Tag Archives: new year

Luke 19

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Vs. 10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”  In this chapter we see Jesus nearing Jerusalem and making His triumphant entry.  But as Jesus was journeying south, he ran into our friend Zacchaeus (vs. 1-10).  It’s important to note that while Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus, it was Jesus who called him (vs. 5).  It is only when we realize the depths of our sins that we can than acknowledge the one who came to save us.  The Parable of the Minas (one mina was about four months wages), gives us a different perspective than the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25).  In this we see the master give everyone the same amount of money (vs. 11-27).  Question: Why the difference from the Talents?  Jesus is emphasizing that we all have the same opportunity to respond to Him.  And now we come to Jesus’ final week before his crucifixion and triumphant entry (vs. 28-48).  It always touches my heart when we see Jesus weep (vs. 41) for the future lost.

Regarding application…Investing Your Life.  Vs. 15, “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.”  This is the last day of 2011.  As we round the corner to the New Year, what are you going to invest your life in?  Investing is a scary thing because nothing is guaranteed.  Buying a home, investing in a 401k/IRA, to name just a few shaky things we can put our hard earned money towards.  However, the wisest way you can invest your life is storing up treasures in Heaven.  It’s when you choose to live a life declaring, “Not my will, but yours be done.”  It’s not a popular investment to devote your life to the Lord and His church, but certainly the most important eternal investment you will ever make!  Make 2012 a year of investing in the Lord!

Luke 15

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Vs. 2, “But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”  What the Pharisee’s didn’t realize is that they were the “sinners”.  Jesus goes on to share with us three very powerful parables about the lost.  People have different views on how God approaches His relationship with His creation.  In the examples of the sheep and coin, we see God making the assertive effort to find the lost.  In the prodigal son, we see the son making the effort to turn back to the Father.  It is important to note that in all three: sheep, coin, son…we understand how valuable they are to God.  Each of us have high value when it comes to how God sees us!

Regarding application…When God Ran.  Vs. 20, “So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”  Phillips, Craig & Dean wrote and sang this very powerful song called “When God Ran”!  This story of the prodigal son cuts deep into my heart.  In a time where families all over the world struggle with relationships and absent Fathers, we are poignantly reminded of the Father’s love.  There are lessons to be learned in the response of the younger son and the older son, but the parable really is about the Father.  Question: Are you lost?  Do you feel like you have been playing hide & seek with God?  As we round the last corner of 2011, let us be found by God and let Him use us powerfully as the New Year begins.