Not Your Average Meal

“Then he turned to the host. “The next time you put on a dinner, don’t just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You’ll be—and experience—a blessing. They won’t be able to return the favor, but the favor will be returned—oh, how it will be returned!—at the resurrection of God’s people." - Luke 14:12-14

To say that Jesus was the “atypical” dinner guest is an understatement of the first magnitude.  Recently, I was reading through Luke chapter fourteen in preparation for a lesson and was again reminded of how "social" Jesus was throughout his ministry. He was tagged a "glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners" (Luke 7:34).  In the Gospel of Luke Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal or leaving a meal! 

The meal scene in Luke 14 is bizarre and awkward.  It begins with a spontaneous healing that offended most of the guests which in turn leads to Jesus telling the guests how to seat themselves at the next party (go low before you go high!) to instructing the host to invite a different crowd the next time he throws a party.  Talk about rude.  But Jesus' only interest was in expanding their minds about the kingdom - not winning the congeniality award!  

As a child I regarded the parables of Jesus as simple stories.  Light, innocent, informative stories that gave us insight into Jesus’ ministry.  The more I meditate on these brief stories, especially the one in Luke 14, the more I realize they are heavy, challenging and educational bombshells that show us what the kingdom of God should look like. 

Occasionally, we get into conversations with each other about the “”identifying marks of the church.”  Been in one of those recently?  The “marks”, as we call them, usually materialize into things like baptism, the assembly (how it’s done), certain doctrinal points, acapella singing and so on.  As best I can remember, I can’t recall a single conversation about our “marks” that eventually referred to the above text in Luke 14.   

In their book The Tangible Kingdom Hugh Halter and Matt Smay ask the following questions:  “Do people take us Christians seriously?  Do they respect us and our way of life?  Do the spiritually hungry look to the average evangelical church for help, or would they rather go buy a self-help book at Barnes & Noble?”

Later in the book they point out some stats from The Barna Group remarking that almost every statistical reference to the church indicates that we not only can’t draw people, but we can’t even keep the ones we have.  Between 2004 and 2007 they discovered the following statistics about the American population.

1. 1/3 of the adult population has not attended any type of church service or activity other than a special event such as a funeral or a wedding during the year.
2. One out of three adults is classified as “unchurched” meaning that they do not attend a church service of any kind.  When you project these statistics across the aggregate population, the numbers are staggering.  An estimated 73 million adults are presently unchurched.  When teens and children are added, the total swells to roughly 100 million Americans.
3. Roughly half of all churches in America did not add one new person through conversion growth last year.
4. In America it takes the combined effort of eighty-five Christians working over an entire year to produce one convert.

Walter and Smay conclude with this stirring comment:

“The inescapable conclusion is that we must throw out any notion that God is truly at the center of the church’s heart in North America.  The shift in society’s view of the church has resulted in the marginalization of the church and the secularization of society.  Christianity has lost its place at the center of American life.  Christians must learn how to live the gospel as a distinct people who not longer occupy the center of society.  We must learn to build relational bridges that win a hearing.” 

 

A handful of counseling conversations and spontaneous chats with people in the streets over the past three weeks have again awakened me to some realities:

1.  Luke 14 needs to be “a mark”.

2.  The way we do church right now in most places isn’t calibrated to fit Luke 14 into the system in a way that will allow it to do much more than stir our minds much less our imaginations.

3.  It is imperative that we put the blessing of people with the good news of the gospel over our traditionalism.  I think the Head of the church is paying attention to what we do with this one…big time!

4.  We need to examine our hearts and take a hard look at our capability and willingness to interface with people in genuine ways outside of our conventional gatherings.  Jesus said, “Go…” but what does going “look like…today?” 

5.  Whatever stands between us and serious conversation about this “simple episode” in Luke 14 needs to be kicked to the curb while we can still kick. 

Henry Nouwen in Gracias writes:

More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water and be known as someone who wants to live with them.  It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simply ministry of presence.  Still, it is not as simple as it seems.

My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets.  It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around and urgent cause and not to feel that you are working directly for social progress.

But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn’t be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell our own and to let them know with words, handshakes and hugs that you do not simply like them – but truly love them.

O Lord teach us to do just that.  Amen.

