Shane L. Bishop
What do you do when Jesus’ teachings elude you?
You read it but you don’t get it?
This was essentially the problem of his original audience when Jesus used parables.
Remember that 2000 years have passed and Jesus’ Israel had a very different culture and a different understanding than we do today. Sometimes a little history lesson helps but other times the teachings, like those in our reading today, are just difficult.
Do you struggle to link the culture and context of the Bible to today?
Solution? Pray for God to reveal his truth to you as you read…and if you don’t get much out of it, read it again. Nothing yet? Then perhaps it will be illuminated to you in the future.
Regardless, don’t worry about it or get stuck, there is always more great stuff ahead!
You are doing great! Let’s keep pressing onward and upward!
My trouble with the Bible is never with what I don’t fully understand; it is with the parts I understand perfectly but have such trouble living into.
Personal Prayer
Prayer should be simple, right? It’s a conversation with our Lord. We have to remember, though, that even the disciples needed to be taught how to pray. This is where we can take the advice of Jesus – keep on asking and keep on seeking. If you want to learn how to pray, or you want to learn how to have a deeper relationship with God, keep on asking and keep on seeking. “How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” – Luke 11:11 A simple ‘guide’ to pray is the ACTS method of prayer.
- Adoration – Tell God how awesome He is.
- Confession – Confess your sins and ask for forgiveness.
- Thanksgiving – Tell God what you are thankful for.
- Supplication – Ask God for your needs.
*Adapted from the Life Application Bible Commentary of Luke