5.2.25 Luke 6:23-31

Prepare

Lord Jesus, we come to you in prayer. Our Friend. Our Brother. Our Saviour. Be with us now we pray.

Read

Luke 6:23-31

23 “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.

24 “But woe to you who are rich,
    for you have already received your comfort.
25 Woe to you who are well fed now,
    for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
    for you will mourn and weep.
26 Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you,
    for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.

27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Reflect

Yesterday we heard of how God’s topsy-turvy Kingdom is good news for those experiencing difficulties. Today, we hear how that flip works the other way around. Does this mean God doesn’t love people who are rich, well fed, laughing, and thought well of? If that’s the case we better cancel any of our plans that sound much fun! Sorry everyone but the church weekend away has been scrapped!

No, happily this isn’t the case. I think what Jesus is getting at is that as followers of Him, we are going to be accustomed to pain. If you’ve never longed for peace, or healing, or fulfilment, it is very hard – seemingly here, impossible! I think that’s why Jesus’ words follow, do to others as you would have them do to you. Love your enemies. Because in loving others we acknowledge something true of every human being: we struggle. We sin even. So what is the remedy to this life of difficulty and separation from God? Well here we find the Good news: It’s the love of Jesus – often found through His people: you!

Be

Inhale: Lord Jesus, You are my joy…
Exhale: Teach me to walk in Your ways.

Inhale: Fill me with Your mercy…
Exhale: That I may love as You love.

Inhale: Let me shine with Your light…
Exhale: That I may bless and not curse.

Inhale: Make me merciful…
Exhale: As my Father is merciful.

Inhale: Jesus, be my guide…
Exhale: That I may do as You have done.

Become

Let’s pray for the bravery to love radically, with humility and love.

Do

Let’s pray for people in this world that live in denial of pain.

Practice

Look for opportunities today or this week to go the extra mile for others.