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In verses 33-36 it says, “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.” The example of light is very good at explaining our ability to not only see Christ, but also to reflect His light. It is important to remember that my relationship with Him has a direct correlation with my ability to see Him. When I am close to God and have the ability to see Him in the right perspective, I can then accept His leading more easily.
And He said to His disciples, “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. (Luke 12:22, 23 NASB) this chapter held so many points of wisdom. But this one says it so well for me. Do not Worry.
I agree Lisa, there is so much good stuff in today’s reading, it’s really hard just to pick out a couple of points. For me, the Parable of the Rich Fool hit home. I’ve been taught to plan well, save money for a rainy day, put away money for retirement and take care of my family. When I read this passage and others like it, I’m really convicted to analyze my life and think about how much of what God’s given me do I use for Him and His purposes and how much do I keep for myself? Do I tear down perfectly good barnes to build bigger ones that hold more things? Those words sting a little bit when reading them.
The other passage that sticks out to me is v 49 and the section about Jesus coming to bring division not peace. He’s regarded as the Prince of Peace, but while He was here and until He comes back, Jesus really breeds division among us including close friends and family. These verses are definitely in contrast to what we think about when we think of Jesus, but He also told us that we should take up our cross daily to follow Him. That means we have to die to ourself and the things of this world and sometimes that means relationships too.
Brian, I completely agree. How much is enough in my life? More importantly, how much in my life helps me serve God and others more? When I put it in that perspective I am incredibly convicted of how I choose to live my life.
I don’t know why this struck me, but the chapter opens with “By this time the crowd, unwieldy and stepping on each other’s toes, numbered into the thousands. But Jesus’ primary concern was his disciples” There are masses of people trying to get to him. Most people would revel in the attention in the glory. I know that would be my temptation as a performer. But Jesus (ah, I love those 2 words) did the opposite. He sat down with his disciples and taught them. He loved them. He poured himself into them. He put his energy where he knew it was most needed. Another glimpse into the personhood of this man.