So how is everyone doing in the journey so far? We are nearing the end of Luke and are about to step into an experience of the ebb and flow of life in the first church as described in Acts. I wanted to encourage you this morning to see this blog not only as an opportunity to share what you are learning as you read the Bible but also a chance to share some of your life: how you are feeling, thinking, responding to and acting upon the things God is revealing to you over this time.
Also, just a reminder that it is not our intention that the reading (book & bible) should be a “duty" each day but tools for a journey to be experienced with God. As you read, please create space to seek, pray and hunger for the presence of God in your life.
Luke 22: I can’t believe at the very first “last supper” the disciples were arguing over who was the greatest…and this after actually walking day by day in the physical presence of Jesus. There is hope for us yet ;)
The words which capture the essence of Jesus’ journey in this chapter for me are “…yet not my will, but yours be done.”
I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts, reflections and stories over the coming days, in person and via this blog.
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An eight week journey of seeking God as we read.think.pray.live our way through the gospel of John
An Invitation
Please join us during this lead up to Christmas 2009 by doing the four things listed below. Anyone can join at any time throughout this 8 week period although obviously it would be best if you can begin with us on the first of November 2009.
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
2 comments:
I wonder what jaded Jusas so much that he willingly opened himself up to the whole betrayal thing - and how, with this burden he was able to keep it invisible from the other disciples - and to hold on so steadfast, even when Jesus spoke of the consequence at the last supper. I figure he somehow must have lost faith.
It's a good lesson on how things can turn from the moutain top to the sunken valley so quickly - Peter would also attest to that.
Garry - re Judas
From the accounts of Matthew Mark and John - a number of disciples, but Judas in particular, were pretty upset over the incident where Mary (Martha's sister) poured the expensive perfume over Jesus feet. But John also records that Judas was already in a frame of mind to betray him (John 12:4).
I think that all Jesus talk of dying [as they made their way towards Jerusalem] would have gotten to someone like Judas who was there thinking Jesus would somehow take over running the country - and reward people like himself who had been part of the 3 years of relative physical hardship up to then. After enthusiastically following in the hope of a very different sort of outcome - Judas decided to jump ship. Judas must have been aware - as were all of them - that Jesus had been sticking his neck out with the Jewish leaders. He was courting trouble and he made it clear that he was going to submit to whatever came his way... If I had been a follower, I must be honest, I would have been pretty worried about what that was going to mean for me...
What struck me today [for the first time] was that the disciples did not just go to sleep being purely slack when Jesus was praying - they were sleeping from exhaustion - due to SORROW/GRIEF.
It made me think how emotionally charged the last supper really would have been. John fills in on what Jesus shared with them that night. So loving - so reassuring, but inexorable in the facts - he was going to leave them.
So many amazing things they had shared! Now to be left. Terrible thought.
Without the resurrection, which they had not yet seen - they were facing a terrible void. Same void for me - EVERYTHING changes with the resurrection.
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