Prepare Him RoomSample

Day 5: Live Like Jesus

Today’s Reading: Luke 17

Jesus stood up from His throne, took off His kingly robe, broke through the cosmos to enter the womb of a teenage girl. The star shone bright that first Christmas night. The heavens watched as Jesus entered our world on a rescue mission. Creation held its breath as Jesus made Himself known for the sake of the lost, the hurting, and the broken. Wise men sought Him then and wise men still seek Him today. 

Our Savior placed Himself behind enemy lines. Was willing to be associated with outcasts and sinners. Took on a religious establishment that made fellowship with God seem almost impossible. Jesus was routinely insulted, mocked, set up, and harassed. And He endured a horrific, traumatic, unjust execution. 

Yet, He walked through life with a pure, humble, strong, and loving heart. He never held a grudge. Never wasted a moment. And continually forgave those who sent Him to the cross. Love motivated His every step. 

We have access to the same power that rose Jesus from the grave!

The disciples surely scratched their heads though as they listened to Jesus’ seemingly impossible standard for them. In their eye-for-an-eye culture, Jesus shocks them with this charge:

“So watch yourselves! If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”

Luke 17:3–4 NLT

I would have responded the way the disciples did. They simply said, “Increase our faith!” They knew they didn’t yet have a heart like His. Hard to forgive once, let alone repeatedly. Challenging to confront another sinner, especially while maintaining a pure and humble heart. “Increase our faith!” they prayed. Jesus urged them to act upon the faith they already possessed. Jesus showed them the high standard of holiness and then reminded them of the supernatural power at work on their behalf.

Jesus wants to train and transform you to such a degree that you learn to thrive behind enemy lines, know how to stand in battle, know how to rest under His wing, and know how to trust His love in an increasingly unloving world. Jesus wants to lead you on the path of healing, restoration, and renewal. And He wants you sober, alert, and ready for His return. The end of the world as we know it is serious business. And we’re closer to that day than ever before. The masses will be caught up in life as usual when God shows up and puts a period at the end of His sentence. People won’t be ready for it. But Jesus wants you to live ready. Christmas isn’t old news. It’s now news. It’s the best news ever. When Jesus was born, God’s kingdom came to earth. He came as a baby. He’s returning as King.

Pray: Lord, I want to live ready for Your soon return. Open my eyes to the reality of Your kingdom and help me to live accordingly. Amen.

Prepare: Live, pray, and give differently this holiday season. Think eternity, rejoice abundantly, and pray audaciously. God is with you.

This devotion was adapted and provided by Susie Larson and Bethany House Publishers. Learn more at http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/prepare-him-room/406310.