His forgiveness. Just hearing a sermon is not enough. We must turn from our sin, and trust in God to save us. Some people we may have thought we’d see in heaven, some of the big “religious leaders”, and people who proclaimed to be so holy, will not be there. This passage again shows that not everyone gets into heaven, as is popularly believed.
Those who are true believers, though, come from all parts of the world (vs. 29). What matters to God is not a person’s earthly popularity, status, wealth, heritage, or power. Those things matter to so many here in today’s society, but not to God. Instead, what is important to Him is whether one has made a commitment to His only Son, Jesus.
Contrary to the popular saying, not all roads lead to heaven. Only one does, and that is through Jesus Christ. Jesus wants to draw all men to Himself (John 12:32). He offers salvation to everyone, and would never turn anyone away who truly puts their faith and trust in Him (Romans 10:9-13). However, Jesus is the only door, and the only way for us to come to God (John 10:7; John 14:6; Acts 4:10-12). Everyone does have the opportunity to come, but only a few choose to go down the correct path.
Everyone has the opportunity to choose the more difficult path in the national park to go to the hidden lake. Only a few ever do. Those who don’t miss out on something special. Have you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Have you chosen to enter in through the narrow gate, the only way to come to God? If not, I urge you to not hesitate another moment, as no one is guaranteed tomorrow. Enter that narrow gate, and be welcomed into God’s Kingdom.
Hebrews 12:18-29
Many of you might have seen the classic 1956 movie “The Ten Commandments”, with Charlton Heston, which doesn’t stray too far from the Biblical account of events in the Book of Exodus. Some of the more impressive and spectacular scenes in the movie are those on Mount Sinai, showing the clouds, lightning, and terrible majesty of God speaking to Moses. These are the Biblical scenes from Exodus 19-20 that our writer of Hebrews is referring to in our passage. Let’s take a look at what the Lord has to say to us out of His Word today.
When the Israelites left Egypt and came to Mount Sinai to receive the Law, the mountain was foreboding and terrifying to the people. They were strictly warned not to approach the mountain, or even touch it (vs. 18-21). Only Moses was allowed up the mountain to meet with God. In contrast Mount Zion (this not referring here to Jerusalem, but rather to God’s heavenly abode) is inviting and gracious. No one could please God on Mt. Sinai’s terms. To accomplish that one would have to keep the whole Old Testament Law. However, Mt. Zion is accessible to all who come to God through the Lord Jesus (vs 22). He is the Firstborn (vs. 23), and the Church is comprised of all believers, who are also fellow heirs with Him.
In the previous chapter our author had listed many heroes of faith, the first one being Abel. Abel’s offering, though pleasing and offered in faith and obedience, had no atoning power. Jesus’ Blood alone can cleanse our sins and bring salvation (vs 24). We find that Blood through Mt. Zion, not Mt. Sinai, through the Lord Jesus, not the Old Testament Law.
We are strongly warned of the dire consequences of refusing the sacrifice made through Jesus’ Blood (vs. 25). The apostates, those who refuse this sacrifice of Jesus’ Blood, will pay a terrible price. If the punishment was severe at Mt. Sinai, how much more severe will it be for those who turn away from Mt. Zion, and hold the Blood of Jesus lightly? The terror and judgment far exceeds that of Mt. Sinai. God shook the earth when He came to Mt. Sinai. From Mt. Zion He will shake the whole universe (vs. 26-27). Only things eternal will remain.
Everything on earth we rely on can be shaken. What can we count on in perilous times? What rock can we build our lives on? God wants us to stop trusting in earthly things, and turn completely in trust to Him. God is unwavering and immovable (vs. 28). Only His kingdom will endure. We need to build our lives on the foundation of God’s love, truth, and faithfulness. He will hold us steadfast. For those who accept Jesus as Savior, no matter what happens here on earth, our future is built on a solid foundation that cannot be destroyed. We should not put our confidence in what can be destroyed, but instead build our lives on Jesus and His unshakeable kingdom. Through Him we have a kingdom that cannot be moved, shaken, or fall apart. Instead of looking at what we can see, focus instead on what we can’t see.
