Sunday, July 08, 2012

Big Questions and Small Details- Luke 12


Luke 12: In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware ofvthe leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.
 The Lord has such a good sense of humor and impeccable timing. I have spent the last few days meditating on the big commandments in Mark 12 and then get thrown into the small details of Luke 12.

This event, which covers almost 2 chapters is composed of statements that Jesus makes in the midst of a  giant crowd- literally thousands. It was such a large crowd that there was chaos.

And He turns and speaks to His disciples using the warning: BEWARE.

I mentioned in my last writings that we have lost a sense of 'command'- I think the same can be said of "Beware".

It is like we see a sign that says, Warning- but we walk in to see and our default mode is that the sign is for someone else.

Two weeks ago there were red flags posted on the beach in gulf shores but there were a record number of rescues there anyway.

'Beware of (the) leaven'- Leaven is a very Bible rich ingredient. It is yeast and has two primary Biblical analogies- (1) sin and (2) something small that has exponential influence and growth by spreading.

In this instance, both applications apply:

"The leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy"  and 

"hidden will be revealed, veiled in dark will become exposed, whispers become shouts"

So what is going on here?

First of all, the tide is turning against Jesus. The crowds are losing positive feelings for Him, His novelty is wearing off, and the Pharisees campaign against Him is catching on.

Jesus is clearly explaining what is happening. In back rooms, in whisper sessions the plots are being hatched by the ones who hate Jesus and desire to see Him removed. It won't be long for these plans to come out into the light.

But He is also teaching a principle: small things matter because they grow. Sin unexposed grows.

We depart from God in subtle moments, not big steps. We get caught in sin by trivial means and carelessness. The gateway to destruction has no flashing warning signs.

The application questions:

What little 'sins' are present in your life that you think are harmless?

The influence of our enemies is impressed upon us subtly- what are we doing to combat those influences?

If your secret life was exposed, what would it show?

Do you live with the beautiful accountability that God is always present and nothing escapes His notice?

The chapter will move along to choosing sides, proving allegiances, being prepared for inspection, and deadly discernment... should be a good study.

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