- Covered In His Dust
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- Luke Chapter 12 (finally)
Good morning! ☀️
"When disciples followed a rabbi, they followed him closely so they would never be out of his sight, never be someplace where they couldn’t hear him speak. They followed him so closely that his sandals often kicked up dust."
May you be covered in His dust.
If this is your first time getting Covered in His Dust, WELCOME! Read Chapter 12 before reading my notes. They’ll make more sense. Read Luke 12 HERE.
Read back issues of Luke by signing into your account. Click “Read Online” at the top right. Scroll to the bottom.
Ok. Just as a heads up, Chapter 12 will be split up into two days. I’m not gonna lie; that’s a little frustrating to me.
But why?
As Americans, maybe as humans, we love to complete tasks. We place a high value on achievement and efficiency. And I think, generally, that’s ok. But as we read the Bible, I think we need to slow down.
As I research and write these Bible studies, I’m shocked and disappointed at how much I don’t know. How much I’ve skipped over in the past.
But I’ve committed to stop doing that. This isn’t a race. Right? I tell our students at the academy,
All
the
time,
“It’s not about the grade. It’s about what you’re learning.”
We don’t have to stop at the end of the chapter. It’s not a rule.
The Bible wasn’t even written with chapters and verses. As a matter of fact, it wasn’t written with punctuation or paragraphs either 😱. Yea. I know. Chapters and verses came much later for easier reference and study.
Can you imagine reading and studying this???
It's written in Greek, the language the Gospel of Luke was originally written. No spaces between words, and the text is written continuously without any paragraph breaks or punctuation marks.
In case you’re curious. That’s Luke 1:1-4
Enough is enough. Let’s get into it.
Leaven, or yeast, is a small substance that, when mixed into dough, causes it to rise. Similarly, hypocrisy, though it may seem small or insignificant at first, has the potential to spread and affect everything it comes into contact with.
The removal of leaven during the feast of Passover, rooted in the biblical account of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, holds dual symbolic significance.
In the Book of Exodus (Exodus 12:15-20), the Israelites ate unleavened bread throughout Passover week, representing their hurried departure from Egypt, during which they lacked time for their bread to rise.
This unleavened bread became a central element of Passover observance, and the pre-Passover removal of leaven from Jewish homes serves as a symbolic homage to this aspect of the Exodus story.
Leaven also served as a metaphor for impurity or sin. During Passover, Jews remove all leaven from their households as a symbol of purging sin from their lives, intertwining the physical and spiritual preparations for the sacred holiday.
So, when Jesus warns his disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees, he's cautioning them about the insidious nature of hypocrisy.
Just as leaven works silently but effectively within dough, hypocrisy can quietly infiltrate a person’s character and actions, leading to a gradual distortion of their true intentions and beliefs.
It's a warning against the danger of outwardly appearing righteous while inwardly harboring deceit and falsehood.
“I don’t do that,” or “Where do I do that?”
By saying, "Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known," Jesus is saying that all secrets, deceit, and hypocrisy will ultimately come to light. That there will be no hiding or escaping the truth of a person’s character and deeds.
This is a reminder of the omniscience of God and the impossibility of hiding anything from Him.
Reverent Fear.
Jesus encourages His disciples to prioritize their fear, directing it toward God rather than human authorities. He emphasizes that fearing God means recognizing His authority and sovereignty over life and death.
To illustrate the depth of God's care and concern for His followers, Jesus mentions sparrows, which were among the cheapest and most insignificant birds sold for mere pennies, yet emphasizes that not even one of them is forgotten by God.
Even though you may feel like a sparrow at times,
He knows you, every detail, every fear, every hope.
He sees you, even when you feel invisible to the world.
He hears you, even the silent cries of your heart.
And He loves you unconditionally, eternally, and beyond measure.
“And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.”
Why is Jesus saying before ‘angels of God’ and not God directly?
By mentioning angels specifically, Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of a person’s public confession or denial of Him.
By stating that He will acknowledge or deny individuals before the angels of God, Jesus highlights the importance of your public testimony of faith. Our actions and declarations have cosmic significance and are witnessed not only by those on earth but also by those in heaven.
Acknowledging or denying Jesus has implications beyond earthly consequences and carries weight in the spiritual realm.
What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and why is it unforgivable?
Blasphemy means speaking disrespectfully or irreverently about something sacred. In this case, the Holy Spirit.
The reason blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is singled out as unforgivable is a matter of theological debate. However, a common interpretation among Christian theologians is that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit represents a persistent and willful rejection of the work of the Holy Spirit, which leads to a state of spiritual hardness and unrepentance.
Speaking against Jesus may show ignorance, misunderstanding, or even a lapse of judgment, which can be forgiven through repentance and acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is more serious because it represents a deliberate rejection of the Holy Spirit's work and influence, ultimately rejecting the possibility of repentance and forgiveness.
What does that look like?
"The Holy Spirit is just a made-up concept to control people."
“I control the outcome of my life. Not the ‘Holy Spirit.' I don’t believe in it.“
“There’s no evidence of the Holy Spirit. Only the most radical Christians believe it.”
As Christians, we believe in God the Father, Jesus His Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Three Persons, one God. If you don’t believe in the Holy Spirit, you aren’t Christian. If you don’t understand the Holy Spirit, ask Him for clarity. Begin your journey.
