Christian Reflection and Prayer

NOT YET - BUT SOON

Scripture:

Read Luke 19:11-27.
TEXT: "But his citizens hated him and sent a
delegation after him, saying, 'We do not want
this man to reign over us'" (Luke 19:14).

Jesus' choice to stay with the chief tax collector
Zacchaeus divides the crowd. Some are upset
Jesus is associating with such an open sinner.
Others think God's Kingdom will appear at once
when He reaches the Jewish capital Jerusalem.
Jesus tells a parable that answers both ideas.

The people have no trouble picturing His story of
a nobleman traveling to a distant country to have
himself proclaimed king. That was the way the
Roman Empire worked. Herod the Great left the
land of Palestine and travelled to Rome before
Emperor Augustus proclaimed him king. Only
then could he return to rule.

Jesus pictures Himself as that nobleman-the
great Son of David and Son of God. Instead of
beginning His reign when He enters Jerusalem,
He will be murdered by His enemies. But after
His resurrection He will leave the earth, ascending
into heaven where the Father will proclaim Him
King. Then on the Last Day-and not until that
moment-Jesus will return to reward His faithful
servants and establish His Kingdom on the new
earth.

Now Jesus turns to His enemies. He has shown
great patience, humility, grace, mercy and love
toward them, but they have hated Him without
cause. He warns that the time of judgment is
coming. He will return with His angel armies to
capture His enemies and slaughter them.

To our ears that judgment sounds harsh. But Christ
your King has given you fair warning. If you will not
bow your knee to Him in faith, you will forfeit your
life and suffer eternally in hell.

THE PRAYER:

Almighty God, You have established Your Son as
the Ruler of all things in heaven and on earth. Break
through my rebellious heart that I may love Him and
serve Him now and through all eternity. I pray in
Jesus' Name. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministires)