Luke and The Lost
Do you ever wonder if the way we “do church” gets more and more complicated all the time? We say we want church to be based on the foundation of Jesus Christ. We say He is the head of the church. We are taught to promote bullet point purpose statements so we will know what we are doing and keep us focused to it. We are organized and structured with checks and balances so that no one individual can take control. We then further complicate the process with the unwritten rules and procedures that people who are new to church take a while to figure out. You know you are breaking one of the unwritten rules when you get “the look” or a sarcastic comment. We form committees to do stuff of importance but the meetings are longer than actually doing the mission. Mm. Just wondering.
The Pharasees of Jesus’ day were great at making up rules upon rules. The Law (God’s Word) was used only as a tool to create a plethora of man-made rules. These rules put the leaders in control (they thought) and oppressed a nation that was already oppressed by the local government. God’s people needed to find God and come back to Him. Complicated rules served only to block the people on their search for God. It is no wonder that Jesus, Son of God, became popular so quickly. Jesus came with simplicity. He taught his disciples to also keep it simple. Jesus knows what we need. Jesus taught the real, authentic intent of God’s Law. He taught who God is and how to love Him back. He taught how to love each other. Simple.
Luke 9, The Message
1-5 Jesus now called the Twelve and gave them authority and power to deal with all the demons and cure diseases. He commissioned them to preach the news of God’s kingdom and heal the sick. He said, “Don’t load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple; you are the equipment. And no luxury inns—get a modest place and be content there until you leave. If you’re not welcomed, leave town. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and move on.”
6 Commissioned, they left. They traveled from town to town telling the latest news of God, the Message, and curing people everywhere they went.
Dear Heavenly Father, Help us to focus on the simplicity of You and what You desire of us. Help us to see and understand the simplicity of Your Word. Help us focus on You, love You and love others like You love us. Send us to help others find and follow You. Help us to keep it simple.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 