August 18. Luke 7. BJ Aznar
Hope and Joy in Christ
What does it look like when the Creator, the Alpha and Omega, of our universe lowers himself to become one of us? To live in our world corrupted of sin, death, and brokenness? Luke 7 presents us with our God who gives life to the dead, joy to those who mourn, and grace to the dishonored. Because of sin, society is marred and our relationships are strained. The beauty of the world God intended has been distorted. Death, destruction, hatred, fear, and decay in all their forms are the consequences of our refusal to live faithfully as those created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1). We have worshipped ourselves, our possessions and our pride, and found only despair and emptiness as a result, as well as slavery to our own self-centered desires. So, we weep with the Centurion, the widow, and the Sinful Woman both for losing loved ones and for losing ourselves. But praise God for being merciful as the actions Jesus performs in this chapter are prefigures to our own salvation, giving us hope.
Unlike Renes Descartes’ Clockmaker god who walked away from creation, our Father continues to actively love and care for us with unfathomable compassion. While the consequences of our actions as sinners are well deserved, God does not wish for us to suffer. Jesus was sent by the Father to restore us that we may be able to enter the glory of the heavenly kingdom. He came to heal our wounds, to dry our tears of hopelessness, and to ultimately unite us with Him in His holiness by crediting us His righteousness.
From afar, the faith of the Centurion allowed Christ to work miracles. How far can YOUR faith go? Do you believe that your prayers can intercede for that brother or friend who’s going through hard times? Or are you the type of person who is self-reliant and believes you have to do things yourself?
Jesus touched the coffin of a dead boy and brought him back to life. No matter the depth of our own depression and despair, Jesus has the power to raise us. His compassion for us is so great that he himself suffered and took on our suffering, leading to His own death that he could descend to Hades and be resurrected. And He did all of this because of His love for us.
And this brings us to the other side of the theme of each story presented here. For each tragedy in life there is hope and joy found through Christ. We get to celebrate the Good News of the infinite, holy mercy of Christ who will stop at nothing to bring the one lost sheep back into the fold, who isn’t embarrassed to welcome home the prodigal son, who will allow his feet to be washed by an outcast, and who will even submit to a humiliating death on a cross in order to destroy death itself by rising in glory.
So how does one respond to such love and compassion as a Christian? By living a life worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1). It must be evident in the way we live as for any to claim their name as “little Christ.” Extending forgiveness, serving others, and a plethora of other examples as noted in the “one another” scriptures. Have the courage to reach out and inspire to those who are struggling and suffering. And unlike the world that does so impersonally, do so with consideration as it says in Hebrews 10. We do not relate to Jesus Christ as isolated individuals, but as members of His Body who share a common life. If we are members of His Body, how can we disregard Him even in “the least of these” whose hearts and lives are broken, regardless of who is at fault for the circumstances. As His Disciples who have received his grace, mercy, and compassion, so must we also extend it to our friends, our family, our neighbors, and even our enemies. In doing so the world may see that He is True and they may seek to know Him.