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Our readings today in Ezekiel (16) and Luke (12) are full of parables.  God, through Ezekiel, and our Lord Jesus, are trying to make people think about the motives of God in causing events between nations.   Such events, of course, affected all individuals in those nations.  We especially noted the short and powerful personal messages given in the telling of those stories.

Jesus knew that many of his hearers would face an increasing time of crisis as the time of the destruction of the nation grew closer.  Remember how he wept over Jerusalem and later told them to ”weep for yourselves and your children”[Luke 23 v.28]. Would Jesus weep over the world today?  He knows what lies ahead; the angels must be getting ready to “gather his elect” [Mark 13 v.27].

Jesus also gave messages of encouragement to help them face up to the coming crisis. Those who really believed would remember his words.  But some of his words foreshadow an even greater time of crisis for the whole world – our time.

There is a parable about a rich man who plans for a long and relaxing retirement.  He thinks to himself, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v.19][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] He refuses to consider the role of God in his life, so many are like that today.

Our Govt. in Australia is proud of its compulsory superannuation scheme established over 20 years ago.  The mass of money now created has been significant in the present stability in the economy here.  But how do you “store” money these days? What is “money” today – it is no longer gold and silver!  Jesus says, “all the nations of the world seek after these things … instead seek his (God’s) kingdom and all these things will be added to you … where your treasure is there will your heart be also” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v.34][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Those who listen and act having their “treasure” with God (18 v.22) know that it will be, said Jesus, “your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v.32][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Then come the most important (for us) words of all– “be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v.40][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] therefore “stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men (and women) who are waiting for their Master to come” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v.35,36][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Our daily Bible reading and prayers are essential to provide adequate oil for those lamps.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our chapter 15 in Ezekiel again indicates how godless his nation had become – and the prophet is told that  “you will know that I am the LORD, when I set my face against them … I will make the land desolate, because they have acted faithlessly, declares the Lord GOD.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v.7,8][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] 

Our world is “acting faithlessly”!   Indeed, it is increasing; the spirit in the world is just the same as in Ezekiel’s day – and – until God carries out his word nearly everyone in the world will persist in their blindness – especially the belief of most – that no Creator really exists.

Our Luke chapter (11) has many interesting sayings of Christ for us to meditate upon – and receive the “true light, which gives light to everyone” [John 1 v.9]. But how dark is our world today, it is so very similar to Ezekiel’s day! How few (at least in this country) are interested in coming to the “light” that God so wondrously provides?  His word is neglected – ignored – let us not be influenced by this spirit.

Sadly there are deceptive competing lights – only careful meditative reading reveals the “true light.”  Jesus warns, as we read in v.35, “be careful lest the light in you be darkness.”  The “true light” brings health to us and the result is, “When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light,” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v,34][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]   How vital to have a “healthy” eye!  But what sort of “eye” – we could be wondering?  

How powerful and full of meaning are the words Paul wrote to the Ephesians; he prayed that they would experience “having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe…” [1 v.18,19]

This form of knowing – is knowing in our hearts.   This results in us having an overwhelming sense of commitment – it is far more than intellectual knowledge; it also brings a sense of awareness of “his power toward” those who believe.   Paul’s prayer should be our daily prayer – and also our prayer for one another – creating the wondrous result that, “when your eye is healthy” then “(y)our whole body is full of light.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]These are the words of Jesus recorded in the last verse of our chapter 9 in Luke’s gospel.  We are immediately provoked into asking – what is it to “look back”?  The answer is contained in the examples of “looking back” Jesus gives in the previous 5 verses – after “someone said to him, I will follow you wherever you go.” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v.57][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] This is not a really surprising thing to say! Imagine tagging in along with his 12 disciples; what remarkable happenings one would witness – as a spectator!

It is obvious from the examples given – that following Jesus requires total commitment – and, at least at times, physical discomfort for “the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v.58][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]   Excuses start to multiply – reasons to delay the commencement of following him.  But Jesus says, no delay, no time for a grand farewell to family members – even if your father is dying!

“But as for you” declares Jesus, “go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v.60][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]  And what a message to proclaim! 

There is self-denial involved, back in v.23 we read, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

What comes first in our lives today?  Again, the answer involves a recognition of the broad or the narrow way!  Jesus asks ([/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v.25][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] “what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” He then adds the challenging words, “whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory …” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v.26][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

And how close are we now to that wondrous time!  But those who have “looked back” – as the wife of Lot did will find that “the door is shut” – that their priorities in life, as the all seeing eye of their Lord perceives, means he judges them as being “one who … is not fit for the kingdom.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What a challenging – and inspiring – set of readings we have today!  In 2nd Kings 22 & 23 we see how Josiah, the last good and righteous king to reign in Jerusalem was inspired by the words that Moses had written when they were discovered in the Temple as it was being restored and cleansed at his command.  As a result he instituted great reforms and the removal and destruction of everything that was ungodly. “Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him.” [ch.23 v.25]

We can see how he was truly a type of the Messiah and ponder in awe, as we contemplate the future of our world, the laws that will be put in place when our Saviour, God’s Son, becomes king and the law goes forth from Jerusalem into all the world. Not for a few years either – but for a 1,00! See Rev. 20 v.4.

