Rachel Klooster 0:09
Welcome to Elmhurst CRC’s Daily Dose of the Word of God. It’s Thursday, March 14. It’s the Season of Lent and we’re walking with Jesus! I’m Billy Heschl reading for Rachel Klooster. Here is Luke 18: 28-30:
Rachel Klooster 0:25
Peter said, “We’ve left our homes to follow you.” “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.”
Rachel Klooster 0:46
This little conversation between Peter and Jesus (with other disciples listening in) comes right after Jesus has told a man to sell everything to follow him and that man is less than excited about that idea. Peter butts in with what I picture as a boastful/know-it-all tone and says, “We did that Jesus!” He’s the kid with his hand raised in class who knows all the answers. “Look at us, we’re so much better than THAT guy!” Sometimes Jesus reprimands when his disciples talk to him like this, but this time I picture him saying (with a laughing headshake and a laughing hand-motion),“Yes, yes, chill out Peter! You guys are on the right track!”
Rachel Klooster 1:32
I love that this shows the closeness in the relationship between Jesus and Peter. Peter is comfortable enough with Jesus to act this way and Jesus is kind and loving in his response. Jesus reassures Peter and the disciples that there are blessings that will come as a result of their sacrifice of their old lifestyles; blessings both in this world and the next. It seems like this conversation teaches us a little about priorities. Is Jesus telling us to completely leave our families? I don’t think so. I think he’s saying, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God.” Keep your priorities in the right order and put your relationship with Jesus first and above all - the rest will follow.
Rachel Klooster 2:16
Let's pray. Thank you Jesus for allowing us to approach you with our authentic selves. Thank you for your gentle responses to us. We humbly aske for the wisdom and motivation to keep you first in our lives. Amen.