“Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has saved you.’ And at once his sight returned and he followed him along the road.” Mark 10:52
(Grace and Peace) Even though people asked Bartimaeus to keep quiet, he shouted even more loudly till Jesus took note and rewarded him for his faith. In our own lives, it is our faith alone that can win us a hearing with the merciful Lord. With faith, let us call out to Him as He passes by, that He may heal us from the blindness of our heart and restore our sight.“And this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan has held bound these eighteen years - was it not right to untie this bond on the Sabbath day?” Luke 13:16
(Grace and Peace) Let us never become so blind as to fail to recognise the visitation of the Lord in our own times. We should never be among the hypocrites who try to oppose the work of the Spirit of God with the written Law. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy and peace - no law can touch such things as these.“But unless you repent you will all perish as they did.” Luke 13:3
(Grace and Peace) Sometimes we succumb to the temptation to judge others when we see misfortune overtaking them. We do not realize how close we ourselves are in barely escaping calamity, sickness or destruction. In allowing us health, security and soundness of mind, God in His mercy is giving us an opportunity to repent and change our lives. Therefore, let us give Him no rest until He grants us the grace of deeper conversion.“Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the face of the earth and the sky. How is it you do not know how to interpret these times?” Luke 12:56
(Grace and Peace) If we are knowledgeable enough to interpret the signs of the changing weather, why do we fail to discern the signs of the times? From the events that happen in their lives, the wise discern God's plan for them and model their lives accordingly. Understanding that our time is short, let us wisely settle all our debts towards God and neighbour while we have the opportunity.“I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already!” Luke 12:49
(Grace and Peace) The Lord warns us that there can never be any compromise between Christ and those who belong to the world. The Lord came into the world to kindle the fire of the Holy Spirit in those who belong to Him and to shed His Blood for their salvation. These would now belong solely to Him, and they would be hated in the world on account of their total surrender to Jesus and their rejection of evil in all its forms.“The one who did not know, but has acted in such a way that he deserves a beating, will be given fewer strokes. When someone is given a great deal, a great deal will be demanded of that person; when someone is entrusted with a great deal, of that person even more will be expected.” Luke 12:48
(Grace and Peace) To those of us to whom much is entrusted, more will be asked. As disciples of the True Master, we have been handed down the fullness of Revealed Truth. How serious then will our judgement be, if through wilful neglect or presumption we despise His teachings and commandments! Casting out any double-mindedness, let us be determined to keep His commandments with holy zeal till the end.“Be like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks.” Luke 12:36
(Grace and Peace) The Lord asks us not to grow complacent or lazy, but to be alert and diligent in the tasks He has entrusted to us. Let us carry out every task, which He has entrusted to us, faithfully and conscientiously; we are serving the Lord Almighty, Who will reward us for every good deed, whether great or small.“Try your hardest to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed.” Luke 13:24
(Grace and Peace) The Lord warns us against two false attitudes that prevail among His followers: the first, in thinking that a half-hearted attempt will suffice to enter the Kingdom of God, and the second, that even if we postpone our efforts for a later time, we will receive another opportunity.