Luke 6:12-49

Today's message at church led by Pastor Rob was about "Living Wisely in an Unwise World." It is part of his continuing sermon series on the book of Luke. The following are highlights and thoughts based on his message. The scripture for today came from a time when Jesus was picking his disciples and beginning his ministry. He wanted to help his new followers and the crowd around him to have some understanding of how God operates. The first is that God blesses people in unexpected ways. He explains how God is looking for the poor, that is those that are lowly and humble in spirit. He blesses those that are hungry, who are not looking after their own interests or worldly pleasures. Those that are sad or persecuted will see a brighter tomorrow. Next, Jesus also made clear that God judges those who depend on the things of this world for their happiness. For those that are wealth centered, living high off the hog, basing their happiness on the temporal things of this world, or who are depraved or have bad motives, their time will come when they won't be so happy anymore. There won't be anything in store for them because they've already had their share. The third point is that God blesses us for ministry. Jesus sets the example here of what our ministries main focus should be about. Preaching, that is sharing the Good News is the most important thing. In order for people to be transformed and born again they must hear the message and be convicted to change their ways. Jesus also was healing people and power was going out to them. Sometimes healing is physical but it always is spiritual. Having ones sins forgiven and being put in a right relationship with God is the most important healing a person can receive. The final piece is that our ministry is always to be about leading others to Christ, otherwise we labor in vain. It is always all about Jesus, never about us. All our works are to cause others to see Jesus and give their lives to him, receiving the gift of salvation. Let us pray that God will help us to be more like him and use the authority that he has given us as disciples to reach a dying world with his hope.