Read Luke 8
Highlights:
Women healed of evils spirits and infirmities (Luke 8:1-3). Parable of the Sower (8:4-15). Our new relationship with the Lord: My mother and My brethren are these which hear the Word of God, and do it (8:19-21). He stills the storms (8:22-25), defeats the demons (8:26-39), heals the sick (8:43-48), and feeds the hungry (9:12-17). Don't miss this key verse — 9:23. The cost to us (9:57-62).
Our Lord did not welcome the volunteers who had appeared at first so willing to join Him (Luke 9:57-62). Their excuses revealed divided hearts that were unworthy of His high calling. That single eye of devotedness to Christ (Matt. 6:22-24), where all else in this world fades into insignificance, was lacking. Love dictated the sternness of our Lord's words.
How differently Jesus handled the situation from the way some churches would accept these prospects! But, like Gideon, it may be that we should take a new look at our crowds and settle for the few who truly mean business. But, there are those who are obsessed with numbers. Thus, some look on these "prospects" as a good showing on the books!
Is there anything in your heart or your life that keeps you from giving Christ your undivided attention? Jesus said: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (material things) (Matt. 6:24). Rather than being a halfhearted compromiser, stand fast in the Lord. . . . Rejoice in the Lord alway. . . . Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God . . . shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Phil 4:1,4,6-7).
Jesus calls us to Himself — to give to us His life and His forgiving love. For the Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them (Luke 9:56). The more carefully we read His Word and listen to His voice with submissive hearts, the more all worldly ambitions and human standards fade into insignificance. Nothing the world can offer has any lasting eternal value. Our heart's desire should be that of the Apostle Paul, who said: I determined not to know (esteem as important) any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified (I Cor. 2:2).
The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the Harvest, that He would send forth labourers into His harvest (Luke 10:2).
Thought for Today:
That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death (Phil. 3:10).
Cross Reference:
For Luke 8:10: See Is. 6:9. For Luke 9:35: See Ps. 2:7.
Word Studies:
8:44 stanched stopped flowing; 9:3 staves staffs, walking sticks; scrip small bag for money or food; 9:29 glistering shining with brilliance.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Government Officials: Rep. Mary Bono Mack (CA), Sen. Jeff Merkley (OR), Gov. Mike Rounds (SD), Rep. José Serrano (NY), and Rep. Bradley Sherman (CA) • Country: Chad (7 million) in north-central Africa • Major languages: French and Arabic • Limited religious freedom • 35% Muslim; 31% animist; 11% Protestant; 5% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord and ask Him to direct your steps (Ps. 143:8).
Memory Verse for the Week:
