IRRESISTIBLE INVITATION

Conversations with the Pastor 

Day 5: Coming Home

In our small group discussions we have had the opportunity to discuss the sorts of things that would stand in the way of a deeper relationship with God.  This might have been an easy conversation for some as well as quite uncomfortable for others.  First, we must have an understanding of just who God is or the nature of our relationship with the God of our awareness.  Once we know the nature of the relationship we can tell what could get in the way of deepening such a relationship.  Our text today from the Gospel of Luke 12:32 suggests that there might be at least one emotional thing that could affect the deepening of our relationship with God.  That one thing is FEAR.  I do not know how many times in the bible that we encounter the term fear.  But the command, “Do not be afraid” [it’s going to be ok in the long run] shows up 67 times in the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.

Luke 12:32 states: “do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”  This almost feels like the angel speaking to Mary and saying to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.’  It’s like something good is going to happen eventually.  Even though the appearance of the events seems less attractive, the outcome seems worth the pain.  And in this passage the event was the selling of one’s possessions and giving to the poor.  It might have been more difficult for those who were without some evidence that they could survive the selling of their stuff and giving the money away.  They were just challenged to perform an act of faith.  But we have evidence.  

The writer to the Hebrews suggests that we have witnesses. Look at Hebrews 12:1-2 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. The writer suggests that Jesus is our greatest witness.  Jesus endured the cross for the joy of being able to take his seat at the right hand of God.  What is more affirming is that Jesus endured what he did so that we would be encouraged to face our own fears.

Let’s look at Hebrews 12: 3,4  -  “Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.”  The writer was bold enough to declare to the Hebrews,  “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.”  Although this is another matter, we should note that in our pursuits of righteousness it might have cost us some time, going to church, and even the money we might have put in the offering. But for many of us it might not have cost us any blood.  But Jesus loved us so much that it cost him a great deal of blood, and his life.  But the returns far outweighed the cost:  You and I do not have to be afraid about what the future may hold.  Jesus’ sacrifice has won us the favor of a God whose good pleasure it is to give us the kingdom, unfailing treasure in heaven and a desire for our heart.  Let not your heart be troubled then, “strive for God’s kingdom, and the things you worry about will be given to you as well.  What do you want to get out out these 40 days? Keep up the Journey.  35 days left.