Lucas 14

Lucas 14

Morgan - Makarios (blessed) means happy, fortunate, blissful. Homer used the word to describe a wealthy man, and Plato used it of one who is successful in business. Both Homer and Hesiod spoke of the Greek gods as being happy (makarios) within themselves, because they were unaffected by the world of men-who were subject to poverty, disease, weakness, misfortune, and death. The fullest meaning of the term, therefore, had to do with an inward contentedness that is not affected by circumstances. That is the kind of happiness God desires for His children, a state of joy and well-being that does not depend on physical, temporary circumstances (cf Php 4:11, 12, 13). (From his sermon entitled "Blessed") For you will be repaid (antapodidomi) at the resurrection (anastasis) of the righteous (dikaios) - For is a term of explanation introducing Jesus explanation of how you will be blessed. Will be repaid is in the passive voice is the "Divine Passive" indicating it is God Himself Who will repay their selfless generosity and speaks of God's commendation. The blessing will not be bestowed by those who have to means to repay but by God has has all means to repay and to repay throughout eternity! Hallelujah! I would call that a blessing beyond belief and certainly beyond anything we could ever earn or ever deservie.That God would save us is "reward" enough, but that He will reward us in eternity future is nothing short of indescribably amazing grace! Amazing grace indeed! Contrast the repayment of the Pharisees from one man to another in time, with the repayment from the infinitely rich and generous almighty God throughout eternity! This future hope (absolute certainty) mindset is living in time with an eternal perspective (cf 2Cor 4:17-18). THOUGHT - With what perspective are you spending your short time on earth? Read about your life in James 4:13-14+, then Ps 144:4 and then Ephesians 5:16KJV+. One is reminded of Jesus' words in Rev 22:12+ “Behold (TO GET OUR ATTENTION), I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man (NOTE THE ADJECTIVE "EVERY" - SOME GOOD, SOME BAD, BUT SOME TO EVERYONE!) according to what he has done." THOUGHT - Are you storing up for yourself treasure in heaven, where the R.O.I. (Return On Investment) is "out of this world?" If you are not, begin today! Do not procrastinate! Here's a great little book to motivate you to get moving! Borrow The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn. Keener - Judaism taught that the righteous would ultimately be rewarded at the resurrection of the dead; here Jesus applies this truth to distribution of resources. That God repaid those who helped the poor was already taught in the Old Testament (Prov 19:17).