Luke 20:45-21:4
So I am reading through the Gospels several times, to better understand the gospel, the kingdom of God, and how to live like Jesus. I am currently in Luke. Interesting 1 in 8 verses in Luke is about the poor/the oppressed/the least of these/etc, and how we should take care of them, and value them. (A message mostly missed in America, but one that we are rediscovering.)
Anyway here is another example from my devotions. Luke 20:45-21:4 (BTW, a note about chapters and subtitles, I hate them. They cause me to read in little chunks rather than understand the whole . . . so why would anyone put a chapter break here? oh, well) In these verses Jesus speaks against the teachers of the law who practice "righteousness" before men, but do not place value on the poor, in fact, they oppress them. In contrast, Jesus looks at the widow who had nothing, gave little, and places value on her.
I have had trouble in my life valuing the poor/oppressed, more than I value the rich/the leader/the person with their life together. So I pray . . .
Lord, in my heart and my life, may I place a greater value on the poor and the oppressed like you did. May I not live out spirituallity for people to see, but in love and quiteness do what is right, and value those who you value.
Anyway here is another example from my devotions. Luke 20:45-21:4 (BTW, a note about chapters and subtitles, I hate them. They cause me to read in little chunks rather than understand the whole . . . so why would anyone put a chapter break here? oh, well) In these verses Jesus speaks against the teachers of the law who practice "righteousness" before men, but do not place value on the poor, in fact, they oppress them. In contrast, Jesus looks at the widow who had nothing, gave little, and places value on her.
I have had trouble in my life valuing the poor/oppressed, more than I value the rich/the leader/the person with their life together. So I pray . . .
Lord, in my heart and my life, may I place a greater value on the poor and the oppressed like you did. May I not live out spirituallity for people to see, but in love and quiteness do what is right, and value those who you value.
posted by Jon Knapp at
8:06 AM
3 Comments:
Here's the link if you want to read the verse online: Luke 20:45-21:4
That's a great post. I think that it is a humbling look at anybody who considers themselves a Christian. Not just those in religious authority. When it is my turn to pray, do I make a show? I hope that I don't try to impress with my prayers, but I know that sometimes I end up praying things that are not for God to hear, but for the people in the room. Hmm...
I was watching "Meet the Parents" last night. Do you remember the scene where Greg (Ben Stiller) is asked to pray for the meal by Jack (Robert DiNero)? I squirm and laugh as Greg - who isn't religious - trys to pray this prayer for the meal.
He struggles through the prayer, making up things that sound religious. I squirm for the uncomfortableness of the situation, but also, becuase I've been in that situation before...not exactly like that one, but similar.
I know we've all been asked to pray in front of people before. But sometimes we just make it a show...trying to come up with religious words that sound good.
Certianly, God doesn't need our words and well put together sentences containing theology. I'm sure that He wants us to talk to Him. Let Him know what we are feeling, thinking. Ask Him for His guidance. And listen.
Sometimes I'm thrust into situations where I'm expected to pray. God, may my heart be heard, not what sounds good.
Thanks for the posts Aaron. I was reading a publication that had a comic in it where someone was fixing the time problem in service by combining prayer and anouncements, "Lord, may there be a good turn out for the Men's breakfast this Saturday . . ."
Sadly, I have found myself doing this at times.
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