Monday, April 12, 2010

Plank Eye

Jesus continues with many more illustrations or parables that speak to our hearts about how we view and treat others.  


Luke 6:42 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye. (Luke 6:42, New King James Version)


First thing I want to point out is that the illustration identifies a relationship between one person and another as a brother.  This could be a blood relationship or a fellow believer.  However I think what is important here is the illustration is judgement on someone that is close to you.  The use of the extreme "speck" and "plank" is referred to as hyperbole.  Even as an illustration it is difficult to picture someone walking around with a plank in their eye.


Yet Jesus wants to be clear we need to examine our own selves before jumping on the faults of those around us. This isn't just a sore of guideline by Jesus.  He has harsh words for those who examine the speck of sin (disobedience to God's commands) and yet have a plank of sin in their own lives.  Who are these people?  Hypocrites!!  They are so consumed with finding fault in others they miss the arrogance and self-important attitude in themselves.

So what is the remedy?  Do nothing?  NO!!  Jesus says remove the plank.  Work on your relationship with God.  Seek God's wisdom.  A restored relationship to God where you confess your sins (remove the plank) and pray for your brother.  In this way you will adopt a loving and compassionate approach to correcting your brother.  I might be stretching the illustration to far, but if I am right with God my eyes will be able to see clearly the speck in my brothers eye and counsel them on a right way of restoring their relationship to God.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Eyes Wide Open

We are about to be exposed in Luke to something new a parable.  This is a story used to illustrate a principle of spiritual teaching.   These are very powerful ways to make a point.  A wise student of God's word understands when a narative is a parable and when it isn't.  This one is easy the verse tells us.

Luke 6:39 He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
Here is a warning about who you follow.  Where are they taking you?  This is a recurring theme from Jesus, because he knows that Satan will first try to deceive those who lead, because they in turn will deceive their followers.   To listen to Satan is to be blinded.  Blinded to what?  Blinded to the truth.

What happens when we follow someone who is blind?  They will attempt to guide us away from the pit, our downfall.  But instead because of their blindness they will lead us right into the pit with them.

Looking back at prior verses and the circumstances of Jesus teaching, we can imagine this is another example of a warning against the teaching of the Pharisees.  The Pharisees put an emphasis on outward obedience.  Following traditional law.  Your actions more important than your heart.  

However Jesus speaks about going beyond traditional observance.  It's about the heart.  "Love your enemies",  "pray for those who mistreat you", "give to everyone who asks"...  Jesus is calling us to awake from blindness.  He has a story of compassion, forgiveness and restored relationships.

As you start this week open your eyes.  Don't be blind.  Seek your wisdom and teaching from Jesus.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Good Measure

Today I took time off from work to go for a ride with my wife on the motorcycle.  What a great chance to get in an early season ride.  The purpose of the trip was to ride, but we needed someplace to go so we thought we would take a chance on a surprise visit to some friends we haven't seen for a long time.  Unfortunately no one was home.  That's ok; our next stop was to the cottage at York Beach.  We knew it wasn't open for the season yet but like I said before we just needed somewhere to ride.  

What is so great about riding on the motorcycle?  The sun on my face, a cool breeze and time to think.  I would never like to be the type that has to have speakers blasting at me or a headset built into my helmet.  It is so hard these days to find time just to be quiet.   It gave me time to take stock of my life.  I thought about the joy of having my wife with me, the blessing of how my kids have turned out as adults, the friends that I have, my brothers and sisters in Christ and how much God’s grace has been given to me. 

The next words from Jesus are somewhat paradoxical.  He asks us not to judge, not to condemn, to be forgiving and to give of ourselves to others.  If we do these things we will not be judged, we will not be condemned and much will be given to us in good measure.

Luke 6:37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

I certainly cannot obtain in my own life the ability to live up to these expectations.  Each day I need to look to God for forgiveness and strength.  I am overwhelmed with His grace, and His good measure. 

We live in a cynical world.  We are condemning, just as the Pharisees in earlier passages.  We are quick to judge and criticize.


Do you think you are a good person?  Do you think you don’t need a savior?  Spend the next couple of days to examine how you treat and think of others.  These commands from Jesus apply to each one of us. We need His forgiveness.


I know I probably should have had an Easter message here.  But these are the verses before us.  I pray they speak to your heart as much as mine.