Luke 15 - 4.23.24

SCRIPTURE:  LUKE 15:20 – 24

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

OBSERVATION

Jesus is telling several parables to the Pharisees after they were shocked he was around tax collectors and sinners. It’s hard to imagine but the Pharisees and most Jews did not associate with people they felt were unclean. Jesus wanted to share these parables to explain his mission, his heart, and exactly why he wanted to be around tax collectors and sinners: to save them!

The first parable was of the Lost Sheep – where Jesus describes how the shepherd leaves the 99 to go after the one who is lost. Jesus says in verse 7 “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nice righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

Jesus then tells a similar story in the Lost Coin when a woman searches high and low for the lost coin and rejoices when it’s found. Jesus then says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Then Jesus tells the most personal parable of the Prodigal Son who takes his inheritance, squanders all of it, realizes the error of his ways and comes back with a deeply repentant heart wanting to reconcile with his father. This is the perfect story of forgiveness. The father had every right to be upset at the son for squandering his inheritance and leaving the family. Instead, the father “is filled with compassion” and runs out to greet his son. In that same way, when we approach the Lord, he opens his arms to receive us! His love and compassion are bigger than anything we can imagine.

I love how each parable concludes with rejoicing in honor of the lost that are found. Heaven rejoices, angels rejoice and the Father in Heaven rejoices when a lost child comes home!

APPLICATION

Jesus shared these parables to reach the heart of some hardened religious people. He was trying to help them understand his mission: he was spending time with those who were lost, loving on those around him to lead them into salvation.

Personally, the story of the Prodigal Son has been a personal prayer and hope for our oldest son. Although a lot of wrongs have been done over many, many years, I kept hearing the Lord say “love on him.” Although it’s sometimes hard when another wrong happens or a hurtful word is said, the mission to show God’s love prevails. One day I know the Lord will bring our Prodigal to a restored life in Jesus. On that day, the rejoicing and celebrations will begin!

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for these parables. Your heart of love for the lost is so deep. Help me to have that same heart for those around me.  In each and every situation in life, I want to model your love, forgiveness, redemption, and complete restoration. Guide me to reach those I encounter each day for you. In Jesus name I pray!

- Mary Oberg

Psalm 124 - 4.22.24

Scripture

Psalm 124:8-Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Observation

King David wrote this Psalm, basically saying that if the Lord had not been on their (Israel’s) side, bad things would have happened to them.  He then gives God praise for helping them escape the “fowler’s snare.”  According to bibref.com, a “fowler’s snare” was a trap that bird catchers used to catch and lure birds.  In Scripture, it signifies how Satan sets traps for believers; however, the Lord helps them (us) escape.

As we are also reading through the book of Exodus, there is a parallel with this Psalm. God helped the Israelites escape slavery from Pharaoh.  It also has a parallel with the New Testament, reminding me of how God helped us escape slavery from sin because of Jesus Christ.

Application

Worship God for being our ever present help in times of need and trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

We have the help of the Maker of Heaven and Earth at our disposal.  He helps us when we are weak and tired.  He helps us through hard trials. He helps us when feeling afraid and alone.  He is not only with us, but He strengthens and helps us, according to His will!  Let’s continually call out to Him in our times of need and trouble!

Psalm 41:10-Do not fear, for I am with You. Do not be afraid, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  

Prayer

Dear Lord,

I am so humbled that You, the King of kings, Lord of lords and the Maker of Heaven and Earth, would care to help me.  Thank You for Your constant care and how I have access to You 24-7.  Help me to not take my access to You for granted.  I find so much comfort knowing that I never have to walk this life alone because of You. Amen. 

-Michelle Gaddi

Luke 13 - 4.19.24

Scripture: Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭10‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

”On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.“

Observations:

• The woman, who had been slumped over crippled for 18 years, still was faithful to go to the synagogue and worship God. When Jesus saw her he called her forward and told her she was set free. Then, he placed His hands on her and immediately she was healed! He took the time to touch her. She could have been healed by his words. 

• *Her first response was to praise God. Imagine how good it felt to physically do that!

• When talking to the hypocrites, Jesus pointed out the details of her journey. Satan kept her bound for 18 years and the truth that the Sabbath is a fitting time to set someone free.  

• The opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted at the wonderful things God was doing.  

Application:

What an example of faithfulness this woman had!  She was faithful to come to God’s house and worship even though she was slumped over.   I want to follow her example and keep pushing through, even when life happens. I need to keep in mind healing awaits. I may not see physical healing every time, but I cannot be in God’s presence with fellow believers and not be changed. 

I also want my response to be praise to God first above phoning a friend or posting on social media. Yes, I can give God glory by doing those things, but I want my first reaction to be thanks to Him. 

When God works people notice. 

Prayer:

Father God,

You care so deeply about me and have planned what is best. Please help me be faithful when I don’t see answers yet. Show me how you want me to move just as you did and reach out to others. 

Also Lord, I want to follow your example of not letting what boundaries man has set up stop me from impacting other’s lives. Keep my eyes open and help me look for the crossroads and opportunities you are presenting before me. 

Amen

- Cindy Howard