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When You Can’t Trust Time, Trust God

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Are you a clock watcher? Do you keep a constant eye on the calendar to know what’s coming next?

What happens when you can’t trust time?

Join us for Days 38-40 of our Lenten readings.

When you can't trust time

We’re in our last three days of Lent readings. As we prepare our hearts for Resurrection Sunday, these stories from Jesus can lead us into a deeper level of trust despite the unknown.

When we can’t trust time—and we can’t control it or change it or predict it—we can place our trust in God’s goodness.

1. When You Don’t Know the Time, Stay Awake

Read Matthew 24:36-44 for Thursday, Day 38

We just don’t know when some things will happen. There were “whens” that God didn’t even tell Jesus when He was living in our time zone.

When Jesus was telling His listeners about His future coming in these scriptures, He said that no one knew the hour—or even the day—that it would be; only God knew.

But Jesus didn’t leave them (or us) without instruction in the waiting. When you don’t know when something is coming, stay awake for it. Be ready.

In big and small ways, the Master comes to us every day. And He often comes when we don’t expect Him. Maybe it’s through a sister’s email or a baby’s babbling or a spring lightning storm. But if we’ll stay vigilant, we’ll be ready to welcome His arrival.

Trust that Jesus always comes, is always here, and we won’t be caught off-guard.

2. When You Can’t See Him Working, Do Your Work Now

Read Matthew 24:45-51 for Friday, Day 39

Who is put in charge? Ideally, it’s the one who will do the work. The one who is dependable. The one who is responsible. With or without the tangible presence of the boss.

In this story we see the workers throwing a party when the boss is out of town. When the boss shows up—unannounced and unexpected—the workers get thrown out.

We typically do not know when the Lord will act. When will He restore what was lost? When will He bring closure to a distressing situation? When will He deliver us from a difficult season of life?

We can’t know His timing. But we can know this: He will show up right on time. And when He does, will He find us faithful? Will we still be trusting, still be loving, still be holding hope?

When we don’t see God working in our Friday, let’s do our work now anyway. Do the good we know to do. We’ll be blessed when Sunday arrives and the Master’s behind-the-scenes work becomes visible.

3. When You’re Out of Time, Know He’s Coming

Read Matthew 25:1-13 for Saturday, Day 40

This final reading is the parable of the Ten Wise and Foolish Virgins. We’re reminded how easy it is to misallocate our resources, including under or overestimating our time. Five of the young virgins used all their oil quickly and their lamps burned out. But the other five brought extra supplies of oil, and even though the bridegroom was delayed, their candles were still lit.

Timing is rarely up to us.

But even though we don’t know when, we can trust who.

If we keep our eyes on the person of Jesus Christ, knowing that He will always come through for us, we can keep our lamps of hope burning. Even when He’s late in our estimation, we won’t run out of reserves to believe in Him.

Watch Jesus, Not the Clock

Our clocks and our calendars can help us manage our time, but they are inadequate to prepare us for life’s uncertainty.

Whether we’re in a day of walking to the tomb with Jesus or walking out of it, we’ll walk steadier when we keep our eyes on Jesus, not on the clock.

When we rely most on who we know, the when matters much less.

Don’t be a clock-watcher. You can’t trust when; trust who. #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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Do you always know what time and day it is? How do you remain flexible with the Lord’s plans? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

 

Take Care: the danger of indifference

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Lent Parables Days 35 – 37

Two days ago we celebrated Palm Sunday, the day marking Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The people spread branches and cloaks on the ground, cheering for the man who would free them from the tyranny of Rome. Of course Jesus was always clear, he had come to free them from much more. There is an urgency in his parables as he prepares his disciples for the end of his time on earth, reminding them of what is most important.

Day 35: Matthew 22:1-14

You might be thinking this story sounds pretty similar to a parable we’ve already read, and you’re right! (Luke 14:15-24, day 21 of our Lent readings). But in Matthew’s account, Jesus expands the metaphor.

The invited guests snub the invitation (and mistreat his servants like in the parable of the Wicked Tenants) so the King, after avenging the deaths of his servants, opens the invitation to everyone – good or bad. He has made the feast ready and everyone is invited to come and receive.

In verse 11 the King looks around and sees someone who has come to the feast but is not wearing the wedding garment. I appreciated this explanation from Got Questions.org:

This was Jesus’ way of teaching the inadequacy of self-righteousness. From the very beginning, God has provided a “covering” for our sin. To insist on covering ourselves is to be clad in “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Adam and Eve tried to cover their shame, but they found their fig leaves to be woefully scant. God took away their handmade clothes and replaced them with skins of (sacrificed) animals (Genesis 3:7, 21). In the book of Revelation, we see those in heaven wearing “white robes” (Revelation 7:9), and we learn that the whiteness of the robes is due to their being washed in the blood of the Lamb (verse 14). We trust in God’s righteousness, not our own (Philippians 3:9).

Day 36: Matthew 25:31-40

In today’s parable Jesus talks about the judgement of the nations. When he comes in glory he will divide the nations into sheep and goats. The sheep, representing God’s children (see John 10) are distinguished by their love of others. The goats are set apart, not because they are wicked and do evil things, but because they didn’t take the time to care. Like the man who came to the feast and wore his own clothing, the goats were indifferent and unchanged by the grace of the gospel.

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

Day 37: Matthew 24:32-34

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. ” Matthew 24:32

When life gets stressful and hard, I find it helpful to burry my head, not in the sand to ignore the world around me, but in the ordinary things of life so I can remember what is truly important. Reading the Bible, playing with my children, washing the dishes, watering the plants. There is comfort in the natural things God has made for us. The simple routine of sunrise, sunset, and all the little things that make up the time in between. As Jesus tells his disciples what to expect in the coming days and beyond, he shows them the fig tree. An unassuming, beautiful reminder that everything follows a natural order, exactly as God has designed it to do.

As we continue our last few Lenten readings and prepare to celebrate our Savior’s resurrection, let’s remember to put on the wedding garment of Christ, take care of our neighbors, and watch the fig tree.

Psalm 32:1 “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”

How He Loves Us: God Pursues the Underserving (Lent Days 32-34)

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Thank you for joining us for “How He Loves Us: God Pursues the Underserving.” This is post covers the readings for days 32-34 in our Lenten series, 40 Days with The Storyteller.

