What Jesus Did! 'Get Things Settled' — Luke 12:54-59

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Then Jesus turned to the crowd and said, "When you see clouds beginning to form in the west, you say, 'Here comes a shower.' And you are right. When the south wind blows, you say, 'Today will be a scorcher.' And it is. You fools! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don't know how to interpret the present times.

"Why can't you decide for yourselves what is right? When you are on the way to court with your accuser, try to settle the matter before you get there. Otherwise, your accuser may drag you before the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, who will throw you into prison. And if that happens, you won't be free again until you have paid the very last penny."

— Luke 12:54-59 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus was teaching his disciples that their values should be built on living with a sense of urgency and expectation. [1] Those values were built around a commitment to be ready each moment for his return and to live with passion while they awaited his return. Those values would mean that they would live among many folks who might not appreciate them. That also meant living with a conviction that their decision to follow Jesus mattered profoundly, even eternally. Of course, Jesus' words also apply to us today. Jesus closed this section of teaching by urging both them and us to get our "matters" settled with others quickly. All the while, we want to be right in our relationship with God. Since the time of Jesus' return is unknown, his followers must make sure their relationships are reconciled. Jesus' coming can happen at any moment. We want to make sure our "matters" are in good shape. So let's get things right, today!

[1] Luke 12:35-59.

Today's Prayer

Father, give me a deeper sense of urgency to get my relationships and matters in order. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 4:20-32
  • Matthew 6:14-15
  • James 5:9

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 12:54-59 NLT — "When you see clouds beginning to form in the west, you say, 'Here comes a shower."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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