Pastor Awesome almost loves children

On one occasion, the disciples attempted to stop people from bringing children to Jesus so that He could bless them. Jesus famously denounced those who stood in the way and declared that being like children was the way to enter the Kingdom of God (Mark 10). Our Lord Jesus was known for associating with those who were culturally and politically powerless, including children. Who do you associate with?

David just takes what he wants...do we?

 

King David's lack of consideration for Bathsheba after he forced her into sin betrays how he had lost his regard for humanity and began to see people as objects for his amusement. Bathsheba was simply sent home and ignored after David was done with her. It's not until David's reputation might be hurt that he has anymore communication with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). Who have you de-humanized this week?

The way through sorrow

In John 16 Jesus warns His disciples that He will leave them and they will feel the sorrow of his absence. The sorrow is not minimized or explained away. Jesus presents the hard truth that they will feel sad, and mourn their loss. Knowing that sorrow is universal, Jesus offered His disciples hope by letting them know that He will return to them. How have you seen the power hope get you through your trials?

Big Guy did it

 Our need to explain why bad things happen, can lead us to place blame on others. David felt the pain of being the 'scapegoat' when his army's city was destroyed and the people taken hostage (1 Sam 30). Who do you blame when you experience 'bad' things? Do you blame those closest to you, or maybe someone who looks different from you? What would it be like if we accepted that we don't have the answers?

How did THAT come out of my mouth?

 Jesus famously exposed the hypocrisy of dietary restrictions placed by those who took little thought to how their words undermined the love of God and hurt the hearers (Matt 15:11). When considering how our words show a lack of love for God and neighbor, we might wonder how we even came to have such thoughts. Which of your thoughts fail to show love? Where did those thoughts come from?

Jesus knows Zacchaeus

 

When reading the story of Zacchaeus, we can't help but notice his obvious fruits of repentance (Luke 19), but we might also wonder why Jesus would bother to stop and spend time with Zacchaeus in the first place. Are we Christians so busy fighting culture wars that we fail to see people as those God loves and cares for? Who are not willing to commune with, who would you withhold God's love from?

Take my daughter. Please!

 

One way King Saul demonstrated his shortcomings was by trying to use his daughter to 'snare' his political and military rival, David (1 Sam 18). Sadly, we might see ourselves in Saul's willingness to use people, even his own children, to advance his personal power and agenda. Can you think of ways you might be using others, instead of loving them?