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’
When we BELIEVE we are filled with the Holy Spirit, our hearts will flow RIVERS of Living Water.
I lived most of my life not knowing or understanding the Holy Spirit. As Christians, this is something we need to get right.
This is how I began.
I read the book “Forgotten God” by Francis Chan. I read many others, but that book was pivotal. Here are a few quotes.
"You cannot read the New Testament and not know that the Holy Spirit is a big deal."
“I don’t want my life to be explainable without the Holy Spirit. I want people to look at my life and know that I couldn’t be doing this by my own power.”
“If it’s true that the Spirit of God dwells in us and that our bodies are the Holy Spirit’s temple, then shouldn’t there be a huge difference between the person who has the Spirit of God living inside of him or her and the person who does not?”
I started highlighting every time the Holy Spirit was mentioned in the Bible. I was shocked.
I prayed desperate prayers. In the last chapter, we read,
"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
(If you have questions, want to talk to someone about it, or want to pray, let me know.)
Am I the Rich Fool?
Scary thought: If someone’s a ‘Rich Fool,’ they probably don’t know it.
Someone in the crowd wants Jesus to solve a disagreement about money in their family, but Jesus declines. Instead, He takes advantage of the opportunity to teach a broader lesson about the proper perspective on wealth and possessions.
The parable serves as a reminder that material possessions are temporary and ultimately meaningless in the grand scheme of things. True wealth, Jesus teaches, comes from being "rich toward God," which involves prioritizing spiritual values such as love, generosity, and righteousness over the accumulation of wealth for personal gain.
"But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"
But being content isn’t the American Way.
Ambition,
Achievement,
and the pursuit of success.
Contentment doesn't mean complacency or lack of ambition. It's about finding satisfaction and gratitude in the present moment, regardless of your circumstances or possessions. Contentment involves appreciating what you have while also pursuing goals and aspirations in a balanced and healthy way.
Money. Money. Money.
Jesus often spoke about money because it touches on fundamental aspects of human behavior, attitudes, and priorities that are central to the spiritual life. Here are a few reasons Jesus talked about money:
Reflection of the Heart: Jesus recognized that how people handle their money reflects the condition of their hearts. He understood that the pursuit of wealth can lead to greed, selfishness, and a misplaced sense of security, while generosity and stewardship reflect a heart aligned with God's values.
Idolatry and Priorities: Jesus warned against the danger of making money or possessions an idol, prioritizing them above God and spiritual values. He emphasized the need to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness rather than pursuing earthly treasures.
Social Justice: Jesus had a deep concern for the poor, marginalized, and oppressed. He challenged societal norms that perpetuated inequality and called his followers to care for the less fortunate. Many of his teachings on money address issues of justice, fairness, and compassion for those in need.
Spiritual Warfare: Jesus recognized that the love of money and the pursuit of wealth can be spiritual obstacles that hinder one's relationship with God. He warned against the temptation to serve both God and money, recognizing that they represent competing allegiances.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
The following are thoughts from Pastor David Platt, author of Radical and creator of Secret Church.
“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. What we put our money in is where our hearts go. So, if we spend all of our money on ourselves, on the things of this world, on provision for ourselves, on needs and wants in this world for us, then that’s where our hearts will be focused.”
“If we spend our resources, put our treasure in the needs of others, in caring for others and providing for others, in giving to the church, in giving for the spread of the Gospel among the nations and giving for the relief of the poor, then that is where our heart will be.”
“So, if you want to know where your heart is,”
“Look at your bank account, where you’re spending your money, at your checkbook, if you use checks, your credit card statement, your cash flow. And that is a crystal clear picture of where your heart is. And so, in this way, Jesus encourages us to put our treasure in what’s going to matter most in eternity.”
Wait, by the world’s standards, we’re all pretty ‘rich’ in America. Should I sell everything and give it to the poor?
Whether God is calling you to sell all your possessions and follow Him is a deeply personal and spiritual matter. It's not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires careful consideration, prayer, and seeking guidance from trusted spiritual mentors or advisors.
Here are some things to consider:
Deep Conviction: If you feel a deep and persistent conviction from the Holy Spirit urging you to let go of your possessions and follow Jesus, it might be a sign of God's calling.
Attachment to Possessions: If you sense that your attachment to wealth and possessions is hindering your spiritual growth or drawing you away from God, it might be time to consider letting go.
Seeking God's Kingdom: Evaluate whether you’re prioritizing the kingdom of God and seeking His will above all else. Selling possessions to advance God's kingdom and serve others may be a manifestation of this priority.
Prayer and Discernment: Spend time in prayer and discernment, asking for God's guidance and wisdom. Slow down. Listen to His voice through Scripture, prayer, and the counsel of mature believers.
The command Jesus gave the rich young ruler to sell everything and give to the poor was tailored to his unique situation and isn't a blanket commandment for all believers.
While Jesus stressed the significance of generosity and helping others, it doesn't mean that everyone is called to sell everything they own. God's call is different for everyone.
Embrace generosity and compassion—one day, one person, one moment at a time. The key is to start.
There was a lot here today. Look for part two of Chapter 12 on Friday.
I love you,
George
Uncovering scripture