Luke 13:22-30
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.
In our last meditation we considered the power and potential of small acts of shalom to bring the Kingdom of God into the world. Keep this in mind as you read Luke 13:22-30.
Why is the way into to the Kingdom of God so narrow, and why do many people miss it altogether?
The entrance to God’s Kingdom was thrown open when Jesus entered our world, because Jesus is the gate, the doorway, the ladder that reconnects broken humanity with God. But entering God’s Kingdom through Jesus isn’t just a matter of knowing who Jesus is or even knowing what he teaches. Only when we purposefully turn from our natural, broken inclinations to walk in the way of Jesus can we pass through the door and experience shalom.
This is one of the paradoxes of our faith: there is nothing we can do to redeem ourselves and reconnect with God apart from what Jesus has already done on our behalf, but remaining in Jesus requires awareness and effort on our part.
Talk to Jesus for a while about the ways you are seeking to know him and walk in his ways on a daily basis. Be sure to listen as much as you speak.
Read Luke 13:22-30 again.
At the very beginning of this passage, we see why Jesus’ tone has taken on urgency. Jesus is “pressing on toward Jerusalem” where he will be arrested and executed. Those who continue to ignore him will soon find that their opportunity to experience God’s Kingdom on earth has passed.
The most insignificant, invisible- to-society person who turns to Jesus and enters into relationship with him will be welcomed back to God and will experience God’s shalom. But even the most important religious leader who remains blind and deaf to Jesus will be shut out of the mercy and blessing of God’s Kingdom.
Stop to consider how your daily life might change if you knew Jesus was returning in the flesh in the very near future. Stay with this line of thinking for a while and share your thoughts with Jesus.
Then get still and let the presence of Jesus settle around and in you.
What is Jesus urgently inviting you to do today?
How will you respond?
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