Luke 19:13b 'Engage in business until I come.' (ESV)
Well that's pretty straightforward. Jesus told this parable because He was nearing Jerusalem and eschatological expectancy was building - "they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately" (v. 1). Like the twelve didn't understand that Jesus came to Jerusalem to die (18:34), the crowds didn't understand that Jesus came to bring (initiate) the kingdom, not consummate it.
Do business 'til I come. That's really the whole point of this parable. Seeing this in retrospect is actually an advantage to us. We know that Jesus didn't come to overthrow Roman rule. The kingdom of God is already present in the advent of Jesus. But until the "not yet" comes we are to engage in the King's business until He returns. Brad, today, use your time, treasure and talents for the furtherance of His kingdom here on earth - in your sphere of influence: 'I give you authority!' (Luke 10:19).
Holy Spirit speak clearly to me today - convict my heart. Father God, my creator, give me strength to act - for obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Sam. 5:22). Jesus my Lord, teach me, guide my life - Jesus is Lord!
In the name of the King - King Jesus!
Amen
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Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Kingdom, Self Centeredness & Missional Living
Luke 17:33 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it. (ESV)
Jesus answers the Pharisees question about the coming of the kingdom (they are thinking eschatologically) that it is already present in the person of Jesus and reign of God (ESV Study Bible, p. 1993 on v. 21). Then he goes on to describe the not yet of the consummation of the kingdom (v. 25f.) as a time of judgment (v. 29) and separation of the redeemed from the unregenerate (v. 34-35). Escape from the coming judgment is found in living a life that is (not self-centered) but outward focused/other-centered. Thus the missional nature of kingdom living.
I think maybe I'm beginning to get it. Self-centeredness and rebellion against God go hand in hand (ESV Study Bible, p. 1911 on Mark 8:35). And losing my self-centeredness means eternal communion with God (ibid.), both then and now.
God help me to find it. To finally get it. Holy Spirit come. Presence of Jesus come. Your kingdom come in the midst of me. Lord God, prepare my heart for missional other-centered, outward focused living - "Change My Heart O' God." Let my sufficeincy be found in You (Col. 1:15-23).
In Jesus' name - Amen,
Son
Jesus answers the Pharisees question about the coming of the kingdom (they are thinking eschatologically) that it is already present in the person of Jesus and reign of God (ESV Study Bible, p. 1993 on v. 21). Then he goes on to describe the not yet of the consummation of the kingdom (v. 25f.) as a time of judgment (v. 29) and separation of the redeemed from the unregenerate (v. 34-35). Escape from the coming judgment is found in living a life that is (not self-centered) but outward focused/other-centered. Thus the missional nature of kingdom living.
I think maybe I'm beginning to get it. Self-centeredness and rebellion against God go hand in hand (ESV Study Bible, p. 1911 on Mark 8:35). And losing my self-centeredness means eternal communion with God (ibid.), both then and now.
God help me to find it. To finally get it. Holy Spirit come. Presence of Jesus come. Your kingdom come in the midst of me. Lord God, prepare my heart for missional other-centered, outward focused living - "Change My Heart O' God." Let my sufficeincy be found in You (Col. 1:15-23).
In Jesus' name - Amen,
Son
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