Monday Devo

Read Luke 13:18:30. Jesus here ventures into discussing how many people will misunderstand the kingdom of God. Obviously those in the previous paragraph don't get that Jesus came to set the captives free. Obviously the religious leaders never get who Jesus is and what he is really about. It should warn us that the deceiver will work diligently to confuse our understanding of the Kingdom. Our pride will get in the way. Our lack of knowledge can be destructive. Our lack of faith can be our downfall!

The kingdom is both like a mustard seed and yeast. The common denominator is that both start small and grow huge! A mustard seed may start off as one of the smallest seeds in the garden but by the end will grow and be the largest. Yeast of course makes bread rise. It is "worked" into the dough so that each part is affected. So the the Father will expand kingdom of God!

I have seen the kingdom of God start small in an individual and rise to great size. I have seen it expand throughout their life like yeast working through the dough. God doesn't want any part of our life untouched by his presence. He doesn't want any part of our community untouched by his grace. When God is setting up the kingdom - it moves! I am so glad that the Christian community has been awakened to the poor and needy. There has been much time in the last 100 years where Christians didn't let the kingdom of God expand into their hearts enough to see Jesus' commands to take care of the poor. There are other areas where the kingdom is wanting to expand - God is on the move.

Jesus then proceeds to explain how many who think they are saved will not be. Many who have been hanging out with God and around religion will just assume they're in. It is important here to understand biblical faith. James says, "faith by itself - if not accompanied with action is dead." Faith means to take hold of and real faith always will end up being displayed. Here Jesus says, "The first will be last and the last will be first." Many will receive their reward in this life of being considered great. Many will begin to assume things about their spiritual lives because of the success they have in this world. But success in this world does not translate into success in the kingdom.

questions

1) Would you say that God has expanded into every area of your life? How private are you about your faith?

2) What areas around you - in your community do you see God wanting to expand his territory? (the social needs not being met, areas of sin, false religion etc.)

3) Read I John 2:3-6. Are you encouraged by Luke 13:22-30 or frightened?

prayer

Father -we love you and want to live like Jesus. Increase our faith and remove our fear of man. Remove our materialistic ways. Teach our hearts to long only for you. We want to see you high and lifted up -exalted and famous in our home, work and community! Expand your kingdom and start with us.