Luke 19:12-26 The Ten Minas – Make Good Use of What God’s Given

He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 13Calling ten of his servants,a he gave them ten minas,b and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ 14But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ 15When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. 16The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ 17And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant!c Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ 18And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ 19And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ 20Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; 21for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ 22He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ 24And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ 25And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ 26‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. (Luke 19:12-26)

Have you ever given someone a gift only to have it come back to you a few years later, unused? You know, the dreaded “regift” that returns to you, when the regifter forgot that you were the original giver?

It’s happened to me. It gave me a really good laugh since I am not one to get my feelings hurt easily! But I have to admit that it did puzzle me a bit. Why wasn’t the gift deemed useful in the first place? It put me on a quest to finding a more appropriate gift for that person the next time around. 

The Parable of the Ten Minas teaches us that God gives each of us a gift (usually interpreted as the gift of life). It is our duty to use our lives and not sit idly, wasting His investment.

We shouldn’t be “regifters” who keep what God has given us, do nothing with it, and then return it to Him unused! Rather, we should invest ourselves in order to reap for His kingdom.

In turn, He will bless us for our wisdom in using our lives for His sake.

Focus: My entire life is a gift. I am a steward of what God has given me; I should use my life for His glory.

Question: Are you investing what He has given you to reap more to the glory of God? 

Research:Why were all the servants in this story given the same gift, as opposed to the differing gifts in the Parable of the Talents? (Found in Matthew 25:14-30)

Matthew 21:28-32 The Two Sons – Rebellion and Obedience

28“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him. (Matthew 21:28-32)

When my older two girls were young my husband and I realized this about them: Our oldest daughter, who is serious and responsible, almost always did what was expected even if she grumbled or complained about it. The younger is sweet and fun-loving and had great intentions, but often didn’t do what she was supposed to. (Hello, distraction and shiny objects!)

The parable of the two sons could be told by many parents, right? A father asks his two kids to work. One says no, but changes his mind. The other says yes, but doesn’t go. It doesn’t sound like much out of the ordinary, does it?

But Jesus shows us that what is profound here is God, not mankind. Mankind promises and doesn’t fulfill. We change our minds. We say “no” when we should say “yes.” And we say “yes” when we don’t mean it.

God surprises us by accepting people into His kingdom who don’t look like they measure up. Tax collectors (about on the same level as traitors in the Jewish opinion of the day) and harlots? This is certainly not who the Jews thought would inherit the kingdom. They were inwardly rebellious and looking only at the outward appearance of obedience and not at the heart.

Focus: God is more concerned with the intentions of the heart than on the outward appearances of obedience.

Question: Which of the two sons do you identify with? Why? 

Research: Who did the two sons in this parable represent? What was Jesus saying about them?

Matthew 21:33-46 the Wicked Tenants –  Illustration of Jesus’ Death

33Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. 34When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servantsc to the tenants to get his fruit. 35And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. 37Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ 39And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” 41They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.”

42Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

“‘The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone;d

this was the Lord’s doing,

and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

43Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.44And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”e

45When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. 46And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet. (Matthew 21:33-46)

I’ll be honest with you. This parable is very hard for me to write about– and it’s not because it’s difficult to interpret. This one isn’t. No, Jesus tells an easy to understand story that the chief priests and Pharisees knew was about them. 

This parable is difficult for me because God in the human form of Jesus is talking to His very own creation, telling them the true story of how they had rejected Him, and how they would throw Him out of His own “vineyard,” and then would kill him.

Thinking on what was done to my precious Lord is hard. 

Knowing it was my sin that He bore on the cross is hard.

I just sit here with tears, worshipping the Savior who so willingly shed His blood for me, someone as undeserving as the tax collectors and harlots from the last parable. 

There is nothing I can do to earn my own righteousness. My faith is built up, resulting in God’s glory, because of Jesus, the rejected stone. It is only by Him that I can bear fruit.

As hard as this parable is, it is also beautiful. God pursues us! He doesn’t want us left to ourselves to bear the punishment of our sin. No, He seeks to make Himself known to us.

Focus: Christ, rejected by His own people, loves mankind so much He pursues us anyway. He died for our sin as a willing sacrifice.

Question: How does this parable affect you? Why? What is your heart’s response to God?

Research: Who are the main characters in this parable and who do they represent? How does this enhance your understanding of the story?


How He Loves Us

He loves us so much that He sent us Jesus, Himself clothed in human flesh, to die for our sin, reconciling us to God.

 “Though being in the form of God did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking on the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name…” (Phil 2:6-8)

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.b The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19that is, in Christ God was reconcilingc the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 2 (Cor 5:17-19)


What are your thoughts on these parables? Share with us in the comments or in our community group on Facebook. (Just search for the DoNotDepart Community.) We’d love to hear from you!

Blessings, Ali

How He Loves Us: God Pursues the Underserving (Lent Days 32-34) #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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Lessons on Grace and Mercy

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Over the next three days we will be reading successive passages from Luke 15 and 16 where Jesus shares a parable about God’s grace, illustrates God’s mercy, and challenges us to show mercy to others.

Photo by Anders Jildén on Unsplash

Day 26: Grace Restores

Read Luke 15:20-32.

The Prodigal Son claimed his inheritance, left his father, and squandered everything. His wealth, status, and pride— gone. Lost but not abandoned, the prodigal turned toward home.

. . .But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)

Catching sight of his son, the father drops everything and runs to him. What a picture! A picture of God, the Father, running toward us with the riches of His grace given to us through Jesus Christ, His Son. Ephesians 2:5 states it this way: “. . .even when we were dead in our trespasses, [God] made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved. . .” (clarification mine).

God’s grace saves AND restores. The robe, the feast, the relationship with the father— everything was restored, and the prodigal was made whole. Christ’s work on the cross makes us whole too:

. . .all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross. (Colossians 1:20, MSG)

As you reflect on this passage today, thank God for His grace and restoration in your life.

 

Day 27: God is Merciful

Read Luke 16:1-13.

