Day 35: Luke 14; Colossians 3-4

Luke 14

Under watchful eye, Jesus asked the Pharisees if it was OK to heal on the Sabbath. They said nothing, so he did it.

Extreme Hospitality. Unconditional acceptance (except for those who deny?). Dinner guests and manners. Don't take the place of honor; wait to be invited there. Don't invite to dinner people who can repay the favor, people with the means to provide a meal for you. Invite the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks.

Dinner in God's kingdom. So easily distracted. We can deny the invitation without realizing it. Priorities. So God invites everyone, so that some may come. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full!

Leave your family, carry your own cross, count the cost of following me. Sometimes we don't know the cost until we get in it. Have to be willing to lose it all for me...relationships, status, even your life.

Assess the future and decide if you want to get involved with the lifelong commitment that is discipleship. Am I willing to love my enemy? Am I willing to be reconciled to a sister or brother? Am I willing to find with Christ the resources I need to live obediently and act redemptively?

Colossians 3-4

Act like you're serious about living this resurrection life. Fitting follow to Luke 14. See things from Christ's perspective.

Resurrection of Christ. General resurrection of the dead in the future. Resurrection that is taking place in you and me now. Was, will be, is. Past, future, present. We are already raised from the dead so that we can experience the power of God that gives us new life. We're not taken from our lives, but in this life, we are made new. We're not removed from the present; we're transformed in the present.

Life shaped by God, not by things and feelings. Everything is made new. All divisions are abolished. "Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.

Garments of compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline, even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense, love, peace of Christ within you, thankfulness. "Let the Word of Christ-The Message-have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives."

Pray diligently, stay alert, eyes wide open in gratitude. Letter is filled with encouragement, gratitude, sound advice for community building. Bring out the best in others in a conversation-don't put them down or cut them out.