S – So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him

Luke 15:20 CSB

O – Commentary: It was a breach of an elderly Jewish man’s dignity to run, though familial love could take priority over dignity after a long absence.  Given the normal garb, the father would have to pull up his skirt to run. Kissing was a conventional greeting for family members or intimate friends; normally it consisted of a light kiss on the lips (easily distinguishable from lovers’ passionate kisses).

 The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament,

A – The energy of the moment is amazing.  The disregard for dignity and the emotion of reconciliation jumps off the page. Think about the magnitude and “unlimitedness” of God.  Yet, He confined himself to the human body of Jesus, who humbled him further by crucifixion on the cross for our sins. Thank you, God!

R – Lord, I am grateful for all that you do for me.  I don’t want to take for granted the cross.  I exalt you to the highest level of Lord and Savior today.  Let me walk in a way that personifies my gratitude and desire to be in relationship with you.

S – Now, salt is good, but if salt should lose its taste, how will it be made salty? 

Luke 14:34 CSB

O – Jesus uses the analogy of salt to describe our christian walk.  It should have a distinct “flavor” to it.  It shouldn’t blend in with all the other tastes.  Our relationship with Christ should cause us to stand out.

A – Commentary:  

“The only way for salt to lose its saltiness, from a chemical perspective, is for a chemical reaction to occur. NaCl is a very stable substance…for salt to lose its pungent saltiness, or change its physical composition, it would have to be diluted in water because it is non-reactive in its crystalline form. Or electricity would have to be introduced to force the sodium chloride into its ionic components thereby changing its chemical composition.”  Deneen White, January, 2007

Thoughts:

• Our relationship with Christ brings us stability and foundation for a unique relationship with God.
• It has potential to be diluted – a “watered” down Christianity.  
• It has potential to be affected by sin, temptation and life events to change our view of God, even though God has not changed.
• We have a choice in moving our relationship from stable to unstable because God remains the same, a change agent is introduced and we decide how it affects that relationship.

R – Lord, life is tough.  I am grateful that my relationship with you brings me great stability and a firm foundation to face all that life brings today.  I pray that I would remain strong in our relationship by the leading of your Holy Spirit and aligning with your Word.  I make the choice to remain strong in my relationship with you in all things I will face today.

S – For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

Luke 12:34 CSB

O – Such a simple, famous verse.  This gets quoted a lot.  The context revolves around earthly wealth and money.  It reinforces the principle that where our focus is, our thoughts, words and actions will follow.

A – Most things start in a healthy place.  Whatever is important to you (including money and wealth) actually starts with our basic needs to live and thrive.  Then, it moves into a desire for more.  Again, this is healthy until it becomes “unhealthy.”  When that desire goes causes your focus on more of this than God and it becomes your God.  Your life revolves around satisfying this desire more than your relationship with God himself.  

R – Lord, thank you for being my provider in all things.  Thank you that you give me more than enough to take care of my needs and my wants.  Please give me the strength and courage to face things that tempt me with “more.”  Help me to keep you the focus of my life.

S – Woe to you experts in the law! You have taken away the key to knowledge. You didn’t go in yourselves, and you hindered those who were trying to go in.”

Luke 11:52 CSB

O – Simple verse with heavy impact.  Jesus is challenging the leaders they are blocking those they lead by not accessing His teachings.  There is a tension between self-growth and growth that leads others.

A – I need to maintain a healthy growth pattern in my life.  I need to continually lean into the Word and my relationship with God to grow in my knowledge and application.   This enables me to have a healthy foundation to lead others.  I am ministering and leading from my overflow of personal growth and taking others along with me.

R – Lord, my relationship with you is important in consistent growth.  Help me to press into my relationship with you and the daily leading of the Holy Spirit.  In doing so, give me the wisdom and humility to lead others in their walks with you as well.

S – At that time he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, because this was your good pleasure.^, 

Luke 10:21 CSB

O –  Commentary: 

Jesus was full of joy through the Holy Spirit. Luke frequently mentioned the Holy Spirit’s ministry in Jesus’ life. The three Persons of the Godhead are clearly seen: Jesus the Son was doing the Father’s will in the power of the Holy Spirit. Each had a specific function (vv. 21–22).

“Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures\

A – We can have joy in the Holy Spirit.  I usually refer to the function of the Holy Spirit to help me in my relationship with God.  Yet, I often neglect to ask for his help to have joy or celebrate God.  That is also an important part of the relationship.

R – Lord, I celebrate You today!  You are an infinite God and you love me and everyone else you created.  I exalt you to the highest level and rejoice in You.

S – Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Luke 9:23 CSB

O – Commentary:  The cross was an instrument of violent and painful execution. To “take the cross” was to carry the horizontal beam (the patibulum) of the cross out to the site of execution, usually past a jeering mob. In *rhetorically strong terms, Jesus describes what all true *disciples must be ready for:  if they follow him, they must be ready to face literal scorn on the road to eventual martyrdom, for they must follow to the cross

 The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

* Interesting notes on this verse: 

•   Jesus had not gone to the cross yet.  He is introducing how He is going to die.
• “Daily” is only found in the book of Luke

A – The crucifixion story is horrific and culminates in a walk of “condemnation” to the cross.  When we recognize the victory of the cross, it changes the nature of that walk.  We know the enemy is going to bring shame, condemnation and life circumstances to challenge us.  We know we are fallible humans whose nature it is to give in to our impulses and temptations.  But, we are filled with the power of God and given a Holy Spirit to lead us through the daily trip to the cross toward victory.

