More on Luke in My Life

It was only August that I read through Luke and Acts, but as I slowly comb through it again, I’m reading with a fresh awareness. I want to share a few more of these from Luke 18.

7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?

14"…he who humbles himself will be exalted."

17I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

27Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

29"I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."

Verse 7 speaks to something I sometimes struggle with – the need to pray about the same thing over and over again. I’m not talking about saying a memorized prayer, but more about praying for the same thing until it is brought to fruition. But here were see where it’s compared to a woman constantly coming before a judge requesting help. He finally gives in as to protect himself from being worn by the constant asking. In my day to day living I see the same painful images every day, there is always a constant reminder of what a difference can be made here. I need to continually ask for God’s favor in this land. And in my own heart too. I’d love it if you would join me in this crying out both day and night.

I struggle with pride and wanting recognition. But I also don’t enjoy being the center of attention (amazing how the two can co-exist so cozily). One example is how I struggle with being perceived as my friend’s house help, caring for their children. The only word associated with being a nanny refers to someone who not only takes care of the children but makes chapattis (the equivalent of tortillas) and cleans. This person is never viewed as an equivalent or a friend, which actually makes it harder for me to interact with others. I’m not saying that this needs to be rectified, but my heart in the matter does.

The simplicity in coming into a relationship with God is evident in verse 17. There is a curiousity among children, but also a trust that we lose as adults. I want to trust Him like Lyric does me (she has grown very close to me, though I still come second to her mom and dad – as I should).

Verse 27 wraps it all up, sorta like the glue and helps me keep things in perspective. It’s not possible for me to do any of this, but He can and it’s in His strength that things will happen. I can wear myself out trying to accomplish things, but in the end, it’s turning them over to Him that will bring the right results.

And 29 is just like the topping to a nice dessert (or the sour cream on a burrito – both of which I am so missing). It is hard being away from my family and friends. Watching others goof around and tease their siblings, friends having intimate conversations, understanding each other deeply and getting things within their own cultural context. I realize that some day I might have this, but for now it’s not here. But I can’t focus on things of this earth, but instead on that that will not fade away.

Okay, time to get moving with my day.