Craig’s Journal

Week 13 – March 1-March 6, 2010

Week 13:  Day 1

Luke 18.9-14

Lord, the issue you’re dealing with here is pride and self-reliance. Key

phrase: "The proud will be humbled and the humbled will be honored." (v14) What a dramatic picture of contrast! The Pharisee on one side is so self-assured before God because of all his good works:  "I never cheat, I don't sin, I don't commit adultery, I fast twice a week and I give a tenth of my income." This guy was completely clueless about his real spiritual condition. Self-deceived. But the tax collector was broken, humbled, humiliated, not even able to life up his head. Beating his chest, he said, "God, have mercy on me. I've messed up! I've blown it so bad!" Jesus, you said that the tax collector was the one that went away right with God. That was a radical thought back then, it still is today! "Craig, it’s not about what you've done, how good you are, how many rules you keep, how things look on the outside. It's about your heart. One man was full of pride, self-confidence and looked down on other people. The other one was honest, broken, repentant. Craig, that's what I'm looking for...in you!"

Week 13: Day 2

Luke 18.15-17

Jesus, I picture these parents wanting their children to be touched and blessed by you. They are pressing in, trying to get close, waving to get your attention. The disciples are playing '"bodyguard", keeping people back. "The kids would just be a distraction for the teacher," they thought. But you said, "Hey guys, leave those kids alone. 

Let them come over here!" I see you wrapping your arms around them, letting them climb in your lap and mess up your hair. I see you laughing, tickling, hugging, smiling, blessing and then sending them on their way. That moment was important to you, wasn't it? Being touchable. Accessible. That was the signature of your ministry. You weren't a "hands off" teacher. You weren't a "better than the average guy" leader. You were touchable. Reachable. Accessible. "Craig, remember it’s people that I came to redeem. Never.....never.....remove yourself from them! Touch them, love them, hold them, train them, lead them, bless them, release them...just like I did!"

Week 13:  Day 3

Luke 18.18-30

Jesus, when this wealthy, young, influential leader came to you asking questions about eternal life, I'm sure he looked full of promise! I mean, who wouldn't want a guy like that on the team, right? He had been very religious from birth. Raised in a good Jewish home, he knew the commandments and had kept them for years. But there was something holding his heart. You saw it right away. You have that way of seeing right into the soul of a person, knowing what really makes them tick. 

And so you gave him a choice. "Sell what you have, give it away and follow me!" That wasn't what the young man was looking for. He had a choice to make. And he made it. From that point, this young man, who seemed to have everything going for him, vanishes from the pages of scripture. I wonder what became of him? I wonder if he ever regretted the decision he made that day? I wonder what his life could have been like if he had chosen to follow Jesus? Lord, you said that wealth is a dangerous thing. It's so dangerous it can keep you out of heaven. It can draw your allegiance and keep it. Jesus, keep my heart fully yours today.