In today’s passage we find Jesus addressing His disciples with a parable. The “manager” in the parable represents the disciples and those of us who are disciples today. The “rich man,” the business owner in the story, is God. The manager was accused of bad stewardship of the business; his job is threatened. Under attack, he goes to work, trying to make the best out of a bad situation. Although his solution is problematic, it works to the benefit of the owner, and instead of disdain and disapproval, the owner bestows a commendation— mercy instead of consequence.

As we pursue God’s will, serve Him, and others; we’re going to mess up or be misunderstood. We can’t escape imperfections and failures, but we can trust God because He knows our hearts and motives.

You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways. (Psalm 139:3)

God supports and defends those who put their trust in Him. It is His nature to extend mercy to those who love Him and do His will.

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. (Psalm 86:15)

In response to God’s mercy, let’s approach Him with reverence and humility, and give Him our repentance, gratitude and faithfulness.

 

Day 28: Be Merciful

Read Luke 16:19-31.

Today, in an illustration about a rich man who neglects the needs of a poor man, Lazarus (meaning whom God helps); we are challenged to consider whether our values match God’s values. Following yesterday’s parable about God’s mercy, I believe this passage calls us to be merciful.

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36)

The rich man faces torment in Hades as a result of his merciless treatment of Lazarus. The rich man is without excuse because the Law and Prophets make explicit God’s desires (Luke 16:29). In the case of mercy, God’s expectation is clear:

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8, NIV)

Today’s passage challenges me to show mercy, so that others may be blessed and experience this attribute of God. With mercy I choose to respond to rather than react when something doesn’t go my way. Mercy gives up the spotlight, so someone else can shine. Because of mercy I serve rather than seek to be served.

. . . In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

How can you show mercy to your family, co-workers, friends, and neighbors?

Lenten Reflection

May God bless you and keep you through His Word and His Spirit during these 40 Days with the Storyteller. How have you experienced grace and mercy during this Lenten season? Please share in the comments.

How have you experienced grace and mercy during this Lenten season? #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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Is There Grace in Accounting?

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Before I retired to motherhood, I was an accountant. I enjoyed keeping track of numbers. I still do.

But what about God? Is He the original accountant? And how does grace factor in?

Join us for Days 23-25 of our Lenten readings (download the “40 Days with the Storyteller” complete schedule here).

Grace in Accounting

How Much Does That Cost?

Read Luke 14:25-33 for Monday, Day 23 (note: we swapped readings for Day 22 and Day 23)

Do you tend to overestimate or underestimate how much time or money a project will cost you?

When I make my schedule for the day, I usually guess wrong. I think I can get much more accomplished in 30 minutes than I can actually accomplish in 2 hours.

So when Jesus tells His followers in Luke 14:25-33 to figure out the cost before they start starting building a house, it bothers me. I know I’m bad at it.

But maybe we should look deeper at His meaning. None of us can accurately estimate future costs, but we can commit to following Jesus regardless of the cost. We won’t do that perfectly either. But our willingness to let go of hindrances and distractions will open up room for Jesus’s grace to come in.

Let’s always leave space for grace.

Every One Counts

Read Matthew 18:10-14 for Tuesday, Day 24

Even though our accounting is often off, God’s counts are always solid.

When even one is missing, God knows. And He acts on what He knows.

When Jesus spoke about the 99 sheep in the fold, and the 1 missing, He was reassuring His listeners: God notices you. He keeps up with where you are. He will come find you if you lose your way.

When something is missing—especially when that something is His child—God won’t ignore it. He reaches out.

Every one counts. That’s grace, too.

Who Gives More?

Read Luke 15:11-19 for Wednesday, Day 25

In the parable of the prodigal son, accounting again comes into play. The younger son knows the amount that is due him. Instead of collecting later, he wanted to collect now.

And spend now. Freely. Recklessly. Extravagantly.

But even in his foolishness, he couldn’t outspend his father. When he returned home on his knees, his father poured on the goods even thicker.

We can’t outgive God. Not now. Not later.

God’s accounting can’t be charted on columns of credits and debits. He always tilts things in our favor from His overflow of grace.

As you continue on your journey of Lent, thank God for how He keeps up with you.

Please share your thoughts in the comments. Are you a math person? What do you appreciate about God’s accounting?

Is there grace in God’s accounting? More readings for Lent. #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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How Do We Respond to the Heart of God?

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My family has been moving to a new home across town for the last month. Circumstances allowed us to move gradually, which was nice in some ways and unsettling in others. We’ve been in a state of flux, not always entirely sure how far ahead to plan or where we’ll be sleeping the next night.

The Jewish people who went to listen to Jesus had been waiting for a warrior-king Messiah to restore glory to Israel for a very long time. But time again in his teachings and ministry Jesus took their long held expectations and turned them upside down. I imagine his many disciples were feeling unsettled. Was anything they knew about God still true?

In this collection of parables, days 19-22 of our Lent Readings, Jesus teaches us how to approach and respond to the heart of God.
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Day 19 – Luke 11:5-10

While teaching his disciples to pray, Jesus shares a story about a man making an unusual request at an inconvenient time.

“Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’;”

Maybe this was a normal request for the people of the day but I can’t help thinking it is utterly ridiculous! Your friend came in at midnight – really?? You have nothing to offer him – really?? You think I have three extra loaves of bread I can just give you – really??

But Jesus says, despite the absurdity and untimeliness, the man will get up and help his friend. If we, in our broken humanity can respond favorably to the “impudence” (v. 8, also translated as “shameless boldness” and “persistence”) of our unprepared friend, how much more will our perfect heavenly Father respond to us?

Day 20 – Luke 14:7-14

Jesus attends a feast at the home of a Pharisee. The behavior of the guests sparks a parable on humility.

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (v. 14)

Like the Pharisee’s guests, I often assume I deserve more than I actually do. I should leave the honoring up to God, following the example Jesus, the ultimate picture of humility.

“Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.” Philippians 2:5-6

Day 21 – Luke 14:15-24

In today’s passage, the banquet conversation continues and Jesus tells another parable.

“A man was giving a large banquet and invited many. At the time of the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, because everything is now ready.’

“But without exception they all began to make excuses.” vv. 16-18

Back in those days, the guests had already accepted the invitation for the specific date of the feast. However the time was not announced until the day of the party.

As Christians we have already accepted the invitation to the marriage feast. Will we be ready when the time comes or full of excuses?

