Today’s Scripture: Luke 6:16-49
46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? 47 I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. 49 But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”
Today’s Devotional
I have found myself getting angry lately about something and I hope you will allow me a little indulgence to express it to you today. I have found myself getting angry – like really angry – at people who claim to be followers of Christ but do things that contradict the teachings of Christ. I’m not going to list example for you – not only do I not have the space but I’m pretty sure that’s not the best way to handle my anger. And in fact, I’m sure this has happened since the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Based on today’s scripture passage, I KNOW it’s been happening since the beginning. But for some reason I’ve become more aware of it lately and it has produced some anger in me. So that’s my confession to you today!
Jesus gets to the point right there in verse 46. Why do you keep calling Jesus Lord if you don’t do what he says? Why do you call yourself a Christ follower if you live your life in direct opposition to his teachings?
In the next verse Jesus lays out the steps toward discipleship: come to Jesus, listen to his teachings, follow those teachings. That’s how ANY of us become disciples. We must first make a decision to COME to Jesus – to devote ourselves to him – to turn our lives over to him. Then we must LISTEN to his teachings. We have to make an effort to find out what it is Jesus says about life and how we should live it. Then we have to FOLLOW those teachings. I think this last part is where most people get caught – especially those who have been making me angry lately. It’s one thing to commit to Jesus. It’s another thing to listen and learn from him. But it is an ENTIRELY OTHER THING to actually follow his teachings in our everyday lives.
Now that I think about it. I’m not so sure I do a good job of this myself. Maybe my anger is displaced and should be focused on myself. How well do I follow the teachings of the one I claim to follow? I guess that’s the question every disciple must answer – everyday.
Jesus ends this passage by telling us that if we strive to follow his teachings we will begin to build a house with a strong foundation. When the wind and floods come it will stand, because the foundation is firm and dug deep – placed on solid rock. Are we building firm foundations? Are we following what we are learning?
Today’s Prayer
God help us to be better disciples. Help us to not only hear the words of Jesus but to follow them. Show us even this day how we can better live as followers of Christ.
Amen
This Week’s Immerse Passages:
Monday: Pages 1-12 (Luke 1 – 4:13)
Tuesday: Pages 13-27 (Luke 4:14-9:50)
Wednesday: Pages 28-37 (Luke 9:51-13:20)
Thursday: Pages 37-47 (Luke 13:21-19:27)
Friday: Pages 47-59 (Luke 19:28-24:53)
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