7/10/2022: Focused Love Finds A Neighbor Rather Than Avoiding One
FOCUSED
A unique feature of Luke’s Gospel is the section in the middle often called “the travel narrative.” This lengthy section began in chapter 9 when Luke told us that Jesus “resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (v51). While there are many events and side trips that occur during this travel narrative, Luke regularly stresses that nothing is going to dissuade Jesus from going to Jerusalem where he will fulfill his life’s mission. Jesus was very focused.
Jesus’ mission and the purpose of this journey was not to gain an earthly crown. Throughout this travel narrative, Jesus makes clear that this world was not his real home. He teaches that this world is not our real home either. Jesus is focused on heaven. His mission is to get us there by going to Jerusalem and making the ultimate sacrifice to pay for our sin. Nothing would stop him. “He set his face like flint,” Isaiah tells us (50:7). Jesus was focused.
As we watch the focused actions of our Savior… as we focus carefully on his words… something wonderful happens. Jesus gives focus to our lives. We finally see things clearly: how to love our neighbor, the true purpose of worship, the blessing of prayer, what is treasure (and what is not). In this series, as Christ speaks to us through his Word, may he make us properly focused.
Focused Love Finds A Neighbor Rather Than Avoiding One
We tend to think of distraction and focus as opposites. If someone is focused, they are not easily distracted by random events and encounters. If someone is focused, every decision about how to spend time and resources is calculated. Apart from Christ that type of focus spells disaster for our neighbor. We may dismiss the needs of our neighbor, thinking, “If I spend time helping him, that will distract me from other things I should be focused on.” Today, Jesus teaches us that he has set us free to live a life of such distractions. No matter the neighbor and no matter his need, we are free to act in ways that seem senseless. We are free to actively seek out a neighbor in need. We are free to bear any cost and go any distance to serve them as Christ would serve them.
God bless your worship.
Pastor Adam Mueller will preach on Ruth 1:1-19a "God's Love Transcends the Bitterness of Life"
View the service folder.