The Simple Life

Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures…. Luke 24:44-45 (ESV)   Those who are not believers are not capable of understanding the truths of Scripture. For those who do not know or have rejected Jesus, the only message that is important for them to grasp is that there is a God who loves them, their sin has separated them from Him, and that God has made a way to correct this tragedy.   Talking doctrine with those who cannot understand quickly turns into a confusing waste of time. As a child of God, my job is not to defend or debunk, but to love and point to God. He will take care of the convincing and convicting.   Showing others who God is in any circumstance of life is my high calling. I am thankful God has given me something to do that I actually can do through Him...

And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:34 (ESV)   Jesus always sees us the way we are. He realizes that the people crucifying him would not be doing this barbaric act if they knew He was God. He knew that they had been deceived, and when you know someone is being deceived, your heart breaks for them.   When people intentionally sin, they are either defying God or acting ignorance. By Jesus' statement here, we see that Jesus understood these people were acting in ignorance; they did not know what they were doing.   Christians need to be more heart-broken for the lost and less angry because they do not know what they are doing.

And Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And he answered him, "You have said so." Luke 23:3 (ESV)   The authorities often try to get us to give them the answer they want, rather than hearing what we have to say. Often, affirmation is more important than truth. When we are put in that situation, we can either answer people the way they want to be answered, or we can tell the truth. We can look for a way to make temporary peace, or we can tell the truth and let God work out the peace process.   Our goal is not affirmation. It is truth, and the truth will either affirm or challenge the hearer. Jesus could answer Pilate no other way, leaving Pilate the real choice to act with this information.   I choose to either embrace truth and its implications, or I can guard my preconceived notions and have regrets.   For now, the choice is mine.  

Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, "This man also was with him." But he denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know him." Luke 22:56-57 (ESV)   Peter seemed to be a man of contrasts. He was a rugged fisherman who seemed to stand up to other men who opposed him, yet fainted when a young girl questioned him.  Peter did not lie to this girl if he was genuinely confused. In essence, he was being asked about who Jesus was and if he was following him.   At this time, Peter was confused and wondered if Jesus was God if he should be following Him, and knew, at least at this moment, that he was not following anybody.   Confusion often paralyzes our mind, and while confused, we act confused.  It is easy for me to criticize Peter yet so easy for me to experience the same problems.   Jesus knew Peter would struggle and was using this moment to make a point. I think this story is really about God's faithfulness to Peter...

And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him. Luke 22:49-51 (ESV)   It's hard to imagine what the soldiers thought after Peter chopped off one of their ears and Jesus healed it. It's hard to imagine that they would still go through with the orders to arrest Jesus. The one who lost and found his ear must have been lost in thought. I would think he had a mix of anger at Peter and wonder at Jesus. Nobody would blame this soldier for being confused.   Yet the Bible does not tell us the soldier's thoughts, but only that this incident happened. In a way, I am amazed at this soldier arresting Jesus after such a display of love, power, and authority. Yet, today, many reject Jesus amid a preponderance of the evidence of His love, power, and authorit...

And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation." Luke 22:44-46 (ESV)   ""Satan," says Bishop Hall, "always rocks the cradle when we sleep at our devotions. If we would prevail with God, we must wrestle first with our own dullness." And if this be needful, even in ordinary times, how much more so in the perilous days on which we are entering? Whatever we come short in, let it not be in watchfulness. None like to slumber who are expecting a friend or fearing a foe. Bunyan tells us "that when Hopeful came to a certain country, he began to be very dull and heavy of sleep. Wherefore he said, 'Let us lie down here, and take one nap.' 'By no means,' said the other, 'lest sleepi...

And when he came to the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." Luke 22:40-42 (ESV)   Jesus understood temptation, and He understood what He needed to do to avoid it. He also was the perennial teacher in that He used this occasion to teach His disciples what they must do to avoid temptation.   The first step to overcoming temptation is to admit it is there. The second step is to realize that you are not strong enough on your own to have victory over it. Thirdly, you need to seek God and abide in His presence.   Temptation will be part of our lives until we are called home, and the wise and victorious have a strategy to fight and win.  

Dave Wager https://nightime.podbean.com/ https://davewager.podbean.com/ https://youngerolder.podbean.com  And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. Luke 22:39 (ESV)   We all employ customs. Some foster healthy relationships; others keep us from healthy relationships.   Jesus was in the habit of escaping to the wilderness to talk with God in a distraction-free environment. He seemed to do this at a time that did not take away from His typical daily responsibilities.   Through the years, I have found that getting up early, before the rest of the world gets busy, is my most valuable time. Because others are not yet scurrying around, I can enjoy quiet moments of thought and reflection as I enjoy God, His Word, and His creation.   We need to change our place and pace to look back on our day-to-day life and make the necessary adjustments from time to time. However, we need to ensure that we do not substitute...

And he said to them, "When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing." He said to them, "But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. Luke 22:35-36 (ESV)   Times constantly change, and the methods we use should always keep up with the changing times. Methods change while principles remain constant. It will always be right to demonstrate to the world who God is, even though we may do that differently during good times and hard times.   If we are in a season of peace, we should enjoy the moment, for it will not last. If we are in a season of turmoil, we need to endure the moment, for that too will not stay, and we will approach each time a bit differently.   Yet, in all the differences, there will be a constant. God.   Doing something repeatedly does not make the methodology we employ sacred, and it could even cause us...

A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.” Luke 22:24-26 (ESV)   We seem never to be satisfied with being different. We need to be better. Different is only acceptable if my difference is better than your difference.   God makes it clear that status is tied to serving, not being served. Those who serve God and each other will enjoy a special "status" in eternity.   It is encouraging to know that serving is something everyone can choose to do, making our eternal rewards one of the few fair deals in life.   For now, the choice is mine.  

For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!" Luke 22:22 (ESV)   We often wonder about the balance between man's choices and the sovereignty of God. We tend to want to understand God and how His characteristics interplay with us and our abilities. There are times when we refuse to believe something because we do not know how it all works.   Yet, there is much we do not and cannot understand. As God needed to remind Job in chapters 38-41 that He, at times, is beyond our understanding this does not mean that He is not in control.   So often, we try to fit God into our comprehension or compare Him to something or someone to better understand who He is. Yet He remains incomprehensible and impossible to compare with anything or anyone.   The Bible is clear that God is sovereign, that I have choices, and that my choices matter. I need to keep it simple and make the right choices today.

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." Luke 22:19 (ESV)   Jesus knew why He had come to earth. He came to die, to be broken for you and me. He knew that he would be hated for doing good, despised for being right and loving people, and eventually falsely accused and crucified. He knew the mocking was coming and that His beard would be pulled, and He would wear a crown of thorns in a mockery of Him being the King. He knew He would endure such handling by the very ones He created in the wombs of their mothers. He willingly endured such treatment because He loves.   Jesus picked up His cross daily, and now it is our turn to do the same.   Dave Wager https://nightime.podbean.com/ https://davewager.podbean.com/ https://youngerolder.podbean.com/

And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. Luke  22:14-15  (ESV)   Jesus, the King of Kings, the creator and sustainer of life, was speaking of suffering, His suffering. It is incredible to think that Jesus knew what He was headed for and boldly continued towards the goal. He came to die for you and me, and the time had come for Him to finish the task He was sent to accomplish.   We need to take time and ponder the implication of this, for Jesus is our example of what a meaningful life and death look like.   Dave Wager https://nightime.podbean.com/ https://davewager.podbean.com/ https://youngerolder.podbean.com/

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it." They said to him, "Where will you have us prepare it?" He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11 and tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there." And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. Luke 22:7-13 (ESV)   Jesus knows what the future looks like and has prepared us for it and it for us. If we choose to walk with Him, listen to Him, and do what He says, all will be good.   For now, the choice is ours.   Dave Wager https://nightime.podbean.com/ https://davewager.podbean...

