3/2/10 Luke 21
Beware & Be Alert
The end of Luke 20 Jesus warns his disciples about following the scribes teaching and stress that they may look good on the outside, but inwardly they are unclean. Their personal appearance is an inward desire that others would respect, honor, and envy them and their authority. Jesus says that this is evident by how they dress, how they desire people to address them in public, what position they are given at banquets, and how their long prayers. Jesus is telling the disciples it is all “show.” Jesus slips in one thing that may go unnoticed by the disciples and other observers of their conduct; they “devour widow’s houses.” The scribes were known as individuals that did estate planning for widows and would convince widows that they would be supporting God’s work by giving to the temple or supporting the scribe own work and essentially would rob the widows of their wealth.
Chapter 21 is a continuation of this scene and Jesus and the disciples are watching the rich put in their gifts to the temple treasury, but Jesus calls attention to the “poor widow” who puts in two small cooper coins and says that she is one who has given the most, because she gave all that she had. So we must beware, watchful, careful, about religious leaders in any context that outwardly have a form of righteousness, but inwardly are evil and corrupt. It is also an encouragement for us to know that God notices those things that are not publicly visible and will reward or condemn appropriately. Honesty and humility are two rails, which are necessary for individuals to live godly lives.
The remaining portion of Luke 21 is similar to Matthew 24 and Mark 13, which are some of the most discussed and difficult to interpret, but rather than getting tied down in the details at this point. I want to encourage you to live in such way that you will be ready to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:34 says to “Be on guard” Luke 21:36 says “keep on the alert” and to “pray for strength.” We must be alert to the fact that we are all going to face judgment and examination before Jesus. There will be no excuses just the raw truth. Be Alert!
Prayer:
Dear Father, give me discernment regarding what you see versus what I see. Let me see the spiritual truth that surrounds me. Give me a discerning heart concerning righteousness and evil. I pray also that I would live carefully and not in way that is careless, wasteful, and self-indulgent. Protect my heart from being entangled with the worries of this live and give me an eternal perspective that guides my beliefs, decisions and actions. Consume me from the inside out, In Jesus name. Amen.