Recall the words in Isaiah 2, “For out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.  He shall judge between the nations …”  Our imagination is overwhelmed as we try to visualise the reality of this – and the responsibilities the redeemed will have!.

In Ezekiel ch. 12 we read how the people were “saying, ‘The days grow long, and every vision comes to nothing’?” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v.22][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] These are visions on the judgements coming on Jerusalem! Ezekiel is to “tell them therefore, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD …. The days are near, and the fulfilment of every vision.” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v.23][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] There is some comparison here with our own anticipations in interpreting prophecy over the last 150 years. The chapter ends, “None of my words will be delayed any longer, but the word that I speak will be performed, declares the Lord GOD.”

In our chapter 8 in Luke we read some familiar parables, but we must not let their very familiarity to us dull their impact on our consciences. The seed of God’s word is sown into all kinds of soil – let us keep tilling our minds so we always provide “good soil … For (we – they) are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v.15][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We read today how John the Baptist sent messengers to Jesus with a question, “‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?'” [Luke 7 v.20]  We are sure John would have known what the prophets predicted, but he had not absorbed them in a balanced way – and we have an identical challenge today!  The more carefully we read and absorb them – the more we will be able to properly understand them.

Jesus, as usual, did not give a straight ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answer to John’s messengers.  He tells them, ” “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v.22,23][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Isaiah was the main prophet to ‘paint’ various parts of this scene of the work of the Messiah: have a look at ch. 29 v.18-19, 42 v.6-7 and 61 v.1-3.

We note the blunt statement in v.30 about how “the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves” Nearly everyone does the same today, and how many of those who do not do so – really understand “the purpose of God for themselves“?  We have to make sure we do.

People have a different reason for turning their back on Jesus today:  they have convinced themselves, as a result of their own self-centred thinking, that there is no God, that there never was a Creator, all that exists came into being as a sort of unending ‘accidents’ – therefore Jesus and what he said, has no relevance in their lives.

Jesus asked a question (v.31) “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like?”  He answers! “They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another” [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][v.32][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This is a significant saying to meditate on – the internet and emails is “the marketplace” of this generation.

Jesus concludes his summation of their attitudes with 6 telling words! “Wisdom is justified by her children”  Putting this another way – the end result of the attitude of mind of that generation and ours – is nothingness – there are no “children”!  They – and people today – have almost all lost any expectation of the future; Jesus and his message mean nothing to them.

When Paul began his 1st letter to the Corinthians he told them, ” Jesus … became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” [1 v.30]  A power of meaning in those few words.  To this we must add the words of James, ” the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” [3 v.17] Let us possess that kind of wisdom![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

What a vast array of thoughts came to mind  as we read through today’s chapters.  First the lesson of the good king Hezekiah, and his inter-action with Isaiah; he pleaded that his life should not be cut short; finally his prayer was answered (2 Kings 20 v.6-9) and confirmed by a remarkable miracle; but, as we will see in tomorrow’s chapter, the son then born to him is a disaster!  In Ezekiel, we saw in ch. 10, how this prophet was given visions that illustrated the all-seeing eyes of God! And then how challenging is  our chapter in Luke (6)! It is full of lessons for us.

Those who are blessed with some form of wealth have already “received their consolation” [v.24] says Jesus. This brings to mind the closing verses of Acts 2, and how the wealthy converts when the church was first established, put their wealth into a common pool.

Jesus makes some more challenging statements!  Those who really believe in him are to “love” and “pray for those who abuse you” [v.27/28]. He says ” “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.”[v.32]  It is what we are in our hearts that matters, says Jesus; “for out of the abundance of the heart … [v.45] we do things that show what we really value in our lives. What a bad example the Pharisees were!  What example do you and I set?

The chapter ends with a telling parable that likens our lives to the way in which houses are built; whether they will stand firm in times of trouble.  Jesus says, “Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them … ” (and we can add, who reads my words and does them) … is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it.”  [v.48]

God will surely soon send a “flood” against our godless world (and maybe very soon) so may we all be “like a man … who dug deep” and have developed the faith and convictions that arose when we began to dedicatedly read his word.

That is “the foundation” we laid. Let us make sure we apply the lessons we gain from God’s word to all the facets of our daily life – and build upon that foundation in coming days, weeks and years.

BRO D.CAUDERY

Peter was an experienced fisherman, that is how he made his living on the Sea of Galilee.  Jesus came along the shore and climbed into Peter’s boat. At first “he sat down and taught the people from the boat” [Luke 5 v.3] “When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch’  And Simon answered, ‘Master we toiled all night and took nothing!  But at your word I will let down the nets ” [v.4,5]

We may know this story well, but imagine yourself to be Simon.  He would have used all his experience through the night to try and find some fish; he would have wondered at his Lord’s command to let down the nets, it was probably at least the middle of the day after the preaching from the boat. What happened?  “… and they enclosed a large number of fish and their nets were breaking . They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help … they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.” [v.6,7]  What would you be thinking at that moment?

