29And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.
Luke 7:29-30
Jesus is our Example
Luke 7 goes on to describe how Jesus interacted with various groups of people, including tax collectors and sinners. This aspect of His ministry often drew criticism from religious leaders, but it exemplifies a crucial truth: Jesus meets people where they are while calling them to something higher.
We see Jesus willing to associate with those considered outcasts by society, showing love and compassion without compromising truth. He didn’t condone sin, but He also didn’t let it be a barrier to reaching people with the good news of God’s kingdom.
This challenges us to examine our own attitudes and actions. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones to reach those who are different from us? Can we love unconditionally while still holding fast to the truth of God’s Word? Jesus shows us it’s possible to do both.
18Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. 19And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 20When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’ ” 21And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. 22Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”
Luke 7:18-23
In a world filled with uncertainty and confusion, we often find ourselves searching for answers, direction, and hope. The Gospel of Luke offers us a powerful glimpse into the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the long-awaited One who came to fulfill ancient prophecies and bring salvation to humanity. Let’s explore a crucial aspect of Jesus’ identity and mission that can transform our understanding and deepen our faith.
Jesus is the Messiah
From the very beginning, God promised a Savior who would come to redeem His people. Throughout the Old Testament, prophets spoke of this coming Messiah, building anticipation for generations. In Luke 7:18-23, we see an intriguing exchange between Jesus and the disciples of John the Baptist. John, imprisoned and perhaps experiencing a moment of doubt, sends his followers to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus’ response is both profound and practical. Instead of a simple yes or no, He points to the evidence of His ministry: “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” These miracles and acts of compassion were not random acts of kindness but the fulfillment of messianic prophecies.
In our own lives, we may sometimes question God’s plans or presence. Like John the Baptist, we might need reassurance. The lesson here is to look at the evidence of God’s work in and around us. Where have we seen His hand moving? How has He fulfilled His promises in our lives and in the world?
14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
John 17:14-16
As followers of Christ, we’re called to be “in the world but not of the world” (John 17:14-16). This means engaging with our culture and society while holding fast to the values and truths of God’s Kingdom. It’s a delicate balance, but one that leads to a life of purpose, impact, and eternal significance.
So how do we navigate this tension? Here are a few practical suggestions:
Cultivate gratitude for God’s provision, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Him.
Seek satisfaction in Christ above all else, making time for prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word.
Find joy in serving others and building God’s Kingdom, rather than pursuing selfish pleasures.
Prioritize pleasing God over gaining human approval, even when it means standing alone.
Remember, the path of following Christ may not always be easy, but it leads to true life, both now and in eternity. As Moses challenged the Israelites, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19).
Today, we face a similar choice. Will we chase after the fleeting promises of this world, or will we embrace the abundant life found in Christ? The decision is ours, but the invitation is clear: Choose life. Choose Christ. For in Him, we find a joy, peace, and fulfillment that the world can never match.
As we go about our daily lives, let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, “the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Let us strive to focus on long-term values and priorities rather than material possessions. For where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also (Matthew 6:21).
God is righteous. This fact is learned very early in the cycle of Christian maturity. Righteousness is an attribute of God that is unchanging and perpetual.
What do we mean when we say God is righteous? The dictionary defines righteous as “characterized by uprightness or moral character.” God’s righteousness is not simply something He does, it is who He is. Righteousness is a component of God’s character.
The Bible speaks often of God’s righteousness. Psalm 7:11 declares “God is a righteous Judge.” Psalm 33:5 relates the truth that God loves righteousness and justice. These examples are only two of many throughout the entirety of the Bible that speak to this attribute of God.
May we consider the implications of this truth? God is righteous all the time. He is in a perpetual state of being “right.” Such a truth is impossible for us to comprehend in our limited, sinful state and yet we know it is true.
God is righteous when things don’t go well in this life. He is righteous when my prayers are answered in the way I desire and when they are not answered as I had hoped. God’s righteousness in not contingent upon the circumstances of our life even when do not understand His ways or His will.
Ultimately, God is righteous in saving sinners. What is the reason for this? God punished Jesus in our place. (2nd Corinthians 5:21) Jesus was condemned so that we could go free. (Romans 8:1) We are justified in God’s sight and given the righteousness of Christ through salvation. (Titus 3:7)
May we give thanks today to the God is always righteous and just!
As Believers, the one constant in our life is our relationship with God. God never changes. God is constant in a world that changes rapidly from day to day.
The attribute that describes God’s unchanging nature is called “immutability.” The Scriptures teach this important principle about God’s character. Malachi 3:6 says For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. Hebrews 13:8 tells us Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. This truth is taught consistently through the witness of the Bible.
Immutability does not mean that God does the same thing exactly the same way every time. No, God is creative in how He works and wills His sovereign plan for the universe. Immutability does mean that God always acts in ways that are consistent with His character. That is something fallible, sinful human beings cannot truthfully say about themselves.
Let us give thanks today for God’s unchanging nature. Let us give thanks that God is always consistent in this world that constantly changes.
3 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. 5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Three thoughts from 2 Thessalonians 3……………….
**Pray for the proclamation of the Gospel
**Trust in the Lord’s Faithfulness
**Trust in the Lord’s direction
Pray for those who serve and minister in the gospel ministry. Trust in the faithfulness of God as He will never let you down. Trust the Lord to lead you in all things. These active steps of obedience will yield fruit in your life and in the lives of others.
“Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.”
Luke 6:26
In our social media-driven age, the temptation to seek likes, follows, and constant affirmation is stronger than ever. But Jesus warns us about the danger of living for the applause of others. When we compromise our beliefs or water down the truth to gain approval, we risk becoming like the false prophets of old who told people what they wanted to hear rather than God’s truth.
This doesn’t mean we should intentionally be offensive or difficult. As Paul advises, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). However, we must be willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it’s unpopular or challenges the status quo.
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Let us consider three thoughts from 2 Thessalonians 2 as we seek the Lord. I pray these truths will comfort, encourage, and direct us as we follow Christ.
The New Year always begins with much promise. It seems like a chance to start over and try to do better. At times, we are able to improve and strengthen our lives. At other times, it feels as if we waste our new beginnings and revert to old patterns.
While our improvement is hit and miss, God’s new beginnings are always perfect. We, as humans, sometimes fail to meet our goals and hit the marks we establish. God always accomplishes and completes what He starts.
Let us perceive a simple truth from God’s Word as we begin this New Year. As Believers, we have been made into new creations. 2nd Corinthians 5:17 reveals this truth when Paul says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Through the power of forgiveness and the gift of salvation, we have been made into brand new persons in the sight of God.
We are now forgiven where once we were condemned. We are now found where once we were lost. We are now alive where once we were dead. We are now justified where once we were guilty. We have been made new through the blood of Jesus!
Certainly, we still struggle with sin. And this truth does not mean that we are perfect in this life. It means that we are being made perfect and that one day we will be complete when we are with Jesus forever.
Have you been made into a new creation through the forgiveness of your sins? Have you trusted Christ for your salvation? New Year’s resolutions are fine. But, having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ is infinitely better. Believe in Him and trust Him through faith today!
Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness[a] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. 5 Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Principles to help Christians prepare for the Day of the Lord……
**Give thanks for God’s goodness
**Trust God for vengeance
**Trust the Lord to set things right
**Pray earnestly that Christ will be glorified in us
mrtonyfrench 