R – Lord, life is hard.  Yet, you promise me victory when I take on your character and calling.  Whatever I will face today, you promise to go with me through it.  You give me a helper to navigate and advocate for me.  Let me confidently face each situation with your wisdom, insights and courage.

S – For nothing is concealed that won’t be revealed, and nothing hidden that won’t be made known and brought to light. ¹⁸ Therefore take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”

 Luke 8:17–18 CSB

O – Commentary: “…a person is not given “the secrets of the kingdom of God” (8:10) in order to keep them secret. The disciples were to make known the things Jesus was telling them. The people who followed Jesus were to consider carefully (v. 18) how they listened. If they heard and responded with genuine belief (cf. v. 15), then they would receive more truth. If they did not receive what they heard, they would lose it.

 “Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Two strong principles here:

1.  What we think, say and do will be revealed.  We are all on a journey of moving from our sin nature to Godly character.  This should not bring fear, but a healthy catalyst to keep growing forward.

2.  The “mysteries” of God that He reveals to us (relationally and personally) are to grow our faith.  The more we trust and believe in Him in all of life’s challenges, enables us to receive more faith.

R – Lord, as I continue to grow in your character, help me to listen intently to the Holy Spirit.  Let it draw me into a greater understanding and relationship with you.  As I do this, add to me the ability to lead myself with greater love and faith in you.

S – Then John’s disciples told him about all these things. So John summoned two of his disciples ¹⁹ and sent them to the Lord, asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 

Luke 7:18–19 CSB

O – John is in prison.  He was full of the Holy Spirit.  He preached a message of repentance and adhered to the commandments.  He did everything right.  Now, he is imprisoned and the Messiah that he proclaimed hasn’t established His kingdom and does things differently than John expected.  So he asks – “Are you the one?”

A – If I took John’s name out, I can insert anyone’s name today.  Many people are following God and doing a lot of things right.  Then, God throws or allows a curve ball in the mix.  What do you do with that?  Do you question if God is real or do you continue on in faith?  Jesus goes on to say that there is no human greater than John the Baptist…and he doubted God at times.  We are not alone in our challenge and doubt.  But we do have to make a choice.

R – Lord, I thank you that you have a plan and purpose for my life that is good.  Even when I don’t see it, help me to continue to grow my faith and trust in you.  I choose you, no matter the circumstances or what I see. 

S – But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, ²⁸ bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you

Luke 6:27–28 CSB

O – Commentary:  The *Old Testament specifically commanded love of neighbor (Lev 19:18), but neither it nor Jewish sages commanded love of enemies (although many taught nonretaliation and insisted on leaving vengeance to God).

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

  –  Enemy:  ĕchthrŏs, ; hateful ; usually as a noun, an adversary (espec. Satan):— enemy, foe.

The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words 

   – “Love” – agape love – unconditional love.

 *  Jesus is applying the Levitical command to love your neighbor but giving it a new definition.  It was for all people – those who were for or against us.  The true character of God is for all mankind, who he created and loves.

A – Who is your foe today?  While the devil is your adversary that you do spiritual battle against every day, the person in your life that is contrary, challenging and difficult is not.  Each of us has people who go against us.  We need to love them unconditionally with healthy boundaries.  

R – Lord, help me to love each person I come in contact with today.  Let me demonstrate your character in love and compassion while also stewarding the gifts and calling you have given me.

S – While he was in one of the towns, a man was there who had leprosy all over him. He saw Jesus, fell facedown, and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 

¹³ Reaching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean,” and immediately the leprosy left him.

Luke 5:12–13 CSB

O – Commentary:

• haptŏmai, to attach oneself to, i.e. to touch — touch.

           The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words

• covered with leprosy (lit., “full of leprosy”). Perhaps he was in the final stages of leprosy—a fact that would have been easily discernible in the man’s home community. The Law (Lev. 13) commanded strict segregation of a person who had leprosy, for it was a graphic picture of uncleanness. A leprous person could not worship at the central sanctuary; he was ceremonially unclean and therefore cut off completely from the community.

             “Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

  *  Recognizing that this man for some time in his life was shunned from society.  He wasn’t allowed in the sanctuary, to be in groups of people or even in close proximity to a person.  Jesus not only “touched” him, but Jesus “attached” himself to him.  It was more than a glancing touch of an extended finger.  Maybe it was a firm grasp on the shoulder or a hug.  The person who knew no contact for so long was given the embrace of His Messiah.

A – God isn’t a mere “touch” in our lives.  He wants attachment.  He wants a relationship.  He desires to bring the person close who is far removed from the community.  Sometimes, that is physical distance.  Other times, it is the mental or social distance that we impose on ourselves. The key is for us to approach God with the desire to “close the gap” between us.

R – Lord, help me to be aware of the times I pull away from being close to you.  Do not let my thoughts, emotions or circumstances cause distance to form between us.  Let me “attach” myself to you today.