Randy Daugherty

Stephenville, Texas

Radical Stories in Luke

He Who Has Ears to Hear

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is arguably one of the most familiar stories Jesus told (Luke 16:19-31).  And, like every other parable Jesus told, it, too, has a powerful punch line.  After a first reading of this story, most people tend to get lost in speculating about the description of paradise and hell.  While the reality of reward and loss are imbedded in the story, the center of the story is about hearing the gospel.  Whether you take it as a hypothetical story about what the afterlife will be like for those who accept and reject the gospel, or an actually story that occurred on the “other side” of this life, one thing is clear:  the rich man wanted someone to go back to his family and tell them to seriously consider the gospel message.  He said, “I have five brothers and I don’t want them to end up like me.”  Abraham‘s response is interesting.  He understands the rich man’s concern, but he rejects the idea that a “resurrected persuader” would be any more effective than what they already have at their disposal, namely, the Word of God.  “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead” (Luke 16:31).  Hmmm?

Have you ever wished God would go miracle crazy for about a 30 day stretch?  We might envision God doing such things as restoring sight to the blind, healing diseases of every kind and doing scheduled broadcasts of resurrections at a few cemeteries.  Can you imagine the news coverage?  As tantalizing as it sounds, the truth is, Abraham is probably right.  We would commercialize it.  Sensationalize it.  Media moguls would want an exclusive with the people who “got raised.”  We would riddle them with questions about everything from portholes to who they saw to when their book will be published.  But, in the process of hearing and seeing what God had done we would most likely not witness mass conversions in the days that followed.  Abraham said, “If they want God – really want Him – then they can turn to His word.” 

Jesus decried his generation as a wicked generation because they were “sign hungry” (Matthew 12:29).  Give us “one more” and we’ll seriously consider your message!  As Jesus hung from the cross certain ones said, “Come down from the cross that we may see and believe.”   Just give us one more!  Not much has changed.  And, that’s why we need to read this parable every so often.  It underscores two important truths:  one about human nature and the other about the power and completeness of the Word of God.

The rich man got it “after the fact”.  He never accepted the reality and inevitability of death.  Did he ever think about ultimate things?  He lived like a god until he met the living God.  He understood too late.  I’ve often wondered how many times he was in conversations or overhead conversations or had exposure of some kind to “a word about the Lord”? 

We need the punch line of this parable.  It cuts through the noise, distractions and seductions that blind and deafen us to the call of God through the gospel.  It reminds us that we are not the masters of the universe.  But, we are the masters of our destiny as we pay attention to what God has done in Jesus Christ unto our blessing.  He preached it.  He wrote it down for us.  And, perhaps he has put someone into our life who has been trying to lay the blessed news of salvation into our ears.  If we love ourselves then we will listen to God’s wisdom in Jesus Christ.  And, as to whether God might go on another miracle crusade, the magnificent truth before us every day is that we encounter the most incredible supernatural moment a person can experience in this life every time the good news about Jesus Christ lands at our feet.  For it is through the gospel that the living God himself shoulder taps us and says “this is the greatest miracle the world has ever seen.  What do you think about it?”   

Father, give us ears to hear with.  Nothing else matters until we can hear as we should hear.  Give us the calmness of spirit, the serenity of heart and the humility to see our utter need of your grace and mercy in your Son, Jesus Christ.  Thank you for this indescribable gift.  Amen.

Randy Daugherty

Stephenville, Texas

Radical Stories in Luke

Appreciate the Father’s Compassion

The Parable of the Lost Son – Luke 15:11-32

When he (the younger son) came to his senses, he said,

 “How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am

 starving to death!  I will set out and go back to my father…”

His father saw him and was filled with compassion for him.

Luke 15:17, 18, 20

Family relationships can be highly emotional and overreactions, unfortunately, are often common behavior.  At the heart of most conflict is a self-centered attitude.  Pride influences selective memory.  short-sighted greed undermines long-term plans.  Jealousy causes us to place conditions on love.  Daily expectations can become so commonplace that we no longer know the meaning of gratitude.  We must ask ourselves, “Do I have an attitude of entitlement or appreciation?”

In the parable, Jesus tells us about two sons.  The younger son claimed his share of the estate and decided to live it up.  Jesus doesn’t provide a detailed account of how the money was spent, but we can assume “wild living” in Jesus’ day is similar to “wild living” in 2011.  The older brother went so far as to conclude that the money was squandered with prostitutes (v.30).  The older sibling is angry and frustrated, refusing to participate in the festivities.  The younger brother felt entitled to claim his inheritance early, spending it unwisely.  The older brother felt entitled to be paid his share of the estate, implying mistreatment (v.29, “All these years I’ve been slaving for you”).  Both brothers felt deserving of the gifts their father promised.  What happened to their humility?  Why had they developed a “me first” attitude?