The flame of a candle can easily be put out, but the raging blaze of wildfires often cannot be contained. God cannot be controlled, either (vs. 29). We cannot force Him to do anything. Yet He loves us and saved us from our sins. Everything that is worthless and sinful will be consumed by the fire of His wrath. God is loving, but He is also a consuming fire. He will not ever condone sin! Only those who come to God through Jesus Christ will be saved.
There was punishment for disobeying the Old Testament Law. It is far worse for rejecting salvation through God’s Son, Jesus. Have you come to the Father through the shed Blood of Jesus? He is waiting, right now, to accept you. As the old-time hymn says, “Come to the Savior, make no delay. See in His Word, He’s shown us the way.”
Psalm 46
Many of us have lived through at least one type of natural disaster or another. Some live in areas that are prone to hurricanes, others where earthquakes happen. Where I live tornadoes frequently occur, and blizzards in the winter. Any natural disaster can be scary to go through, especially since they often come without much or any warning, cause so much destruction, and can be deadly. Another scary thing to go through, one that comes from the hands of man, is war. I can only imagine the horror of having an all-out war in one’s own area, the fear of death and destruction at the hands of enemies. Today’s psalm speaks of both types of events. Let’s take a look, and see how our psalmist went through them.
We usually think of the earth as stable, and the mountains as strong and steadfast. However, when the earth starts to quake, buildings fall, roads split apart, and the fires that often follow start to burn everything, we begin to fear. Imagine seeing the once tall and majestic mountains come crashing down! That would be enough to scare the strongest of us! Our psalmist describes what appears to be a very strong earthquake, and possibly a tsunami which followed (vs. 2-3). However, he is not falling into a panic or becoming paralyzed with fear. Instead, he turns to the Lord, and puts his faith and trust in Him (vs. 1).
With God in our lives, we do not need to fear when what we once believed was stable becomes unstable, for He is immovable. The roaring floods cannot erode God’s power or protection (vs. 3). Instead of the destruction in the world’s floods, we can be refreshed from the waters of God’s river (vs. 4).
Another disaster our psalmist writes about is that of wars and attacks of enemies (vs. 6, 9). Wars were frequent occurrences in ancient days, with absolutely no concern for the civilian population or property. Enemy nations would come into an area, killing everybody they saw, including women, children, and the elderly. They would literally flatten the towns. Again, he tells us that we need have no fear, and the Lord is with us and is our refuge (vs. 7, 11). The personal presence of God secures the safety of His people. We are commanded not to panic, and to recognize God’s sovereignty. He is over all the nations and their rulers, no matter how big a ruckus they may make. God is completely adequate in delivering us from the treats of both nature and that of enemies. Wars and destruction will happen, but God will have the final victory. Everyone will stand quiet before Him.
Many of us will never go through a terrible, life-threatening natural disaster, nor go through a war right in our own neighborhood. However, we all go through various types of storms in our life, such as major illnesses, financial crises, family problems, etc. Sometimes they may feel like an earthquake or war! Our psalmist assures us that God is right there, as well. The LORD of hosts is with us! Through this psalm God is telling us to take our hands off our problems. Let Him deal with them. The outcome is in His hands. Go to Jesus with our problems. He invites us to rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30).
God wants us to cease striving and know that He is God. Let go and relax in Him. Be at peace and lean on Him. Sometimes God allows all of our earthly security to fail us so that we will learn to depend upon Him better. When chaos threatens, whether in our personal lives or in the world at large, remember to seek God. Only then will we have peace.
Life can be like a dark tunnel, and we don’t know what lies ahead. The future can be full of trouble. We need to put our confidence in God, trusting that with Him we are in good hands. From our knowledge, the situation may seem hopeless. However, God’s knowledge exceeds ours. He is our helper, and we can have peace and security. Even if the world ends, we do not need to fear. God is able to save us and take care of us. He is our refuge, even in the face of total destruction. He is our eternal refuge.
