Luke has a tilt toward the forgotten and overlooked. Luke tells the stories which lift up the outcast and the abandoned.
This morning I read from Luke 6. This is the parallel story to Matthew 5. In Matthew it is called "The Sermon on the Mount." In Luke it is "The Sermon on the Plane." In Luke, Jesus comes "down" and stood on a "level place."
Subtle. And perhaps too much should not be read into it. But here the movement is downward. The direction we find in Jesus moving is down; down to us, down away from the heights of heaven, down from any position of authority or power.
And the message in Luke also reflects this movement. Whereas in Matthew the "poor in spirit" are blessed, in Luke we read simply "Blessed are you poor." Even when I am not as generous with my wealth as I ought to be, I am aware of the need for the poor to be taken care of.
It is probably understandable that this point in my day I would be so appreciative of a God who makes his way down, to the places were we live. The prayers which I offer are for those who need God to come. I have remembered this morning those struggling to complete coursework and exams. I have asked God to be with them. I have remembered this morning those who are experiencing heartbreak and anxiety. I have asked God to come into their hearts and spirits. I have remembered those still in need of finding a summer job. My prayers are that God will encourage them and prevent them from being discouraged by the "No's" they have already heard.
I appreciate the movement of God in the Gospel of Luke. I am grateful for a God who comes to the plane, to the level places where life is lived. There is much to be seen from a mountain top; but there is great need down here. Thanks be to God who sets aside the heavens in order to be with us.
No comments:
Post a Comment