Make a decision with Focus - People cannot serve two masters

Jesus reminds the crowds to listen and follow the signs he is giving.  The Christian walk demands a life completely focused on God.  One needs to have their whole body full of light shining in this world.  He tells the Pharisees that although they may clean the outside of their cups, inside they are full of greed and wickedness.  Be clean inside! Light the world on the outside. Some values of the kingdom are shared in Luke 12.  We hear of a rich fool who stored his crops in bigger barns for himself, only to lose his life. To be rich towards God requires treasures in heaven, which are more valued than treasures on earth.  Jesus reminds us where our treasure is there our heart is also.  We must be dressed for service and have our lamps burning. Our decision to follow Jesus demands constant focus.

The parable of the shrewd manager (Luke 16:1-15) reminds us no one can serve two masters. Money is not of great value in God’s Kingdom. The currency of love, agape love, from the heart is a key in his kingdom. Zacchaeus, the tax collector, came down from a tree, gave half of his possessions to the poor, and followed Jesus (Luke 19)! Jesus uses this as an example of decision and focus! A story Robert H. Schuller shares that demonstrates Decision with focus is from one of his meetings with Mother Teresa.  Mother Teresa gave Dr. Schuller a blessing. She said, “Dr. Schuller: Be all and only for Jesus without his having to consult you first.”

Refer to: Luke 11, 12, 16:1-15
Related Readings: Luke 19:1-27

Have a “Do It” Attitude - Jesus had an urgency to serve

Jesus expects a sense of urgency among his disciples.  The current phrase, “Just do it”, captures an attitude Jesus would probably embrace. He wants his followers to jump into the ministry wholeheartedly. A couple of parables demonstrate the importance of taking action and the dangers of not responding to God’s call.

Story of Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) – An expert on the law approached Jesus and asked what he might do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked him how he read the law and the expert responded “Love the Lord and love your neighbor”. Jesus complimented him for knowing the law. The expert then asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan. A Priest, Levite, and Samaritan passed a man who had been beaten and was in need of care. The Priest and Levite (respected men in the Jewish community) passed by the man without giving him help. Only the Samaritan, a person looked down upon at the time, took pity on the man and took care of him. Jesus asks the expert who was the good neighbor (a Samaritan?) and concludes by saying, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37b).

Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24) – Jesus tells of a certain man (God) who was preparing a great banquet. While he asked many to attend; most had excuses and could not come. The question Jesus asks is; who will be at the Lord’s banquet? The great banquet parable concludes with a warning because Pharisees have not taken action. Jesus relates, “Then the Master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in so that my house will be full’ ” (Luke 14:23).

Refer to: Luke 10, 14, 15