Day 22 – Luke 15:8-10

Charles Spurgeon claims that the woman in this parable represents the Church seeking out the lost. Following the dinner Jesus shared with a Pharisee and his specially chosen guests, Luke 15:1-2 tells us,

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’”

The collection of parables that follows, the Lost parables, not only reveals God’s tender heart toward all people, especially the broken, unrighteous, guilty, and undeserving, but how we who have received his grace can share in his joy when the lost are found.

‘Rejoice with me, because I have found the silver coin I lost! ’ I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.” (vv.9-10)

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Choosing Best: Love, Mercy, Service, and Forgiveness

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In today’s post, we’ll cover days fifteen through eighteen of the 40 Days With the Storyteller reading plan for Lent and talk about love, mercy, service, forgiveness, and choosing best. 

Day 15 John 10:1-18 The Good Shepherd

In the passage for day fifteen, Jesus give us an illustration (not technically a parable) of what He has done for mankind and what He has done for Christians. 

Jesus tells us that He came to be both the Door and the Good Shepherd.

“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9

Yes, Jesus is the Door that welcomes us into God’s “sheepfold.” When we enter into relationship with God through Jesus, we are safe in His care. He can then lead us “in and out.” This doesn’t mean out, away from Him, but is simply an illustration of what shepherds did – they led their flocks in and out to find pastures (food) and rest.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

Some days I feel sheep-like; I’m confused by overwhelming decisions, or I feel like tasty bait for the enemy. I need guidance and protection from God! 

The truth is that every day I need God’s help! Maybe especially when I think I have things figured out. Each day, I can choose to seek Him. I need Him to lead me to still waters and green pastures. I need Him to restore my soul. (Psalm 23.) And I can take confidence in the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the eternal well-being of His sheep!

I am thankful that Jesus tells us in this passage (and again in verses 27-30) that we will recognize His voice. What a rich promise from our humble, servant-Savior! What glorious words from the one who was willing to die in our place!

FOCUS: Our Good Shepherd has laid down his life for us and we will recognize His voice.

QUESTION: How can you listen today for Jesus’ voice? 

Day 16 – Luke 17:7-10 The Unworthy Servants

In this passage, we learn about the right attitude of God’s servants, by being shown the wrong attitude. We serve God because it is our duty, honor, and privilege!

“People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paid back as a small part of a great debt owing to our God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own blest reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter? Away with the word in such a view and with such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say, rather, it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger, now and then, with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause, and cause the spirit to waver, and the soul to sink; but let this be only for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall hereafter be revealed in and for us. I never made a sacrifice. Of this we ought not to talk, when we remember the great sacrifice which He made who left His Father’s throne on high to give Himself for us.” – David Livingstone, Scottish missionary to Africa in the mid-1800’s

Doesn’t this quote reveal the right spirit of a servant?

Likewise, Jesus reveals the heart of a servant in John 13 where He washes the disciples’ feet and teaches us about forgiveness and humility. 

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. – John 13:14

We should do as Jesus does. It makes me pause and check my heart. Am I serving for His glory, or for my own? Am I serving because I’m seeking rewards or to glorify God, who has awarded me eternal life?

FOCUS: Serving God is our humble duty, honor, and privilege. 

QUESTION: How are you serving that you count as an honor and privilege, only doing your duty?

Read more at DoNotDepart.com

Day 17 – Matthew 18:23-35 The Unforgiving Servant

Did you get a little mad at the servant in today’s passage? He’s a weasel, isn’t he? He pleads for forgiveness and mercy from his master, and then shows no mercy to his fellow servant who owed him! Wow. 

It makes me stop and think, though. Have I acted like that? I’m sure the answer is yes. Being Christ-like doesn’t come naturally, which is one reason I’m thankful for the help of the Holy Spirit and the guidance found in the Word. You see, the Bible is more than just a moralistic book that gives us guidelines of how to be or not to be. Instead, it paints the picture of God’s people needing Him – Father, Savior, and Spirit. And I need Him! I need the Spirit’s help and guidance, the Father’s love, and Jesus’ teachings and propitiation of sin.

The servant in this parable had a merciful master, just like we do!

I like this, from GotQuestions, regarding this parable:

 “…forgiveness should be in like proportion to the amount forgiven. The first servant had been forgiven all, and he then should have forgiven all. In like manner, a child of God by faith through Christ has had all sins forgiven. Therefore, when someone offends or sins against us we should be willing to forgive him from a heart of gratitude for the grace to which we ourselves are debtors.”

FOCUS: I should show forgiveness to others like Jesus does to me.

QUESTION: How can you show mercy today?

Luke 10:29-42 Choosing Best – The Good Samaritan and Mary, Martha’s Sister

If you’ve been a Christian for long, you’ve likely heard the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus tells this story to expand on how to “love your neighbor as yourself.” But just who is our neighbor? 

The story explains how a man fell victim to brutal robbers who beat him and left him for dead and how three people encountered him, but only one helped. 

The first two people, a priest and a Levite, were holy on the outside. The looked the part and talked the talk, but didn’t walk the walk. Their hearts weren’t where they should have been. When they saw the man left for dead, they put their own concerns, agendas, and desires above the needs of a dying man! 

But the Samaritan? He stopped and went above and beyond to help this poor soul! Rather than pass by the opportunity to show true love, the man in the parable tended wounds, transported him to an inn, cared for him, and paid for his ongoing care.

This story leaves a big impression on me, but probably made an even bigger impression on the original audience! See, the Jews despised the Samaritans because of their mixed Gentile ancestry and different practice of worship. Yet, it was the Samaritan that was the true neighbor.

The Good Samaritan choose best. He chose to give love without holding back, like Jesus did. Christ taught us what true love looks like by demonstrating it firsthand in becoming the Door to God’s fold, being our Good Shepherd who died on a cross to take our sin, and also in showing us through the parables and illustrations. 

Mary also chose best; Jesus called it “the good portion.” Martha was wise to go to Jesus with her frustrations and we can learn from her faith!  But in this incident, it was Mary who was already there, sitting at His feet and listening to His voice. 

Love, mercy, service, forgiveness, and choosing best. 

