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We are reading and studying this final section of Luke Chapter 12 where Jesus Christ spells out simply and clearly that being a disciple will not be easy at times. Look at how Jesus takes time to describe in detail just what this may involve at times. Just as salvation is radical in every aspect - so are these consequences of becoming a believer in Jesus.

Consider one aspect of just how radical faith in Jesus Christ can become. Judaism was a family religion - involving households. Jesus foresaw that His claims would cut across family life - and involve individual decisions.

At that point Jesus turns again to the crowd - and He says - You can look at the signs in the sky and forecast the weather, but you cannot see what time it is with God. When the wind blows from the west it brings rain - when the wind blows from the south you know it is going to be hot and that hot wind will burn up all the green grass quite quickly.

These people could not see the signs around them concerning the times. They could not see the signs of God. Now that is not always easy, and people can either ignore all this completely, or become so engrossed in it that they go off the rails.

Jesus speaks quite bluntly and strongly to this crowd. They could not tell that Jesus was on His way to the Cross, and that what was about to happen in the world was of immense significance.

Jesus uses this word again - hypocrites! Actors - role-paying - kidding-on that everything is well and that it is all right! Play-acting prevents you from seeing and perceiving reality - what is really going on.

It has been said that the people who are acting in a theatre know that it is not for real, but the people watching think it is for real. Perhaps this has never been so widespread as today, when so many actually believe what is being acted out on television is for real - certainly the way of living - the morality or lack of it. Much of what people see is being imitated and copied.

Many do not see what Jesus is revealing, and like Jesus, there is little we can do about it. We have seen such a rise in the occult - formality in religion - a curiosity and interest in any and all religions – and a mass abandonment of the authoritative truth of the Scriptures.

See and be aware - be alert - and be ready - and perceive. People did not recognise the importance of His Coming - nor the seriousness of rejecting Him.

Verses 58,59. Jesus teaches - before you come in front of the judge - settle out of court. If you are in the wrong, settle out of court. The implication is that everyone is heading for court - and Jesus Christ the Judge will judge us - so settle now - make your peace today.

This is what forgiveness is all about - we have no case - we have no defence - we need an Advocate - we need someone to settle our case with God the Father - and Jesus does that through His death on the Cross.

We are forgiven, and so if we remain faithful we have no need to fear the courtroom.

Jesus saves us. Jesus rescues us from having to go on trial in that courtroom, and God the Father says - Because of My Son - CASE DISMISSED.

Be ready. Settle now. Jesus speaks very seriously. Most of the Bible is very serious stuff. No man can afford to delay and put off making His peace with the Father, through Jesus the Son. Settle now - settle today - and so be ready and prepared for the coming again of Jesus Christ.

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

Winning in Christ Jesus