Encouraging words

 

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.  (Luke 14:1)

There were two things worth pondering as I read just the first line of the 14^th Chapter in the Gospel of Luke today (Luke 14:1-6).

First, Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees.  This was no small thing.  In fact, it was most likely the source of much discussion among the people and the other Pharisees.  It shows us that Jesus doesn’t play favorites.  He didn’t come just for the poor and weak.  He also came for the conversion of the wealthy and powerful.  Too often we forget that simple fact.  Jesus came for all people; He loves all people and responds to invitations from all who want to have Him in their lives.  Of course this passage also reveals that Jesus wasn’t afraid to come to the home of this leading Pharisee and challenge him and his guests so as to move them to a change of heart.

Second, this passage states that people were “observing Him carefully.”  Perhaps some were merely curious and were looking for something to talk about later with their friends.  But others were most likely observing Him carefully because deep in their hearts, they sincerely wanted to understand Him.  They could tell there was something unique about Jesus and they wanted to know more about Him.

These two lessons should encourage us to realize that Jesus does love us and will respond to our openness to His presence in our lives.  All we have to do is ask and be open to Him coming to “dine” with us.  We should also learn from the witness of those who were observing Him carefully.  They reveal to us the good desire we should have to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.  Though some who observed Him carefully turned against Him and mocked Him, there were others who observed Him carefully and embraced Jesus and His message.

I also reflected a bit on the beautiful letter from Saints Paul and Timothy “… to all the holy ones in Jesus Christ who are in Philippi…” (Philippians 1:1-11)

I can imagine this letter being written to us, today, wherever we find ourselves.  It’s a message to all of us who are trying to live faithful lives in response to the Gospel message.

“I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you…

I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it…

And this is my prayer:

That your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception,

to discern what is of value…”

This is precisely the message we all need in 2020!  We need the encouragement to keep going even though our mind, body, and spirit may be very tired.  We need to be confident that others are with us on this great journey.  We need to be enlightened to know that we’re here for His reason; and that He will be with us always, even unto the end of time. (Matthew 28:20)