The first will be last. That sounds like it could be a confusing truth. As we look at our text from the gospel of Luke we see the hard truth.
Hard Truth – Division
Hard truth doesn’t sound very fun, does it? But just like straight talk from the dentist who wants you to keep your teeth, hard truth from your God comes from a loving heart that wants to save souls. Yet we tend to think of God as… nice.
Focused on Heaven
Jesus wants focused followers. However, one of the things that can most easily get in the way of our focus is our earthly possessions. It is no surprise, therefore, that Jesus’ words so frequently focus his followers on wealth. Jesus’ followers don’t reject earthly wealth or despise it. They can be grateful for every good gift that comes from the hand of God. This Sunday we’ll cover worry, doubt, and our solution to those challenges – Jesús.
Focused on Living
Jesus wants focused followers. However, one of the things that can most easily get in the way of our focus is our earthly possessions. It is no surprise, therefore, that Jesus’ words so frequently focus his followers on wealth. Jesus’ followers don’t reject earthly wealth or despise it. They can be grateful for every good gift that comes from the hand of God.
Focused on Prayer
In a sense, prayer comes naturally to us. We want so we ask. We hurt so we cry out. We are frustrated so we vent. We are blessed so we give thanks. So we sometimes define prayer as “speaking to God from the heart.” Seems so easy. What does not come naturally, however, is the focused prayer God wants for us.
Focused on Freedom
This past week our nation was focused on freedom. The celebration of the 4th of July is filled with fun traditions! Parades showcasing our society, the rockets red glare from a firework display, and a BBQ cookout. We love freedom. Why would anyone throw that away. This is what the Apostle Paul was faced with in the early Christian church of Galatia.