Tuesday, March 26, 2013

March 26

Luke 7:11-35

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son

11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”
14 Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

Jesus and John the Baptist

18 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”
21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’[b]
28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
29 (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)
31 Jesus went on to say, “To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other:
“‘We played the pipe for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
and you did not cry.’
33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ 35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”
****************************************************************
What do you really want from a Savior ?
Do you want a magic "genie in a bottle" kind of Savior? One who will grant all your requests for fame and fortune?
Do you want a "bank teller" Savior? One who will hand out money whenever you decide to step up to the window?
Do you want an "extreme makeover" Savior? One who will make every part of your home and life absolute perfection?
Do you want a "rich uncle who lives far away and stays out of your business" kind of Savior?
He's out there somewhere, but doesn't pay much attention to your life unless you need something big.... then he comes through with exactly what you desire?
 
The Lord Jesus Christ  is the kind of Savior who came from Heaven to earth for you!
He came because He has the same love for you that we see him showing to the widow, by raising up her dead son.
He shows you His love with every breath you take. He is the maker of the air you breathe!
In every moment of your life, you are shown compassion.....mercy and grace.
Grace is "unmerited favor". What have you done lately to deserve favor from the Almighty God? How are you living your life that He would want to show you favor at all?
We can do nothing but learn to love Him.
He desires a relationship with us......a very intimate relationship.
So, again, what do you want from a Savior?
 Are you "in it" just for a ticket to Heaven?
......... or will you give yourself to this One and Only Begotten Son who gave His life to save you from your sin, kind of Savior.......He waits for you with open arms, no matter who you are, where you come from , how many mistakes you make, loving you through it all... giving you strength, peace, and eternal life........He's THAT KIND of Savior! 
 
 
 

No comments: