Luke 12:54-59: ‘…try hard to be reconciled…'(please click here)

As an example of being able to read the signs of the times, Jesus talks about the person who does everything he can to reconcile with his enemy before the case comes to court. He knows that if he ends up in front of the Judge the outlook may not be good. He can read the ‘writing on the wall’ and what he sees there in bold print makes him want to act decisively, in order to stave off dire consequences.

‘You know how to tell a change in the weather, so don’t tell me you can’t tell a change in the season, the God-season we’re in right now. You don’t have to be a genius to understand these things. Just use your common sense, the kind you’d use if, while being taken to court, you decided to settle up with your accuser on the way, knowing that if the case went to the judge you’d probably go to jail and pay every last penny of the fine. That’s the kind of decision I’m asking you to make’ (56-59) The Message.

Jesus was calling people to reconcile with God before it was too late. Jesus came to say that this is possible and to make it possible by His death on the cross.

By the way though, do you need to ‘try hard’ to mend some broken fences? Is there someone you need to get right with? Determine to act today before the situation spirals out of control and ends up somewhere you may regret. Not only should we keep ‘short accounts’ with God, but also with one another. Don’t let a ‘root of bitterness’ grow up. That’s one poisonous plant. If some word of forgiveness needs to be spoken, get on with it in ‘the living years’.

Selwyn Hughes told the story of a man who was wounded and bitter. He became more and more sick, and eventually he died. His doctor said that, although it couldn’t be written on his death certificate, he died of ‘an undrained grudge’.

Prayer: Lord, you know I have been hurt, but help me to let it go, for Jesus’ sake, and by His grace.