Religions often produced elitist – people who are sure of themselves. In a way that they believe they are right and favoured compared to others.
In the light of attacks on churches that marked a terrible beginning to the year 2010, followed by the comment made by Pat Robertson, an American tele-evangelist, who said, “…the earthquake happened because the Haitians made a pact with the devil when they wanted freedom from the French”, this sense of self-righteousness is even more apparent.
In the Luke’s account of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I see Jesus’ gentle treatment of women and children. These are considered lowly and unimportant in Jesus’ time. Yet Jesus, King of Kings, was moved by a woman’s love and devotion when she anointed him with perfume (7:36-50). The concluding words cannot be more haunting, “But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”
He also welcomes the wealthy tax collector, the poor, the crippled, the maim, the blind (14:13) and a Samaritan (17:11-19, 10:25-37) for surely, “…I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (5:31b). If that is so, how do we view ourselves?
Some Tips on How to Read the book of Luke
Jesus told three parables of great rejoicing over a sinner who repent. Who do you identified with in the parable of the lost sons? Both are lost in their own way. Yet when one finally comes to his senses and turn back, he finds the father waiting…
When was the last time we repented of our ways, turning away and returning to the waiting embrace of the Father?
This is an orderly account based on the fruit of the doctor’s careful investigation. He wanted to leave his friend with no doubt about the things he was taught! (Luke 1:1-4)
His last chapter (Luke 24) was filled with the unexpected:
- Hope in the midst of loss and tears (at the tomb)
- Presence – Jesus walking alongside in the midst of confusion, fear and uncertainty (on the road to Emmaus)
- Peace – Assurance that came to his disciples in a tangible way.
Jesus left his disciples with no doubt as to Who He is, and what He must do! The disciples in turn worshiped Him, returned with joy and stayed continually at the temple, praising God (Luke 24:52-53).
How do you read the WORD? Or the better question to ask is “How does the WORD read you?”
Reading the Gospel of Luke and being read by the Word, has been a long and not-so-easy journey. Many questions, many doubt, much tempted to give up, asking ‘what’s the point?’ in itself is a journey that reflects life. But if at the end, I am inspired by Hope and Peace because of His Presence…then I am thankful for Luke’s careful investigation and orderly account!