Jesus teaches us the importance of these things. We should set aside our prejudices and treat others as He would want, as we would want them to treat us, and with love toward anyone we encounter. This is what choosing best looks like!

FOCUS: Jesus shows us how to love best and how to choose the good portion.

QUESTION: Who is your neighbor? Who can you show love to today? How can you choose best today?

Feel free to share with us in the comments or in our DoNotDepart Community group on Facebook.

Want to choose best? Look to the parables of Christ to see what He taught on love, mercy, service, and forgiveness. Read more at DoNotDepart.com

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Field Tested: Lessons on Living in the Kingdom of Heaven

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Self-righteousness, shallow understanding, sinful abandon— common among sin-sick humanity; detested by God.  In a series of parables, Jesus, the Master Storyteller, equates these characteristics with fruitless trees, barren soil, and weeds. Over the next three days, Jesus will teach us field-tested lessons about bearing fruit, cultivating fertile soil, and preparing for harvest as participants in the kingdom of heaven.

Photo by Thomas Kirchberger on Unsplash

Day 8: Repent

Read Luke 13:6-9.

Frustrated with Israel’s pursuit of fruitless, works-based religion, Jesus tells a parable about the need for repentance. The fig tree in the story represents Israel. God, the vineyard owner, is ready to cut down the tree and be done with them. Out of His lovingkindness and because there is no guarantee of tomorrow for humanity, Jesus, the gardener, asks the Father for more time to bring the wayward people to repentance.

Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. (Matthew 3:8)

Bible commentator, David Guzik, writes, “We can’t come to the kingdom of heaven unless we leave our sin and the self-life.” Repentance, turning away from sin to run toward God and His purpose, leads us into the arms of the Savior. Jesus greets us with grace and clothes us in His righteousness. Repentance yields a manifest Christ-life. For a moment, put yourself in place of the tree in this parable. Is there any fruit? What do you need to turn to God for today? Don’t wait for tomorrow.

 

Day 9: Receive the Word

Read Matthew 13:3-8 and Matthew 13:18-23.

Soil conditions are the focus of The Parable of the Sower, our reading today. Good soil, in the kingdom of heaven, is found in a Believer who submits to the working of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in his/her life. In this good soil, God’s Word grows deep roots, and produces much fruit. Taking nineteenth century preacher, Charles Spurgeon’s suggestion that every Christian needs a soil test, here is a brief soil assessment based on David Guzik’s commentary on this parable:

1. Is there room in our lives for God’s Word? If not, Satan is more than glad to keep us out of God’s Word.
2. Do we approach the Word with eagerness, only to become indifferent? It is possible for God’s Word to get established with little understanding and faith, but eventually the lack of depth will cause it to wilt away.
3. Do we try to engage in the Word while being distracted by worldly pursuits? Jesus makes it clear we can’t do both; we can’t be fruitful for God while trying to please the flesh.
4. Is your pursuit of God’s will and purpose in accordance with His Word evident in your life? If so, you have good soil for faith to grow deep and take root.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. . . . (Colossians 3:16a)

In this season of spiritual reflection, may you honor God by allowing His Word to inhabit every area of your life.

 

Day 10: Persevere in Hope

Read Matthew 13:24-30 and Matthew 13:36-43.

Jesus says, “this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3) Eternity begins when we say “yes” to God and our Savior, Jesus. This being true, Believers participate in the kingdom of heaven while on earth. In today’s parable the children of God (wheat) live alongside the sons darkness (weeds) until Christ returns for His Church.

Knowing this, how should we live? In writing to the Ephesians, Paul answers,

. . . for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true). . . . (Ephesians 5:8-9)

In our struggle with the world, we must continue in good works motivated by love and prompted by faith, tether ourselves to God’s Word, and persevere because our hope is in the Lord. Take confidence in this: God will administer justice to those who belong to darkness, He will harvest His own, and “the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43).

Lenten Reflection

May God bless you and keep you through His Word and His Spirit during these 40 Days with the Storyteller. As you sit at the feet of The Storyteller, what are you learning about living in the kingdom of heaven? Please share in the comments.

As you sit at the feet of The Storyteller, what are you learning about living in the kingdom of heaven? #LentReadings #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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Why Do You Have So Much Stuff? {Lent Readings}

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Of American homes with garages, only 20% can fit a car inside. Our closets are crammed to overflowing. Our counter spaces are clutter-collectors.

Why do we have so much stuff?

And what would Jesus have us do with it?

So Much Stuff

If you’re riding the Marie Kondo wave, you’ve likely pared down your wardrobe lately or donated a few underused toys.

But how can we avoid the clutter to start with?

As we walk 40 days with the Storyteller during Lent, our first three readings this week reveal our cluttered hearts.

Filling Up on God? Or Stuff?

Read Luke 12:15-21.

In Jesus’ parable of the rich man wanting bigger barns, Jesus told His listeners that hoarding our treasures here is foolish.

What kinds of things are you hoarding in your barns?

I can’t break the habit of being a digital photo hoarder. The storage capacity of my computer and external hard drives are full because I struggle to delete any photos.

But even something as harmless as family photos can become an idol if I place more value in filling up on past memories than I do in filling up on God.

What fills you up? What is getting in your way of filling up more on God?

Our identity isn’t defined by what we collect, but in who we hang out with (Luke 12:21). Let’s hold our stuff loosely.

Use Your Oil

Read Luke 12:35-40.

Jesus told the story of the wedding feast to say, “Be ready.” Stay dressed for action. Use your oil to keep your lamps burning.

But this advice isn’t only applicable to end times. Use your oil also applies to now times.

Watch for opportunities you’ll get today. Be prepared to use your stuff to act on them. Leave margin in your time, in your resources, and in your energy for the unexpected to happen.

You don’t know when Jesus will show up.

  • Maybe in the needy neighbor who asks for your help.
    And blesses you with purpose.
  • Maybe in the the crying child who needs your comfort.
    And who is growing your compassion.
  • Maybe in the cranky co-worker who suddenly opens up to you.
    And rewards your persistence to be a friend.

Be ready to use up what you’ve been given. Be watchful for the Son of Man to show up in your day (Luke 12:40). Keep the light on for Him.

When You Know Right, Use Right

Read Luke 12:41-48.

