Thursday, February 14, 2013

The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Thursday, February 14, 2013       The Consequences of Following Me      

Page 197-198         Matthew 19:27 - 20:16; Mark 10:28-31; Luke 18:28-30

Jesus ended our last reading by telling his followers how difficult it is to enter into the Kingdom of God. However he assured them they need not worry because all things are possible with God. As we begin today’s reading, Peter asked Jesus, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?” (Matthew 19:27). Jesus’ answer is disquieting. The editors of The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ inserted the words ‘with persecutions’ in Matthew 19:29. Although I cannot find those words in any other translation, I do find that they are consistent with Jesus’ teachings about the cost of discipleship. They are certainly consistent with Jesus’ parable about the vineyard workers which follows.

In the parable of the vineyard, Jesus illustrates the extravagant generosity of God. However the context of the parable is within Jesus’ teaching about life in the Kingdom and the cost of following him. Did you notice that the landowner never justified his seemingly crazy hiring practices? In the parable, the landowner’s focus is always on the workers and their needs. In the end the landowner is bringing into his vineyard those that nobody else wanted.

The parable also reveals the nature of people to want to control their environment and enhance their sense of entitlement. The workers said they ‘deserved more’ even though they were given exactly what they bargained for. Never is there a mention that those workers did more than they agreed. Ultimately, I believe Jesus wants us to see that Christian virtue is its own reward. If we will remain focused on reaching out to the least, the last and the lost, Jesus will take care of everything we need.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33).

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

What word or phrase in today’s reading attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  In addition to this BLOG they are distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com. The BLOG is also available on Amazon Kindle, by subscription.

The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Friday, February 15, 2013  I Spoke Words of Wisdom to My Disciples:

Part One       Page 198-199         Luke 12: 1-12