Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Seventeen Days before Christmas!

Jesus and the role of women in His ministry

A study of the life of Christ reveals that Jesus revolutionized the way that women were treated in His day. Jesus accorded women a dignity and respect that was virtually unfamiliar to the religious leaders of Israel. In our reading of Luke chapter 8, we find that many devout women ministered to the Lord and were particularly supportive of Jesus’ ministry through their giving. Women were indeed trailblazers in the area of giving (Luke 8:-3). This was made possible by Christ’s compassion for all of humanity both man and women!

The sower and his seeds

The Parable of the Sower is perhaps one of the most quoted texts when it comes to the power of the Word of God. Luke 8:4-15 is a text that highlights the importance of responding to the Word of God since fruitfulness in our lives is predicated upon receptivity (good ground) and teachability (open heart). Luke follows with Jesus’ teaching about the lamp and the need to listen (8:16-18) and Jesus redefinition of His family in terms of doing the Word of God (8:19-21). Much could be said about this text as it is filled with applicable lessons that could be learned for our contemporary culture.

Practical Advice

Regardless of your situation today, I trust that you will give place to the solid teaching of God’s Word so that you can bear fruit for the glory of God. I encourage you to read the Word and open your heart to listen intently to these words:

“11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 14 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.” (Luke 8:11, 14-15)

May the incorruptible seed of God’s Word cause you not only to grow in the knowledge of Christ but also propel you to bear much fruit in His kingdom. Until next time, keep on reading!

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