February 5th, Thursday: Luke chaps. 21-22

Luke 21

Maintaining the temple.

Many of the religious leaders were corrupt.

But the Temple was still the place where God put His name where sincere people could worship Him.

Jesus did not criticize the people for supporting the temple ministry.

But He did notice what they gave.

The proportion, not the portion, is important.

They who give the widow's mite, give their all, not their least.

The temple being destroyed.

This is Luke's version of the Olivet Discourse found also in Matthew chapters 24-25, and also in Mark 13.

Luke is the only gospel writer who deals with our Lord's prediction of the fall of Jerusalem - which did occurred in AD70.

The rest of his report describes the events in the last days before the return of Jesus Christ to the earth.

He is coming back soon, and it will be a time of testing and testimony, oppression and opportunity, vengeance and victory.

As a boy of 12, Jesus discussed the Word in the the Temple.

And He spent the last week before His death, teaching the Word in His Father's house.

He was hated by the religious leaders, and the temple was a den of thieves.

But needy people were there, and Jesus taught them.

He was quick to seize the opportunity and the people were always glad to hear Him.

Luke 22

We'll see Satan in the temple.

Judas was energized by Satan when he made his arrangement with the religious leaders.

Satan is a liar, the Father of Lies, and a murderer as well.

He helped Judas with his deception, but Satan deceived Judas as well, as he usually does to all that follow him.

And the former disciple ended up a suicide.

It is dangerous indeed to make any deals with the devil.

And we'll see Satan in the Upper Room.

Satan now had already controlled Judas, but he had to ask for permission to sift the disciples and to tempt Peter as well.

You see, Satan is not all powerful, and he must obey the limits set by the Lord.

The apostles had experienced some great blessings that evening, but danger was also very near.

Be on your guard when you've had a rich spiritual experience – for Satan is about to attack.

And especially beware when you're trying to decide who is the greatest.

We'll see Satan in the garden.

Jesus said to those who had come to arrest Him, 'But this is your hour and the power of darkness.'

Because He had prayed and was yielded to the Father's will – Jesus was prepared for the arrest.

But the disciples were not

If ever the work of Christ appear to be ruined, it was there in the garden during His arrest.

But that was when Jesus was doing His very best in the Father's will.

Now the Lord knows your future.

He knows what's about to happen, you don't.

And when circumstances seem rather negative - you have to trust the Lord.

He's doing His best work in your life.

The outcome will be for your highest good, and then you'll learn to praise the Lord!

We'll also see Satan in the courts.

Satan was in the courtyard to sift Peter, and in the council chamber to lead the men astray.

His victory over Peter was only temporary - the apostle wept, repented and was restored.

His victory over the religious leaders was complete, for he blinded their eyes to the truth, and they condemned their own Messiah to a terrible, cruel death.