Peter wanted to know if the parable was just for them or for everybody. Jesus replies with another parable, this time of the unfaithful servant who plays while the master is away.

Whether Jesus meant it directly for their ears or also for ours, we can learn lessons from it. Lessons such as, be a good steward with your stuff, don’t take advantage of the Lord’s generosity, and be responsible with the assignments He gives you.

The Lord blesses us with relationships, jobs (paid or unpaid), and even material possessions for His purposes. When He asks us to do the next right thing with them, let’s do it.

When we know right, let’s do right. Let’s use right everything we’ve been given. Greater gifts means greater responsibilities (Luke 12:48).

What Do We Do Now?

So why do we have so much stuff? For many different reasons, including: we collect the wrong things, we hoard what we have, we refuse to give things away.

But what are we to do with the stuff now that we have it?

  • Hold it loosely.
  • Use it up.
  • Be a blessing with it.

As you listen to the Storyteller in this season leading to Easter Sunday, what lessons are you learning about all your stuff? Are you fasting or feasting from anything? Please share in the comments.

Why do you have so much stuff? What do you do with it? #LentReadings #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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Pictures of a Christ Follower. Parables for Lent

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It’s day two of Lent which means there is still time to print your reading plan and catch up for our 40 Days with the Storyteller series! Grab your free bookmark reading plan: Lent 2019 Reading Plans Bookmark and Image

Early in his ministry, Jesus was teaching his disciples about the new kingdom. He was taking old ideas about faith and religion and turning them upside down.

In The Storytelling God, author Jared C Wilson explains that the Hebrew word for parable is rooted and related to the word “mashal” which means “proverb”. A parable, in Jewish understanding, is an illustration of wisdom. Ancient authors did not have pictures or diagrams or maps to enhance their writings (and besides, Jesus taught his disciples orally) so they used the language of symbolism to illustrate their teachings. Over the next three days, we’ll be reading parables that show us pictures of what a follower of Christ looks like.

Day 2: Matthew 5:13-15

In Matthew 5:13-15, Jesus tells the crowd that they are salt and light, giving them, and us, a picture of what a person who follows Jesus should look like.

What does salt make you think of? Flavor? A preservative? A stable compound, plentiful but valuable.

Can salt lose its saltiness?

“Most salt in the ancient world derived from salt marshes or the like, rather than by evaporation of salt water, and therefore contained many impurities. The actual salt, being more soluble than the impurities, could be leached out, leaving a residue so dilute it was of little worth.” (https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide2017-Mat/Mat-5.cfm?a=934013

How about light? Our house is out in the country, surrounded by fields. When it gets dark, it’s DARK. Almost oppressive. Sometimes I’ll go out at night and see the lights of the city in the distance. It’s dazzling and it really does light things up for miles around.

What does it mean for a Christian to be light?

“Don’t shine so others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him.” – C.S. Lewis

What does it look like to be salt and light in a dark and rotting world? #40DaysWithTheStorytellerClick To Tweet

Day 3: Luke 6:46-49

But how do we live like salt and light in a dark and rotting world? We’ve already talked about how Jesus was doing a new thing, restoring us to a place where we could again live in relationship with him. But to do this, Jesus said, we have to DO what he says.

he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.

I like the imagery of verse 48, digging deep to lay your foundation on the rock. This life in Christ is not easy but there is value in the doing the hard work. When our faith is active it is strong, like the foundation of a house, able to withstand the flood.

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Day 4: Luke 7:36-47

Let’s set the stage a bit for this passage. Jesus is eating at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. A “woman of the city, who was a sinner” hears he is in town and shows up for the party. That’s an interesting character description. Aren’t we all sinners? What sets this woman apart?

The Greek word used here for “sinner” is hamartolos which is translated as “devoted to sin, not free from sin, wicked, and specifically of men stained with certain vices or crimes, as in tax collectors or heathens.” Heathen, according to Easton’s Bible Dictionary, means Gentile, other than Jewish; an idolater. Can you relate with the woman of the city? I know I can.

Our sin is a debt we cannot pay. Whether it’s 50 or 500, it is more than we can afford. Thankfully, Jesus has cancelled our debt. We can be like woman, deeply, unashamedly grateful, or we can be like Simon, proud and scoffing behind Jesus’ back.

What can you do today to show Jesus your gratitude?

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40 Days with The Storyteller – A New Reading Plan for Lent

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Did you participate in our Lent reading plan last year? Well, we’ve put together a new plan for you to use this Lent (or anytime, really!). This year, we’ll be spending 40 Days with The Storyteller.

Do you celebrate Lent? Some Christians do, and some don’t. If you don’t know much about it, I explained in this post from last year that:

“Traditionally, Lent is a 40 day (46 days total when you include Sundays) period of intentionally dwelling on the life, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus. 

Ultimately, Lent is a humbling time of reflection on all God has done for mankind.

Rather than asking you to give something up (that’s between you and God) we’re asking that you consider joining us for [this Lenten plan].”

This year we’ll focus on the parables and illustrations of Christ, in chronological order as we spend 40 Days with The Storyteller.

A great reading plan for Lent! Focusing on the parables and illustrations of Christ. With DoNotDepart.com #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

A Reading Plan for Lent that focuses on the parables and illustrations of Christ. #40DaysWithTheStoryteller @DoNotDepart.com

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We’ve made a printable bookmark to help you keep track of the daily readings. Print it up on cardstock and tuck it in your Bible. Look it over then let it wait until Wednesday, March 6th, when we’ll begin. Check off each day as you read, keeping in mind that there are no readings on Sundays. You can use that day for reflection or as a “catch up” day if needed. We’ve also included a pretty inspirational verse card for you!

Lent Reading Plan printable bookmark and verse image at DoNotDepart.com
Watercolor background image created by Ayden

Click the image above to download your bookmark reading plan, or click the link below.

Lent 2019 Reading Plans Bookmark and Image

Luke 5:33-38

To start us off, I’ll go ahead and share bit about the first parable in our reading plan – that way, when you start on Wednesday, you’ll already have a jumpstart!

In this passage from Luke, Jesus answers a question about fasting. 

The disciples of John fasted and prayed. So did the disciples of the Pharisees.

