Real Love

The religious leaders of the day believed they had it made, and yet they come to Jesus asking about inheriting eternal life and the greatest commandment.  After giving an answer to the two greatest commandments, the experts of the law ask Jesus about who is this neighbor they are to love like themselves.

The story Jesus tells has "religious" leaders in it.  It is the priest and a Levite who pass by a severely injured man on the road.  However, it's a Samaritan, the scum pond of the day, who sees the man and goes out of his way to help him.  His help is so extensive that he promises the innkeeper any amount of money needed when he returns from his journey for the injured man to receive the care for his full healing (Luke 10:25-37).

How do we respond to those hurting around us?  It may only take an encouraging word or a prayer that assures the hurting that they are noticed and someone cares.  We need to realize that if we behave like the priest and the Levite in this parable, then Jesus tells us we are without love.  We are not loving the God we cannot see if we cannot even love the people we can see.

Learn to Rest

While in the area, Jesus visited the home of His friends, Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus. He shared a deep love for these three.   While visiting, Martha works busily in the kitchen making meal preparations while Mary sat at Jesus' feet.  We don't know the internal workings of either of these woman, but we do know Martha approached Jesus regarding Mary's lack of help.  

An observation of both women we would believe Martha displays the gift of hospitality and service while Mary shows nothing but laziness.  Yet, when Martha makes a judgment of the situation Jesus tells her that Mary has chosen the better, and He will not take it away from her (Luke 10:42).

So often we get caught up in the doing that we actually forget what is important.  How often do we become like Martha where we become "worried and upset about many things" (Luke 10:41)?  We need to be aware that there will be times we need to be actively living our faith out before others.  Yet, there are other seasons in our life where we need to be resting at the feet of Jesus.  

Jesus will show us when we should be doing and when we should be resting.  We need to not let others distract us from what Jesus is calling us to do.

Jesus is the Answer

     The boat violently rocked to and fro.  As the boat tossed about the lake, death seemed inevitable for all those aboard.  In fear the disciples searched for Jesus.  Despite the severity of the storm brewing around Him, Jesus slept peacefully. (Matthew 8:23-27)

     How often life's difficulties rob us of peaceful sleep.  Sometimes we spend time tossing and turning in our beds as we mull over the events of our day and try to figure out what we can do to fix it.  We figure we must be smart enough and clever enough to repair the mess we find ourselves engulfed in at times. 

     When the disciples realized they couldn't stop the storm they searched for Jesus.  Did they actually know Jesus could calm the storm?  The Scriptures seem to indicate that they didn't when they asked, "What kind of man is this that the winds and waves obey Him?"

     Jesus' desire for us remains the same.  He wants us to have faith in what HE can do to care for us.  He wants us to learn to snuggle in beside Him and know that the storms are His job to calm for us. 

     How can you let Him solve what you're struggling with  today?

What kind of things do you feel display you are trusting the Lord instead of trying to fix things yourself?

This will be a place to be encouraged to rest in the presence of the Lord and find His rest....everyday for all things.