Luke 12:54-59
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Recall our last meditation on Luke 12:49-53 in which we saw that Jesus came to uproot all false systems that keep people from experiencing the shalom of God’s Kingdom. Then read Luke 12:54-59 noting anything that stands out as you read.
The crowds gathering around Jesus are looking for something beyond their current situation, but they are mistaken in believing that Jesus has come to simply make their lives better. Jesus came to do much more than that – he came to disrupt all false ideas and systems so that he could usher people into God’s Kingdom reality.
Just as the goodness of God is all around us if we are alert and aware of God’s presence, warnings about maintaining a faulty status quo are also there for us to see if we are looking. Division and strife continue to rise in the world, and the effects of our lifestyles become increasingly evident in nature. The status quo isn’t working.
Center yourself on the presence of Jesus for a moment and let your thoughts settle. When you are ready, consider the warning signs you see around you. Then tell Jesus whatever is on your heart.
Read Luke 12:54-59 again with all of this in mind.
Whether we are aware of it or not, life marches on. If we choose to turn a blind eye to the signs of the times in an attempt to maintain some semblance of peace, our very ignorance will accuse us. And on a more disturbing level, when we choose to ignore God’s warnings, we make ourselves vulnerable to The Accuser who seeks to keep us unaware and ignorant.
Meditate for a while on this prophetic vision from the Minor Prophet, Zechariah:
“Then the angel showed me Jeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua. And the Lord said to Satan, ‘I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.’” – Zechariah 3:1-2
In our own power we are helpless to shake off the pull toward apathy and numbness. It is only through the power and life of Jesus that we can remain alert and aware without being overwhelmed.
Still yourself again and then listen to Jesus
What might Jesus be saying to you today?
What will you do about that?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
