Asides

April 2
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Uncategorized Aside

“For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47, NASB)

The more we value something, the higher it rises on our list of what is important.

The woman in today’s scripture valued the forgiveness of God.  It wasn’t something she had taken for granted, and this singular act of God’s grace was always clear, near, and present.

Simon, who also is a part of the narrative of this scripture, took God’s gifts for granted — and it was apparent that he “loves little.”

Who are we: The woman who was filled with gratitude, awe, and love for her Lord because she appreciated the gifts of God; or Simon, who didn’t acknowledge the hand from Whom all of his blessings had come?  – Luther

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April 1
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“The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails — given by one shepherd.” (Ecclesiastes 12:11, TNIV)

Today is April Fool’s Day, but every day has the potential to be the fool’s day.  Such days are when fiction is more appealing than fact; and where style trumps substance.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that wisdom may come to us as a “goad” — which is a sharp stick used to drive cattle.  But, Lord knows, most of us need prodding to get us to do the wise thing precisely because, to our nature, sizzling fiction is often more appealing than boring fact; and because we live in a time when style attracts more attention than substance. 

Be assured that living according to the wisdom of the Good Shepherd will help us to prevail in all of life’s tests and trials.  – Luther

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March 31
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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 give-up on 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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