April 9th

Scripture - Luke 14

Observation - Jesus went to eat dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisee on the Sabbath. While he was there, he healed a man after asking the Pharisee’s if it was ok to heal someone on the Sabbath. The Pharisees couldn’t tell him if it was ok to heal someone on that day. Instead they were intent on following religious rules, finding their own place of importance, rather than blessing others. Then Jesus told a parable about being invited to a banquet by the Father. The guests who were originally invited all had excuses about why they could not come to the banquet. Instead, the master invited others to the banquet.

Application -   Jesus was all about blessing and caring for those in need. Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in the tasks and rules of our faith. Jesus set an example of this by healing a man on a day that many people were more worried about what not to do, rather than the opportunity to care for someone that was right in front of them. Then remember that God invites us to the banquet with him. The people in Jesus story who were invited at first were too caught up in all sorts of tasks and events. God invites us to come into his presence, to celebrate at the banquet table. What distracts you from fixing your eyes on Jesus and being in his presence? How can you make being in his presence a priority today?

Prayer - God, help me not to get caught up in the work and tasks of my faith. Instead, help me to make being in your presence a priority. Help me to fix my eyes on you God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.