Tuesday Devo

Read Luke 13:31-35. Some very interesting details are found in these short verses. First, it appears there are some Pharisee who were concerned for Jesus' welfare. We know of course later that many Pharisees will try to get Herod to kill Jesus. 

Secondly, there is an incredible boldness on Jesus. A fox was a despised worthless animal of destruction. For Jesus to call the king of the area a "fox" publicly is quite a move. Its easy to see Jesus simply as a loving gentle guy but passages like this remind us he was a fearless warrior. He would later look Pilate in the eye and basically ask him what he believes about God - as Pilate is deciding his fate!

Finally, we see Jesus' heart for those who have and will reject him. "How often I have longed" reminds us of Jesus' divine side. He has looked over the nation of Israel for centuries. He has seen them kill Isaiah, throw Jeremiah in a well, mock Ezekiel and persecute dozens of others. He has never given up on them. This passage reminds me of the parable Jesus tells about how a king sent many representatives to the people but they were all beat up by the ruthless men. Finally he sent his son and they killed him. 

The Father's heart is so incredible we see here how high, wide, long and deep his love truly is! Even in the midst of our greatest sin the Father is longing to hold us. He sees our disfunction as an illness that only he can cure. If we would only come to him. 

We see that there are some we might just assume are bad guys (Pharisees) who are not.

We see that there is a rugged side to Jesus that speaks w/ fearless passion.

We see that Jesus hurts for those who reject him.

questions

1) Ask the Lord to show you where you have made false assumptions about people in your life? Is it possible you have deemed someone evil before you truly knew them?

2) Where might the Lord be inviting you to let some rugged passion - boldness shine forth? Not - who do you need to call names but truly ask yourself - where have I been timid with my faith?

3) Do you hurt for those who reject you? Can you see past their disfunction? Remember - other people's disfunction reveals our disfunction.

Prayer (today we're praying a few verses from the first part of Romans 5)

Father we thank you that we have access to your grace by faith. Let us step into your grace - walk in it and live in it today! Teach us to see that each trial is producing character and Father please fill us with your hope by pouring your love into our hearts by the power of your Holy Spirit!