Sailing against the strong winds of self

I am amazed by my Master. Everywhere He went He advanced His agenda. Luke records several encounters in rapid fire. Chapters 6 & 7 show Jesus healing crowds of hurting people and pointing them to draw their own proper conclusions: God is great. He is good. He gives power to those who submit to the Father. He cares deeply and helps those who are deep need.

Jesus' sails propel Him powerfully against the wind. The Father blows His character of love and compassion into Jesus' sails of submission, trust and loyalty. That which is seemingly invisible and weak explodes with manifestations of power.

Pressures intensify though. Those who control how the wind blows in their culture don't appreciate One who powerfully charts a conflicting course. Blind to the good, they resent such authority which makes no demands. It's easier to terminate the trouble-maker than to consider a better way. That would mean a troublesome change of life. SELF is god. "Leave me alone."

Love for the Father changes everything. Jesus thrives living for what His Father cares about.

Self cares only for the self. Self is driven along with the prevailing winds to a harbor of many other lonely souls. With false confidence they are tethered to empty docks which cannot secure them when even the moderate storms of life blow in. (Storms DO seem to come surely enough, even if not planned, don't they?)

Love for the Father offers a full identity--sonship. Self rejects the royal invitation, preferring its own identity. How empty. How sad. How weak.

Jesus concludes, "He who has been forgiven little, loves little." And for those who see it, "Your trust brings you into alignment with heaven. Live in wholeness."

Dealing with Temptations

Luke records Jesus' adversary coming to a hungry man during an extremely vulnerable time. Interesting how the devil wouldn't pass up an opportunity to strike a person with a sensible solution to a very pressing problem. Problem is, it is inspired by a sinister scheme. "Hungry? If you were really who you think you are, fix up something to stop your starving."

The enemy of all our lives knows where we ache. He feels our yearnings. He understands our propensities to pride.

My Hero obviously had already settled the matters deep in His inner man. He was convinced of Who He Was, and what He was to do. Undaunted. Unwavering. Secure.

Troublesome circumstances do not dictate a change of course. Not when I know who I am and what I am to do. I too will seek to respond from God's character today. Won't you?