Day 31, Luke 11
A new week! At the end of last week we noted the change in tone and content of Jesus’ ministry. He’s still revealing God’s Kingdom daily in healings, freedom, and teaching, but the opposition is increasing and He is clearer than ever in His dismissal of empty religious rigidity.
Today Luke shines light on that contrast through the introduction of “The Lord’s Prayer” (incidentally, I don’t necessarily agree with Brian Simmons’ label of this as a model prayer, to be recited). The disciples ask about praying because they have been raised in a tradition that tells them this is how to communicate their needs and concerns to a holy God, hoping for an answer that brings salvation.
Jesus answers in a way that seems familiar to our ears (through repetition and tradition of our own), yet I suspect it was radically different from what the disciples were expecting. “Father” was not a term that would have used for God, except they had heard Jesus use it many times. Now He’s telling them they can address God the same way! Then the rest of Jesus’ answer paints a picture of trusting relationship where we are safe to come to God and lean into His presence with us, enjoying all the benefits of the same closeness Jesus clearly enjoys! This is vastly different from the Jewish traditions (albeit faithfully preserved and honed over many years of seeking God). Those very traditions are now being rendered redundant by the presence of the Messiah they have been seeking. Jesus affirms persistence (one facet of the traditions), yet promises access, discovery, and provision in place of the dogged determination that went before. The life of God is now at hand, and it is a new day for all who can accept it. God does not give sparingly or with deceit: He’s a perfect Father who gives abundantly, all that we need and more.
There will always be those who cannot (or will not) see these truths. The mute man is healed (through deliverance from the evil spirit that was the cause of his speechlessness, although not the universal cause of such issues). Some in the crowd (presumably those with the closest adherence to the skepticism of the religious elites) mistakenly accuse Jesus of being in league with Beelzebul - the name they gave to the prince of demons.
Jesus corrects this false accusation: if the accuser, the enemy, is divided against himself, he’s defeating himself!
Incidentally, it is a mistake to comprehend the cosmic order as a battle between a good being (God) and an evil being (satan). Instead, we live in a cosmos which is ruled by God, where lesser powers have corrupted and usurped authority over the earth and its inhabitants, using sin as the key to steal, kill and destroy. There isn’t space here to unpack that assertion, but I commend to you Michael Heiser’s book, “The Unseen Realm” to give you an introduction to an evangelical, biblical supernatural worldview in these areas.
Our choices in these areas are important: we have the option for our house (metaphor for our lives) to be filled with accusations, lies, weapons of deceit, and distractions (a.k.a. demons). OR we have the option for our house (life) to be completely cleansed and then filled with God’s life.
A little later, Jesus adds another metaphor for this choice: allow God’s light (namely the presence of the Holy Spirit and the Word, who is Jesus) to shine into every corner of our lives. In this way we reflect God’s light to all around.
Finally, we see what happens if we make the opposite choice (even with religious fervor and outward compliance with traditions): we become hypocrites (literally, Jesus is saying “you Pharisees are disasters”). In maintaining their laws, traditions, and behavioral mores they actually prevented God’s life from coming to those who desperately needed and desired it.
The lesson for me is: Beware of maintaining your status quo, no matter how impressive its history, when God is speaking new life and freedom in Jesus!
How is He speaking freedom and life to you today?
Have a great day!
Mark.