As I was reading in Luke, I ran across an interesting interaction between a man and Jesus. I have probably read it more times than I can count but today it popped up at me.
Luke 12:13–14
13 Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” 14 But He said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?”
An arbitrator is an independent person or body officially appointed to settle a dispute.
It reminded me of my daughter when someone is sharing something that may be a little tense or divided, she states "Not my business." and leaves the room.
I started thinking about this man who made this request to Jesus. I started thinking about his process, heart, and what he may have experienced with his brother to come before Jesus and ask this very request.
In my thoughts about the man, I thought maybe it wasn't so much about the inheritance as much as his covet to be right, to have what was rightfully his. Maybe this dividing of inheritance would make the relationship right again or maybe it would sever the relationship and he could move on without bitterness and finally be at peace. Maybe he had served his brother for years believing the best of him giving him the benefit of the doubt and in his serving, believed he would return the favor by sharing the inheritance. Maybe this had been an issue for years, maybe people and friends agreed he should receive the inheritance but it still was never given. Maybe he believed Jesus would know what was right and what was his and grant him his request. Maybe Jesus would make it right.
How familiar does this sound to you? How many of you have had relationships that have been broken from disagreements or division? How many of you have lost family or friends out of being right? Maybe you were right and rightfully so, you are no longer in relationship with that person. How many of you have prayed for God to intervene and change a person's heart, how many of you have prayed for God to make what's wrong, right?
Jesus responds and starts to talking about not being anxious, to not seek the things that are temporal, not to worry as it adds nothing to your life, how the birds are taken care of and aren't you of much more value of the birds, how if God can array the lilies of the field, how much more can he clothe you, His good pleasure is to give you the kingdom. He continues on sharing to give it all, stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning.
In relationships we have been anxious, worried, defending what's right and pointing out what's wrong, having opinions, thoughts, wanting to be heard and understood, praying for God to work on our behalf to take our defense.
Jesus's response - friend, what's that got to do with me?
Is Jesus concerned about our relationships? Yes, but he's not so concerned about who is right but more so about are you right? Right in relation to God is not about who is right and who is wrong. Right in relation to God is giving it all to him, dressed for action, and your lamp burning. What does that look like?
Are you giving all your wanting to be right, proving what's right, releasing and forgiving everything this person and relationship has done to you, receiving His kingdom, His love to cover not only thier faults but yours as well. In any relationship, it takes two to tango, let him forgive you so you can forgive them and forgive yourself! Dressed for action, how many times have you had a relationship that just put you in a funk? It has caused you to isolate from people, God, and put you in a complacent place. Dressed for action, dress yourself in the promises of God, in the trust that you can trust Him, it is His good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.
Keep your lamps burning, let your light shine, let the passion and vulnerability to be wrong, to be weak, to be found only in Him ignite your fire. Let those emotions to be right, to be heard, to be vindicated fall in His hands not looking for an outcome, but looking to Him to restore and heal those desires and needs.
As we can see, He says what's that got to do with me? If this isn't something God is concerned about why do we waste our energy on something He will not interfere with? His concern is for us, our hearts, and the position in which we stand before Him. Let's agree with Him and receive from Him what He has given so freely, everything our heart needs and desires and give it to others as freely as He has given it to us. A whole and complete person as Jesus was, He loved Judas although he betrayed him, forgave those who spat upon Him, forgave Peter and called Him into ministry although he denied Him. Jesus was not concerned about the actions these people took but the restoration they would receive and Him being dressed for action with His lamp burning.
The Holy Spirit will lead you how to love, how to forgive, and in your best ability to restore. Our position is do what He asks before us and that is in alignment with who He is and the examples He has given us in His word.
Give it all, stay dressed for action, and keep your lamps burning.
Sidenote: I once heard a pastor share something that was too good to not share in this post.
He said anytime you speak against your brother, God is no longer on your defense as He is having to defend your brother from your accusations and words of death that you have spoken over him. If you want God on your side, bless your brother, do good to him and see God work on your behalf and theirs.
We are all God's family, he does not love you more than your brother, nor does he love your brother more than you. So be a blessing to God and be good to your brother.
コメント