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. Luke 22:3-5 (ESV)   We often look for ways to "satisfy" ourselves in life. Often, we look forward to a dinner out, retirement, bonus checks, or vacations. For some reason, we think that wherever we are at, and whatever we are doing, cannot satisfy like something we do not have.   Enjoying God today and being content with where we are is the key to being satisfied in life. There is nothing wrong with dining out, retirement, bonus checks, or vacations. However, when these things become what we look to for satisfaction in life, we will never be satisfied. Judas is a prime example of this mistaken thinking, and a great example of how not to live.  

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people. Luke 22:1-2 (ESV)   The chief priests and scribes could not win a debate against Jesus, and like so many today, when you cannot win the debate, you destroy the debater. We often do not kill them physically yet will mount campaigns that slander their character and cast doubt on the legitimacy of their cause. Political ads are examples of how low our society has stooped. We seldom know what a candidate stands for, yet we always seem to know their flaws because they have been deviously pointed out by their opponents.   We spend more money, time, and effort on destroying people than building a case for what we believe to be the truth. We have forgotten that truth does not need eloquence to defend it, and sinners can know and embrace the truth.   Destroying people because we disagree with them is a br...

And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. Luke 21:37 (ESV)   Routine and order are essential for a purposeful life. Many circumstances in life are out of our control. We often must adjust to the unplanned, unwanted, and sometimes unwarranted times we face.   However, those who have been diligent at being in a routine, controlling the things they can control, are usually in an excellent position to ride out the storms of life.   Wise people spend time building a foundation that is rarely seen or thought of once it is completed. Upon completing a building, they devote time to routinely maintaining what they have.   All relationships start with thought, intentionality, purpose, and carefully crafted activities. As with homes, if what was started with energy, excitement, and wonder becomes neglected, the relationship deteriorates, and one day collapses in one of the storms of life.   Jesus maintained...

"But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21:34-36   It is easy to get caught up in things that do not matter and find solace in things that do not last. “Matterless,” temporal things will never bring lasting satisfaction. We may look important because we involve ourselves in the "cares of this life," when it is those very cares that keep us from focusing on the valuable. God is at work today. He is preparing us and the world for the final battle, the ultimate victory and the wonderful restoration to the way it was meant to be. God come quickly.

And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Luke 21:29-33 (ESV)   Those who look for the signs will see the signs. God is evidenced through nature and history. The prophecies of the Old Testament have been fulfilled, and the promises throughout the Scriptures are specific.   The world is wearing out like a garment, Man seems to be in the Tower of Babel, and Sodom and Gomorrah mode, and those who love Him are looking for Christ to return.   Our hope has never been in a Godless world system and is not dependent upon anything that changes. I am thankful to be a part of God's plan, to be wanted, not needed, and I look...

Jesus Foretells Destruction of Jerusalem "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Luke 21:20-24 (ESV) There is a plan. We are on one side or the other. We cannot control what happens and have nothing to say about the outcome. Our responsibility is to align ourselves with the Victor or the Loser.   For now, the choice is ours.  

By your endurance you will gain your lives. Luke 21:19   Those who know God have patience or endurance. We may not know precisely how the victory will play out, but we know we will experience the victory.   Many verses in the Bible speak of patience. "Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." Proverbs 16:32 (ESV) "Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." Ecclesiastes 7:8 (ESV)   Patience comes from knowing, meditating on, and applying truth. It is a natural byproduct of those living life the way it was meant to be.

You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives. Luke  21:16-19  (ESV)   Our goal is not to be hated but to love God. We do not want to be different, but we are different because we love God. We do not want to be exclusive, but we are exclusive because we love God. We would like to "fit in," but we remain excluded because we love God.   Our goal is to love God, and when we do, good and bad byproducts are abundant. The religious people make the byproduct the goal, whereas those who love God make loving God the goal. For now, the choice is ours.