We read “when Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”  Naturally, “all who were with him were astonished.”   Peter in particular saw himself as unworthy of association with Christ.  This had far greater impact than earlier when Jesus was “entering Simon’s house” when his “mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf.  And he stood over her and rebuked the fever , and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them’ [ch. 4 v.38/39)

Peter was now in utter awe of Jesus, he was acutely aware of his own unworthiness.   The more we reflect on this – the more we should reflect on our own unworthiness before Christ.  James, in his letter was trying to drive this point home to the believers, “Listen my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?  But you have …” [2 v.5,6]

What is the nature of that love?  How total is it?  My love?  Your love?  Our love?  After the miracle of the fish Simon and the others were afraid, but Jesus said, “Do not be afraid, from now on you will be catching men” [Luke 5 v.10] This caused a final thought – “catching” the hearts and minds of people today is now proving to be very hard – at least in the “western” world it is.

But there was an occasion when Jesus said to “cast the net on the right side of the boat” [John 21 v.6] to catch fish – and they did. And there are impoverished countries today, like Bangladesh and Cambodia where spiritual fishing is much more successful.  The final call is going out for more labourers to be involved in the final ingathering.

Our chapter 4 in Luke today begins by describing the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness – “for forty days”.  He is alone, we do not read of the calling of his disciples – until tomorrow’s chapter.  So how did Luke know of this event?  None of the disciples could have told him – well not as eye witnesses! Matthew also records them in his Gospel in ch. 4, but it is not until his 9th chapter that Matthew (Levi) himself is called to follow Jesus.

It is evident that they only knew of his temptations because Jesus himself told them – and he told them in parables.  At least some of the temptations cannot be literal, such as in v.9 today, when the devil “set him on the pinnacle of the temple.”  Also when he was shown “all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time” [v.5]

The lesson to the disciples – and to us – is clear!  Jesus’ intimate knowledge of God’s word, “it is written” – and of the ‘power’ of its inspired message – was in his heart – and came readily to mind and ‘inspired’ his words and actions in turning away from all forms of temptation. The writer of Hebrews states we “have a high priest … who in every respect has been tempted as we are …” [4 v.15]

Have we put God’s words in our hearts – with many years of meditative reading?  If not, let us start today! The knowledge of God’s purposes, especially of his soon coming kingdom are, said Jesus, “ like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found … and sells all that he has and buys that field.” [Matt. 13 v.44]    Treasure – when possessed – has to be used!  When our Lord comes – and how soon now – he is going to ask you and I how we have used it.

We also noted v.17-19 of our chapter in Luke; it is the occasion when Jesus “went into the synagogue” and read from the prophet Isaiah who had been inspired to forth tell the work Jesus was to do including proclaiming “good news to the poor … to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”  We find this passage in Isaiah 61 v.1,2 – But what do the next words in Isaiah say, words which Jesus did not read because it was not yet time for them to be fulfilled. They are “the day of vengeance of our God.”  How long now, before that day comes and what “is written” is happening before our eyes!   In Luke 12 v. 40 we will read, “You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Today we began reading the Gospel of Luke.  Its’ first chapter is unique among the 4 gospels in that it gives a detailed account of the spirituality and resultant words of Mary who was to become the mother of our Lord. We also read the visionary prophecy of Zechariah, who was to become the father of John the Baptist.

Mary is revealed as an intensely spiritual woman: what we call a ‘Song of Praise’ (and the R.C’s – ‘The Magnificat’) reflects words from many Psalms, such as Psa. 34 v.2,3 and 35 v.9.  This ‘Song’ takes up verses 46 to 55 of today’s chapter. It starts, “My soul magnifies the Lord.”  Magnifies?  When a remarkable miracle occurred at Ephesus (Acts 19 v.17, “fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled.”  Extolled!  That is rendered as “magnified” in the A.V.

Mary’s next words are, “and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour”  Do we rejoice, magnify and extoll our Creator as much as we should?  Mary’s “soul” does this, that is, her very being does this, all her thought processes are involved.  Will not our spirit of mind experience the same when our faith is turned to sight at the actual coming of Jesus!?  Surely it will!  But if our faith is strong now and we “reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding” [Col. 2 v.2], this should be increasingly our experience now.

When we are physically aware of our Lord’s “appearing” he will fulfil the vision of Mary we read in v.51,52.  He will have “shown strength with his arm” and have  “scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts” and have “brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate.”    This vision should be so overwhelming to us – that really feel humbled.

Let us try hard to share Mary’s vision.  She achieved this through being thoroughly familiar with God’s word, most of all the Psalms: look at Psalms 89 v.13,  98 v.1 and 118 v.15 in relation to her words we have just quoted. When the “house of prayer for all nations” exists in reality and we, by his grace, have the utterly wondrous blessing of being there, then our hearts and minds will magnify the Lord to the uttermost when the promise of the angel to Mary becomes a reality and the child to be born “will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]