Probing questions

When a rich young man came to Jesus to seek his advice, Jesus didn’t hide from his challenging questions, but he also didn’t make it easy for him. In an ironic twist, Jesus knew what this young man was hiding in his heart and so Jesus challenged him to give that "idol" up. 

Even when the young man refused Jesus' challenge, we note Jesus' response:

"Jesus looked at him and loved him." - Mark 10:21

If God asks us probing questions it is not to be malicious in any way, but rather to get us to see what God already sees. If there are issues in my life that prevent me from living an 'abundant life' then I would want a gracious God to speak into my life.

What about you?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Two responses to Jesus

We are accustomed to the striking image of 3 crosses standing on Golgotha on the fateful day known as Good Friday. We picture the scene with Jesus hanging on his cross between the two criminals, one on his left and one on his right hand side. This moment presents a unique platform for us to contemplate our own response to Jesus. 

The two thieves share the spectrum of humanity's collective response to the Messiah. Some of us refuse to acknowledge Christ as our Saviour and even if Jesus did a whole bunch of miracles for us, we would still remain stubborn of heart. On the other hand, there will be a few people who will recognise Jesus' true nature and we will call out to him for mercy. His response to the penitent thief is also his invitation to all of us.

"One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” - Luke 23: 39-43

What is your response to Jesus?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Use your whole body

Did you know that applying wisdom in our daily lives requires using all of our senses - actually using our whole body and not just our minds?

I didn't quite connect those dots, until I read Proverbs 4 very slowly. When you read through these words from Solomon, notice the words that are underlined (by me) and see how obeying God is much more than just listening. We need to response with our whole being.

"My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words.
²¹ Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
²² for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.

²³ Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

²⁴ Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.

²⁵ Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
²⁶ Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
²⁷ Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil." - Proverbs 4:20-27

 Billy Sunday - “The Bible will always be full of things you cannot understand, as long as you will not live according to those you can understand.”

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Send someone else!

There are a number of people in the Bible who were a little overwhelmed by God's calling on their lives. Jonah, Gideon, Moses - they all asked God to send someone else in their place.


"But Moses again pleaded, "Lord, please! Send anyone else." — Exodus 4:13

It is good when we realise that we can't do everything in our own strength and that we need God to get us through each situation. However, it is NOT good to ignore the unique calling God has placed on your life. 

One is an act of humility, the other is an act of disobedience!

Living in Grace
D3LM3

 

Are we responding?

How often does it happen to you? You are busy speaking to someone and there is no response! They either haven't heard your voice or they are just choosing to ignore you. I admit that I have been guilty of this a few times - sometimes one just slips into your own world and you 'block' out all other things.

But, when we choose not to respond to the overtures of our Loving God, then we 'block' out God's voice at our own peril. The voice of God is not always wanting to chastise us, but more likely to direct, encourage, care, support, and inspire us. Is is important to remember that God loved us first - we then need to to choose to respond to this LOVE or not!

"Are we responding to the love of Jesus living within us concretely and consistently in our love for one another." - Brennan Manning

Acts 16:14 - "One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshipper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message."

God's love for me requires a response from me. I can either choose to ignore that gift or respond to it by loving back!

What are you going to do?
#justasking

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Saying 'Yes'

We have been reflecting on Discipleship this last week and one realises how much of a commitment is involved in following Jesus. There can be no half-hearted efforts in following Jesus - it requires an "ALL IN" attitude. This should not deter us from saying 'YES' to Jesus though. God knows that we are fragile and prone to wander, yet he still wants us to be part of the journey. Just because we realise that we will 'fail' doesn't mean that we shouldn't follow Jesus. Jesus knew all of this when he died on the Cross for our sins. He knew we would NEVER be perfect, so he took away the punishment for our sins. Our response is then to feel the freedom of 'our sins paid for' and to seek to honour God with our lives. The best way we can say 'Thank you" to God is to offer Him our lives in return.

Ø “Becoming like Christ is a long, slow process of growth.” – Rick Warren

 ·   2 Corinthians 13:9 – “Our greatest wish and prayer is that you will become mature Christians.” 

Prayer thought: Remember that Jesus recognised our 'imperfections' long before we became aware of them, yet he still offered us his love and mercy. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3