Sunday: The Persistent Widow — Luke 18:1-8
This widow had three major obstacles: 1) being a woman, she had only minor rights under the law of that day; 2) being a widow, she had no husband to stand with her in court; 3) being poor, she could pay no bribes. What hope did she have? First, she wouldn’t give up! Furthermore, as a stranger to the judge, she kept pleading her case until he responded in her favor. Finally, although the judge was unjust, he gave in to her just to gain personal peace. As God’s elect, we’ve a much greater hope and every reason to persevere. We’re granted privileged access to the perfect Judge. We aren’t strangers to Him, but accepted and cherished. In Him, we are rich beyond measure!
Monday: The Pharisee & the Publican — Luke 18:9-14
Jesus tells this story about two men praying in the temple to illustrate true spirituality. Publicans were regarded as thieves and traitors: those who worked for the Roman government, extorting unfair amounts in taxes from their own countrymen. But Jesus condemns the religious pride of the Pharisee, who was: deluded about prayer (using it to tell God and anyone listening how good he was); deceived about himself (thinking he was accepted by God solely by his good works); and wrong about the publican, who cried out in true repentance. Which of these men left the temple cleansed and justified?
Tuesday: Jesus on Divorce — Matthew 19:1-9; Mark 10:1-12
Divorce is at epidemic levels in our day, because people view it as an easy way out. In answering the Pharisees, Jesus strikes the heart of the issue: God intends marriage to be a lifelong relationship. Therefore, God expects devotion and fidelity of both man and woman to each other. While the Pharisees are trifling with the technicalities of marriage and divorce, Jesus turned them to God’s original intent: committed, enduring love.
Wednesday: Jesus on Celibacy — Matthew 19:10-12
Everyone should consider God’s will for marriage. If one marries, the only way to fulfill that union and please God is to give it their all. If one can’t or is unwilling (for any reason) to do this, then rather than marry and have a mediocre or poor marriage, he/she should remain single. The idea behind being a “eunuch,” is that of refraining from all sexual pleasures. Jesus teaches this, as does Paul (see 1 Corinthians 7), as a viable option.
Thursday: Little Children & the Kingdom — Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17
It appears Jesus’ disciples considered the little children to be unimportant. They forgot Jesus’ teaching on greatness (Mark 9:36-37). The Lord wasn’t teaching here that adults should behave immaturely (1 Corinthians 13:11), but that they should live by simple faith as do little children. We must enter God’s kingdom in this manner, in helplessness, relying totally on God’s mercy and grace to save us. We must live by simple faith (Colossians 2:6-7).
Friday: Riches & the Kingdom — Matthew 19:16-24; Mark 10:17-25; Luke 18:18-25
Jesus loved this young man. He had good manners, the respect of others, and great potential. Yet he was superficial in spiritual things, for he trusted in riches to make his way in life. Money can be a wonderful servant, but is always a treacherous master. Multitudes will be denied entrance to God’s kingdom due to a covetous heart. Is God above everything in your life?
Saturday: The Benefit of Following Christ — Matthew 19:25-30; Mark 10:26-31; Luke 18:26-30
Perhaps you’ve wondered, as Peter did, what we gain by following Christ? We can never “out-give” God, but what He is most interested in are the motives of our hearts. Industrialist R.J. Le Tourneau said, “If you give because it pays, it won’t pay!” Do we follow Christ for reward, or because we love Him? Do we work for Him because we love others and desire to see them saved, or for self-acclaim? God rewards the sincere, true heart.