Tag Archives: the book of Luke

April 21
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“The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’  So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.”  (Luke 8:38-39, NIV)

“You can’t go home again,” is the title of a famous book written by Thomas Wolfe (published posthumously in 1940).  Returning home is not always a pleasant option. It certainly was not a cheerful thought for the man in today’s scripture, for whom Jesus had liberated from the tyranny of demon-possession.

Perhaps he feared the taunts of those who remembered him in his former state.  Perhaps he thought that his new life warranted a fresh start in a new place.  Perhaps he thought that he could do more for the reputation of Jesus as a part of the Master’s entourage than he could by returning to the skeptical folks at home.

However, Jesus had other ideas.  “Return home and tell how much God has done for you,” Jesus told the man.  He is telling you and me the same thing today.

Our task is a simple one: Tell what God has done for you.

Be bold.  Give God the glory.  No one can tell your story better than you.  Be faithful in this simple task.  – Luther

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April 18
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“[Zacchaeus] wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.” (Luke 19:3-4, NIV)

Our circumstances will often conspire to keep us from seeing Jesus — which includes doing the thing we know in our heart that we ought to do.

Zacchaeus was short.  The crowd was large — and taller than Zacchaeus.  But Zacchaeus didn’t curse the crowd.  He didn’t blame God; and he didn’t shrug his shoulders and surrender his desire to see Jesus.

Although short in stature, Zacchaeus’ mind was as good as anyone’s.  His will was as strong as anyone’s.  So, he didn’t focus on what he lacked; instead, he used what he had. The scripture says that Zacchaeus “ran ahead. . .”

Today, circumstances may conspire to keep you from following Jesus; but don’t give-in.  Do not focus on what you lack; seize and employ the things you have, as Zacchaeus did — and you will not only see Jesus, but Jesus will see you!  – Luther

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April 8
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“Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this?  I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.'”  (Luke 1:18, NIV)

“’How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’”  (Luke 1:34, NIV)

It is okay for us to wonder how God will deliver us, or how God will provide for us, or how God will work-out an unworkable situation.  Such thinking challenges our creativity, and reminds us of God’s greatness.  God always arrives; and God is always on time, but He often appears from a direction or in a situation we had not considered.

It is not okay to wonder whether God has the power to deliver us, or the resources to provide for us, or the know-how to ensure success, because this kind of thinking insults our heavenly Father.

Today’s two scriptures are contrasts in these two ways of thinking about apparent impossibilities.  In the former, Zechariah (the seasoned religious professional) questioned the promise, and was sidelined by God.   In the latter, Mary (the simple, young, religious novice) questioned only the process while affirming her allegiance to the plan and the purposes of God.

To this day, Mary’s faith is heralded, while Zechariah’s insistence on “knowing before going” is a cautionary tale.

The next time God presents you with an opportunity to join Him in a task, will you respond as Mary — or as Zechariah?  – Luther

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