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YES! We are back to school today so drive or walk carefully on your way to work or classes. A HUGE shout out of thanks to our Plant Services and Food Service folks. You guys ROCK!! Thanks Paul and Pete!

Luke 13

“How long I have longed to gather you like a hen gathers her chicks under her wing… but…” vs 34

I want all these chapters to be happy chapters with a happy Jesus doing happy things. But that’s not realistic in life and it does not seem to accurately reflect the life of Jesus. I don’t see His highest goal being His earthly happiness, or mine. He has something so much better than that, and He struggles to help the people He loves, and is about to die for, realize their potential with Him as well.

They would have been satisfied to make Him Israel’s king and be done with it. He could raise up an army, feed them miraculously like He fed the 5000. He could instantly heal any who would be wounded or even killed, like he miraculously did for the widow’s son or the centurion’s servant. He would be guaranteed victory in the war they wanted to win that would free them from Roman oppression. He could create the greatest most powerful empire the world has ever or would ever see. And Israel would be the center and the Jewish people would get what they wanted- a powerful earthly kingdom with them at the focal point. But Jesus wanted so much more!

As He contrasted the kingdoms of this world with the kingdom of Heaven He had some challenging moments, some difficult decisions on priorities that He was calling people to. This chapter challenged me with the balance between Jesus’ desire to save everyone and the reality that some, maybe even many, would choose not to accept what He had for them. He wanted to work with the unproductive fig tree but if it continued to be unproductive it would have to be cut down. He wanted to show the joy of Sabbath by healing and caring for people, but there were still those trapped by legalism that opposed His Sabbath kindnesses. His chosen people were more interested in being right and being in control than they were in valuing the kingdom of heaven over a kingdom on this earth. And as I read this morning I reflected on where my priorities are. Which “kingdom” has my greatest attention as I journey through life? This chapter ended on a sad note as Jesus focused on what He had come to do—set all people free and focus them on His kingdom. Some got it; some didn’t. He wept over Jerusalem, but I was reminded that though there will be sorrow for those who choose not to accept His kingdom, there is also more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. I want to be a part of the joy not the sorrow; how ‘bout you?

Have a great day choosing His kingdom,

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day: "God does not give us everything we want, but He does fulfill His promises, leading us along the best and straightest paths to Himself." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

PS Small group- “Loveology” 6pm weekly in the Young Adult Room at the church (home of “The Well!) Join Pastor Gua and others as they discuss Christian love and commitment each week. All are welcome.

PPS Small group- “The Garden”- 8pm each Wednesday, on Zoom. Contact Annabelle Harper for zoom details.

PP..S Support the Blood Drive from 11-5 in the Don Love Building if you can. It’s a great way to give back to the community.

PPP..S Remember to drop of your food item for the lady we are trying to help. Just put your food (or a dollar if you so desire) on the table in Campus Ministries and we’ll be sure Carly is fed by tonight! Thanks I advance