Yet Jesus’ disciples feasted. Matter of fact, if you go up a few verses to Luke 5:27-32, you’ll see the context. Levi (also known as Matthew) had just called together a group of “sinners” for a party of sorts, introducing them to the guest of honor that he had chosen to follow:  Jesus! 

There were some who were obviously not happy that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors. And they were confused by His disciples’ lack of fasting.

Jesus gave them this parable in return:

He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’” (Luke 5:36-39)

What Did Jesus Mean?

Jesus was doing something brand new. Of course it wouldn’t look familiar to them (like the old garment or old wineskins), but instead would be something revolutionary!

 I love this succinctly complete answer from GotQuestions.org:

“…you can’t mix old religious rituals with new faith in Jesus. Jesus’ disciples were not fasting along with the Pharisees and John’s disciples because they were now under the new covenant of grace and faith in Christ. As mentioned earlier, Jesus fulfilled the law; therefore, there is no longer any need to continue with the old rituals. Jesus cannot be added to a works-based religion. In the case of the Pharisees, they were consumed with their own self-righteousness, and faith in Jesus cannot be combined with self-righteous rituals.” (emphasis, mine)

I’m glad the new doesn’t look like the old. I’m so thankful for the way of grace and that Jesus fulfilled the law. How about you?

As the Lenten season begins, let’s praise God for sending us Jesus! Let’s thank Him for the new covenant of grace and faith in Christ!

Blessings,

Ali

5 Steps to Find What’s Missing: The Story of the Lost Coin

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Have you lost your peace? Your joy? Your rest? Look with us at the Parable of the Lost Coin for 5 steps to find what’s missing.

5 Steps to Find What's Missing - Lost Coin

WHERE ARE MY GOOD GLASSES?

I was reading the ballet program. I wanted to know when the students would perform from my daughter’s class.

So I know I had my glasses on.

But an hour later, my glasses were missing. My real ones. My prescription, progressive glass I paid dearly for. Not my cheap Dollar General reading glasses that I also use daily.

Maybe you misplace your glasses occasionally, too. Or your cell phone goes missing. Or you can’t find your car keys on your way out the door.

When we can’t find something we need, we get stressed.

And even though we may have access to another pair of glasses (thank you, Dollar General!) or someone else’s phone or a spouse’s key, we want our own.

THE LOST COIN

Jesus knows this about us, that we lose things and get anxious about it. And He knew this about the tax collectors and religious scholars of His day, too.

So when His audience began grumbling about His latest choice of dinner companions (“He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends” Luke 15:2), Jesus told them some stories about the lost and found.

Today we’re looking at the story He told about the Lost Coin. (Read it in Luke 15:8-10.)

A woman in His parable has ten silver coins. She loses one. Just one.

But still one. And every one matters.

The coin is a drachma. (See more on Coins that Jesus Used.)

greek drachma

A drachma represented about a day’s wage in ancient Israel. It was valuable, not like dropping a penny down a drain. Oh, well.

This was like a paycheck, one of only ten she had. It made a difference.

5 STEPS TO FIND WHAT’S LOST

What is a day’s wage for you? Would you care if you lost that paycheck on your way home from work? How would you react?

What about if a friendship went missing? Or you floated adrift from a good spiritual habit? Or you lost track of God’s promises and thus lost your hope?

  1. Notice the Shadow

First, you have to realize something is missing.

Too often we so gradually acclimate to the coming nightfall that we don’t realize it’s dark until we need to see. I didn’t notice my eye glasses were missing at the ballet recital until I needed to read a message on my phone. And I couldn’t see it.

Jesus doesn’t tell us how the woman noticed her missing coin. Maybe she was counting her coins at the end of the day…7, 8, 9…where’s 10?

What wakes you up to your losses?

Perhaps doing a blessing-count at the end of the day will remind you that you’ve neglected a relationship. Or a new pain wakes you up to your need for God’s help. Or discontentment triggers awareness that your attitude has shifted.

Pay attention.

  1. Turn on the Light

The next thing the woman did was light a lamp. It’s what I did too in the search for my glasses. I turned on my phone light and began looking under my seat. And when the house lights finally came on, I could see even more areas to search.

What light switch do you need to flip?

Perhaps a sister in Christ can provide some illuminating advice. Or falling on your knees in prayer will help you see clearer. Or just spending time in worship will allow you to soak up His light for any dark days ahead.

  1. Clear out the clutter

When light alone didn’t uncover the silver coin, the woman picked up her broom. When my daughters were younger and looking for a lost toy, I’d tell them, “Use your hands.” Not just your eyes. Dig around to the bottom of the toy box.

Try moving something else out of the way to find your missing thing.

What is cluttering up your life this week? Could not only physical clutter but also spiritual clutter prevent you from finding what is missing?

Grab a broom and sweep your house.

  1. Keep Going and Going

Jesus said the woman would “seek diligently” until she found her coin. She wouldn’t give up after a quick five-minute search.

Are you as steadfast in your search for missing devotional time or a healthier marriage as you would be for lost money? How persistent are you in your search for missing contentment? Do you quickly give up on hearing from God if you don’t get an immediate answer?

Be diligent in your search.

  1. Prepare to Celebrate

The woman’s persistence paid off. She found her coin. Jesus said she called people around her afterwards.

Jesus wanted His listeners to see how the story can end: in community, in celebration, in gaiety.

Likewise, when you discover your own missing treasures, are you quick to share in celebrations? Who do you tell? Are you also willing to be the friend or neighbor who rejoices with others when they’ve found something they’ve lost?

GOD’S PARTY

This parable concludes with joy.

“Count on it—that’s the kind of party God’s angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God.” Luke 15:10 (The Message)

When the lost become found, God throws a party.

If you’ve lost something in your life that you need to reclaim—freedom in Christ, peace in stormy weather, love in a relationship—know that even the angels in heaven are rooting for you to find it.

And when you find it, God will crank up the music in celebration.

After searching for my glasses underneath my own row of seats, the row in front of me, and the row behind me, I began asking around, “Have you see any glasses?”

No, no, and no. And I gave up.

I walked to say good-bye to friends six rows in front of us. And that’s when I saw them: my glasses. In the hand of my friend. She said her daughter had found them earlier during intermission and they didn’t know who they belonged to.

They belonged to me.

In the end, my glasses found me.

