Today’s scripture: Luke 13:10-17 (NRSV) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
What a great idea to set aside a day of the week to stop, rest, and focus solely on God!
Scripture plainly stated that anything resembling work must be avoided on this day. In this case, it was clear to the leader of the synagogue that Jesus was violating a scriptural command when he healed the crippled woman. And, he wasn’t just mildly unhappy about it. He was indignant!
Thankfully, Jesus shattered this abusive religious logic by putting love and compassion above this misinterpreted law. The crowd that day saw a demonstration of how much better life is when God’s love has free reign to accomplish its desire, free from the limitation of man’s obsessive rules — and the crowd rejoiced! They saw that God almighty, the creator of everything from the intricacies of DNA to the grand complexities of the universe, would not issue an eternal command that hinders God’s highest value — love! They saw what their subconscious must have been telling them all along: “God is smarter than that!”
So, naturally we ask, “What popular doctrines of today interfere with rather than encourage the expression of God’s love?”
I would say one of the top ones is the belief that God prohibits two people of the same sex from falling in love and developing a life-long, loving, committed relationship. Why? I have seen the same good qualities in LGBT people as in heterosexuals. And I know many who are disciples of Jesus Christ, producing fruit of the spirit, and helping build the kingdom of God here on earth! So, I have confidence God welcomes LGBT people into the kingdom.
It’s fascinating to see how the opinions of sincere followers of God can change over time! Today we read the verses regarding the Sabbath and easily see that Jesus was fully justified in healing the woman who had suffered for so many years. Yet, at the time, many had no doubt scripture condemned him. Similarly, for many years most have believed that the scriptures clearly condemn loving gay relationships. Yet, today a growing number of people see that sound biblical interpretation — and the leading of the Spirit — shows that God approves of them. If you have a lot of doubt about this — or even little — I would like to recommend the resources on this page, including The Children Are Free. May the Spirit guide you in your journey!
Thought for the day: Lord, I ask you to help me evaluate teachings in the light of your wisdom, so I can help spread your love instead of being an impediment to it.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.