THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 9:37-45
“You unbelieving and perverse generation…” (Luke 9:41)
Yesterday I spoke about how we are saved to live and love like Jesus.
These words seem to challenge this: am I supposed to talk like this?
Am I expected, and permitted, to call out someone’s perversity?
First, in the context we see that Jesus doesn’t mean moral perversion.
The word for ‘perverse’ literally means to be ‘turned through’.
To be inside out, mixed up, confused, off the path, missing the mark.
Second, it is possible to speak these words with sincere love.
Our problem is that our corrupted love can’t say these words as lovingly.
Jesus asks how long He must put up with their mixed up lack of faith (v.41).
We know the answer; He put up with us to death, He stays with us for ever.
I am not yet able to say these words, but that doesn’t need to be my goal.
My challenge is to love sincerely, to ‘put up’ with people like He did!
My job is not to seek ‘hard words’ or ‘great miracles’, but ‘great love’.
As my love grows, God will lead me to speak and do ‘great things’.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, my harsh words usually comes from a mix of both sincere and selfish love. Help me to see that learning to love precedes speaking the truth in love!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Where do I turn with my troubles and sorrows and disappointments? Take it all to the Lord in prayer. Jesus showed the majesty and power of God through His miracles and as His follower I need to do the same – to bring the love of God to those I meet and greet – being an instrument of His peace.
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.