I was happy. I was grateful for the grace of God, not just in seeing my glasses again (and seeing with my glasses!), but for valuing me, for meeting my needs, for caring about what I care about.

God cares about the things you’ve lost, too. Maybe not all your lost things are retrievable. But for the things that are, be encouraged to keep looking. God is watching over you as you do.

Because the thing He most doesn’t want to lose is . . . you. You are one of His.

And every one matters. 

Are you missing something? 5 Steps to Find What’s Missing #BelovedStoriesNT

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What have you recently lost? How did you find it? Please share in the comments.

 

The Older Brother: The Sin of Entitlement

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The sin of the older brother that hits me most personally is that of entitlement. The older brother felt he was entitled to more from his father. He saw the party in his brother’s honor and felt he deserved a party with his friends too. He was so angry and resentful, he stood outside the celebration and refused to go in (Luke 15:28). I struggle with this too, friends. I look at the lives of others and think I deserve what they have. Entitlement in my life sounds like, “This isn’t fair,” “You owe me more,” and “I deserve better.”

Entitlement has its roots in pride. You look at something in your life that God says is a  “good and perfect gift” (James 1:17) and tell Him it’s not good enough. God has really brought me through sanctification in this area. When our youngest son was diagnosed with autism my pride and entitlement rose to the top. I told God, “I have a special needs sister. I’ve been a Christ-follower since I was a child. I went to seminary. I’m married to a pastor. I’ve done everything right and this is how you repay me–with pain, struggling, and a son who will likely live with me forever (in addition to a sister who will live with me forever when my parents are no longer able to care for her).” And I haven’t totally overcome this sin. It creeps up when I see a typical three year old doing typical three year old things that my son cannot do.

“Elder brothers’ inability to handle suffering arises from the fact that their moral observance is results-oriented. The good life is lived not for delight in good deeds themselves, but as calculated ways to control their environment.” –Tim Keller. The Prodigal God

Like the older brother, our Father comes to us in the middle of our pity parties. He hears our complaints and lovingly reminds us, “You are always with me and everything I have is yours” (Luke 15:31). Trust those words today. Repent with me if you’ve felt entitled based on your spiritual resume. Find God’s grace through repentance and the freedom that comes with not having a performance-based relationship with Him.

The Older Brother: Justice over Forgiveness

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The younger brother is the primary character of the beginning of the story in Luke 15. But the older brother is the primary character of the end. Let’s focus in on the end of the story together today.

When the younger brother returned, he was met with his father’s forgiveness and grace, “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him” (v. 20). The younger brother was also met with his older brother’s plea for justice. Speaking to his father, the older brother said, “Look, these many years I have served you and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!” (vv. 29-30).

How do I see evidence of that same behavior in my life? When I refuse to forgive and call for justice instead. When I ask myself, “How will she learn her lesson if I am nice to her after what she did to me?” The problem with this demand for justice is that it is not ours to give. Isaiah 30:18 says, “For the Lord is a God of justice.” We cannot execute justice because we are not the ultimate Judge. As we learned yesterday, we often compare our “righteousness” to others’ “sinfulness” and think we are qualified to dispense justice. But only God is holy, and therefore able to be truly just.

(image from microsoft)

So if we aren’t called to provide justice, we are we called to do? The command we are given is to forgive, “Forgive so that your Father may forgive you” (Luke 11:25). When our desire for justice over shadows our ability to forgive, we sin. Forgiveness is not easy. Gary Thomas writes, “Forgiveness involves the total person–everything, in fact, that makes us human.” That is why he says it is a process by which we replace negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with positive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors toward the other person.

Can you join me today by putting this into practice? If there’s an area of unforgiveness in your life, ask the Holy Spirit to help you forgive and not seek your own justice. The older brother disrespected his father and missed out on a relationship with his brother because he could not forgive. Let’s not make the same mistake.

Lessons from the Life of the Older Brother

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A few weeks ago here at Scripture Dig we shared our favorite Bible characters. My favorite is Paul, because I can relate to his struggle with wanting a works-based salvation to realizing he’s the chief of sinners who is fully dependent on God’s grace. There’s another Bible character I can empathize with also. But he wasn’t a real person. He’s the personification of so many of us who grew up in church, following all the rules. He is the older brother in the story usually referred to as “The Prodigal Son.”

This week I’d like to take a fresh look at this story from Luke 15:11-32. But we will look at lessons we can learn from the older brother’s actions and responses. If you are like me, it will be convicting. But it is also a story of God’s grace–and that is always good news!

When we look at this story from Luke in its context, we see that the audience was not only a group of “prodigal sons,” but also “Pharisees and the teachers of the law.” It was the second group who was grumbling about Jesus’ relationship with sinners. So Jesus tells them a story about two brothers and their father.

“The parable of the two sons takes an extended look at the soul of the elder brother, and climaxes with a powerful plea for him to change his heart.” (Timothy Keller, in his book The Prodigal God)

The first lesson from the life of the older brother is a lesson the Pharisees and teachers missed when Jesus told this story–we are all sinners.

The “older brothers” in the audience were mad because Jesus was eating with sinners. Those sinners. People who do x, y, z….. Not people like us who do everything right. When you compare yourself to others, it’s easy to become prideful. You don’t struggle with the same obvious sins they struggle with. You make a check list that you know will make you look good:

Go to church- check.

Read my Bible- check.

Pray- check.

Volunteer- check.

Be faithful to my husband- check.

Love my kids- check.

And even on those rare bad days when maybe you don’t read your Bible or pray, at least you do it more often than that other guy. Maybe you did complain about your husband and kids to a friend, but at least you cooked them dinner and served it with a smile.

But God doesn’t judge you on a sliding scale. Matthew 5:48 gives His standard, “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” So even on those days you’re feeling “better than _____”, you’re still not perfect.

The audience listening to Jesus’ parable that day didn’t get it. But we can get it. We can see through the wall between “us” and “them” and realize we’re all sinners. Sinners in need of God’s grace. When we realize that need we are able to experience God’s forgiveness and love.

Please have an open heart this week as we look at lessons from the life of the older brother. We can rejoice that not only did the prodigal son return to the open arms of the father, but that there’s room for the self-righteous older brother as well.

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