The younger son didn’t realize the Father’s love was unconditional.  The son, once he had come to his senses, devised a plan to rejoin the household at a “demoted” position (v.19, “Make me like one of your hired men”).  However, the Father demonstrated mercy instead of justice.  Maybe it wasn’t until after the music and dancing had begun that the younger son fully appreciated the Father’s compassion.

The older son didn’t realize the Father’s love was unconditional.  The son, upon the return of his younger brother, decided to express his worthiness by reviewing his years of service.  In spite of his son’s self righteous attitude, the Father responded with mercy and generosity (v.31, “My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours”).  I would hope the older son would eventually appreciate the return of his lost brother and the welcoming embrace of a compassionate Father.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we regret that we sometimes take for granted your generous blessings and merciful love.  Your gifts are generous.  We should be grateful.  If we have chosen “wild living” away from your presence, please help us know without doubt that You want us to repent and return home.  Please help us share your joy and celebration when a sinner turns to your loving embrace.  We pray in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Carl Smith

Stephenville, Texas

Radical Stories in Luke

Don’t Talk to Strangers!

Praise God for His “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth” better known as the BIBLE!  He provided such a perfect guide for how we are to live our daily lives.  Jesus shared many principles of daily living through the use of parables. Parables are intended to teach us a lesson.  Often they represent an everyday situation that we have the opportunity to choose to serve or to obey our Heavenly Father.  The story of the Good Samaritan offers a lesson that relates to every single person – no matter where you are in your Christian journey.  Every single day we are given opportunities to engage with others.

Here is the parable for you to read….. Luke 10:25-37

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked,

   ²⁶ “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

   ²⁷ He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

   ²⁸ “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

   ²⁹ But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

  ³⁰ In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. ³¹ A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. ³² So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³ But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. ³⁴ He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. ³⁵ The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

   ³⁶ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

  ³⁷ The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

   Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Ask yourself who you consider to be your neighbor?  My guess is your response is similar to mine and would be a specific name or description of the people inhabiting the space nearest your home!  I personally, do not cognitively consider others I do not know as a ‘neighbor’.  Perhaps they could be acquaintances, but there is a category of “stranger / unknown” that many people fall into.  Consequently, I treat these people differently than people I am familiar with.    I am not sure if it is easier to help people you know or people you don’t know?    

I ask myself “how many times have I seen someone hurting and just kept walking?”  How many times have I had the opportunity to ask “I want to help – is there something I can do for you”?  How many times have I actually asked that question BUT didn’t sincerely mean it?  I am guilty in so many ways of passing up opportunities to help others whether in a physical way or an emotional way. I am guilty of this with people I am well acquainted with AND with strangers.  Sometimes, I tell myself “it’s not my business.  Stay out of it.”   At other times, I am more compelled to help because I don’t know the person or the details surrounding their situation.

In the parable above, Jesus describes how two men (who were supposed to be godly and should have been more likely to help) went out of their way to ignore a man who was obviously in need of help.  This man was beaten and left for dead and the men CHOSE to not show mercy and love to someone in need.  Yet, a Samaritan man was compelled to help.  Not only did he bandage his wounds and care for him, but he put the injured man on his own animal and took him to town.  He then made himself financially responsible for the hurt man as he left him in the care of someone else.  This demonstrates tremendous compassion and respect for human life!  Jesus demonstrates in this simple story that mercy shown to others is a way that we live out our faith.  We put Jesus’ love into action by our service to others.

Every encounter may not be a physical or financial need.  It may be emotional or mental.  The fundamental lesson is – TALK to strangers! Engage with others! They may need us!  More importantly, they may need Jesus!  So the next time you are faced with the opportunity to help others, take it!  Don’t allow yourself to second guess your actions or the outcome.  Trust that the God you have faith in is using you as an instrument of His love and peace!

