Scripture for today: Ezra 2; Ezra 3; Luke 8 (The Message)
Scripture-My special verse today: Luke 8:9-20His mother and brothers showed up but couldn’t get through to him because of the crowd. He was given the message, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside wanting to see you.”
21He replied, “My mother and brothers are the ones who hear and do God’s Word. Obedience is thicker than blood.”
Observation: Jesus’s family showed up while he was teaching but he was not interested in what they were saying. Rather, he had a job to do that was divinely instructed. He was more interested in doing God’s work than doing what his parents wanted him to do. He seems to imply that his family was not listening to God’s Word.
Application: What are the requirements for obedience? Are the people closest to me leading me closer to Christ or farther away? The interesting thing about this verse is that Jesus did not get caught up in the “culture” but was about God’s business.
Just this morning, I went to the local BP because they actually had gas. In our small town, this was about the most exciting thing that has happened in a while. The owners and workers were directing traffic and I was able to get my $40 worth. So, what is the culture saying? We are at doomsday or we are all going to run out? What is the worst that could happen? We stay home more and have supper as a family? We walk more and are healthier? We read more and play games together as a community? We could always ride our bikes more places. Are these really so bad?
Later, I went to open my BBQ sauce. It took me almost 10 minutes to get all the packaging open to pour the sauce on my meatballs. Where did this come from? I remember when someone “spiked” the Tylenol bottles years ago. Ever since then, it has taken an engineer to get into a bottle.
Do I listen to the culture or God more often? If I listen to the culture, I am always afraid and suspicious. If I listen to God and obey him, I am assured a place in his mansion.
Prayer: Let my ears be tuned to your station that broadcasts love and hope instead of the culture’s fear.
