Luke 6:20-36
But woe to you who are rich, … But woe to you who are full now, … But woe to you who laugh now, … But woe to you when all people speak well of you… (vv. 24-26) I always cringe a bit when I read these verses; Carol and I are (relatively) rich, well-fed, happy, with hundreds of friends. Is Jesus speaking directly to us? What is His message to us? He told the “rich, young ruler” to Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me. (Mark 10:21) Neither of us feels that “calling”. So what is Jesus saying to us?
See also: March 10 / Luke 6:20-36
I have wondered about those sections also, Fred. I suspect that Jesus is not talking about a person’s physical wealth per se, or a person’s sated appetite or whether a person laughs too freely or has friends who speak well of him. I think Jesus is talking about what is in the hearts of people who have riches, are connoisseurs of good food, laugh freely, etc. Riches and food, good times and good friends can become embedded in our hearts and leave no room for God. False idols all, not bad in themselves, but leading us down the road of pride (I was going to type “perdition” but it seemed too dramatic – Hahaha). Jesus is Lord, and must always be first in our hearts.
Thanks for avoiding the use of perdition, Lou! Scary word—Ha, ha!
I agree with Fred that the “woe-to’s” are daunting for us Americans; we are ALL so well off! It is a cautionary note for us not to let these things take over our hearts.
I think we constantly need to guard our hearts against false motives.
Besides seeing the “woes” that seem to describe the American life, I was struck by Luke 6:22 as it encourages those who are hated, excluded, reviled, and defamed as Christians, that is, persecuted. I really thought about formerly-Muslim believers who often are rejected, sent away, divorced, children taken away, refused care by their own families as well as community. Fear can keep them away or secret believers, what sacrifices they face!
I’m taking these verses to mean the condition of our hearts… centered on Jesus, His teaching, His love.