Father, forgive me for squandering so many opportunities to share your love and mercy with others.  Please help me to recognize these and have courage to act on them.  Thank you for sending Jesus to live as an example and to share these parables with us.  Thank you for always being merciful.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Michelle Tittor

Grapevine TX

Theme: Radical Stories in Luke

Luke 14:12-14   

     

Jesus said to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers  or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid.  But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

The Lord encourages us to use our gifts and live our lives in ways that serve others.  To some, God has given the gift of hospitality.  In today’s text, a certain Pharisee is hosting a banquet.  Jesus uses the opportunity to teach a lesson.

The Lord doesn’t want us to use our gifts to impress others.  The Pharisee used the event to boost his stature among a group of important and influential people.  Reciprocal invitations are expected.  Instead, Jesus speaks of humility and a concern for others, no matter their status.  Look to serve those outside your normal, comfortable circle of friends and family… the poor and the handicapped.  He wants us to reach out to the same people he reached out to when he was serving on the earth.  Furthermore, he wants us to do so with genuine love in our hearts.

Jesus practiced what he preached and he asks us to do the same.  I encourage us to think about this next time we have a dinner party. God blessed us with talents so we can serve those who are normally rejected.  Let’s remember them!  It will likely take us out of our comfort zone and bless us at the same time.

Prayer

Father God we ask you to give us your eyes and your loving heart as we reach out to others.  Help us see those that you want us to reach. Open our eyes wide and our hearts, so that we are compelled to invite them into our homes. Touch them through us as we surrender to your will.

In Jesus name, Amen

Terry Smith             

Radical Stories In Luke

Luke 8:1-8

Jesus told the story of this stubborn woman and a corrupt judge to encourage his followers to persevere in prayer while awaiting the coming of the Kingdom of God. Unlike other parables, Jesus tells us in the first line of this one what the lesson is, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

In ancient times, widows had a hard time. They had no legal rights to their husband’s estate and were often reduced to begging. A widow with a grown son was usually taken care of, but those with small children or no children were on their own. We don’t know exactly the grievance of this widow, but she had no one to speak for her and she was completely powerless.  She was at the mercy of a judge who admittedly didn’t fear God or care about people. This powerful man had no regard for what we know to be the two greatest commandments: loving God and loving your neighbor. Perhaps because she had no money to pay him off, the judge would not hear her or help her. Apparently the woman had a good case against her adversary, so she went to the judge repeatedly, maybe daily, asking for justice.  

Remember the Energizer Bunny? “He keeps going & going & going. . . .” Well, this woman was like the Energizer Bunny; the judge wouldn’t hear her case, so bothered him until he finally heard her case and gave her justice.  She kept coming back, making a nuisance of herself before him because she KNEW he could answer her petition. The point is that, if the judge, who cared nothing for the widow or for justice, finally responded to her cry merely to be rid of her aggravating requests, then will not God, who loves us and gave His Son for us, answer our prayers when we are in need?

This is how Jesus wants us to pray. It is not a matter of wearing God out with our prayers. It is not because God doesn’t know our needs or remember his promises. It is not because He didn’t hear us the first time. By praying persistently, we are proving that our faith is genuine. If every prayer we prayed was answered immediately, how much faith would we need? But if we have to pray for months, years, or even decades before our prayers are answered, it shows our faith is strong. If the unjust judge is worn down by persistence, how can we doubt that the Just Judge will respond to faithful prayer?

In my own experience, when something is heavy on my heart or when I am in despair, this is when my relationship with God is especially important. I can either pray fervently to Him, or I can become depressed. Prayer allows my mind to focus on God, and helps me to know Him better; it takes my focus off of myself. I want to be persistently in relationship with Him, even when I can’t always see Him acting. The more I tell Him how I feel, constantly asking for His help, the closer I am to Him. To “pray always” is what keeps me from losing heart.
We are told to continually pray because that is how we stay in relationship with God.  It keeps us showing up day after day like the widow, trusting that God sees and hears us, so that when He does act we will be there, expecting His answer. Imagine the tragedy if one day the widow had given up; she decided she couldn’t stand another day of crying out and asking for justice, and that was the day the judge ruled.  I wonder how much of God’s love, forgiveness, healing, and intercession we have missed because we didn’t keep praying –  because we just quit too soon. To “pray always” is what insures we are present and faithful so that “when the Son of Man comes he will find faith on earth.”

Almighty God, you have promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in your Son’s name.  I pray that you will grant those things that we have faithfully asked according to your will, and that we may receive your blessings to meet our needs, and to bring glory to you; through Jesus Christ. Amen

Lynn Anne Hughes

Stephenville, Texas