A Thought for Lent

“Consider carefully how you listen!” Luke8 v18

Over the past few weeks we have been looking at Christian Maturity from Luke Chapter 8. It’s a concern of Jesus see Lk8: 14. The original word combines the ideas of completion and perseverance. Jesus although happy with large crowds v 4, needed the many to become mature followers. They needed to persevere through the testing times of Jesus Ministry & the Cross. Does Jesus find that same maturity in us?

Some Measures of Christian Maturity:

v5- 15 the maturity of prepared soil of the heart – “the sower!” Without breaking up of the pathway, boulders being dug up &thorns being burnt up, we remain immature & unfruitful!

v16-17 the maturity of shining see also Matt 5:14-16. In Luke 8:16 Jesus points out the obvious that lamps don’t work to well if stuck in a jar or placed under a bed. The lamp was visible, placed on a stand where with other lamps it illuminated the whole house! The lamp stand was also mobile so that specific areas of the house could be brightened. Questions: Does my presence in public worship add to the light or cast shadows? Am I willing to be mobile, shining my light into darkened areas of my town? The popularity of Street Pastors amongst the Clubbers of our town is because they are mobile, helping them to stay safe from dangers. We are also called to be transparent see v17. We need the courage to let Jesus see within our defensive armour and heal us from our wounded past. Mary Pytches in A Child No More p 53-5 talks of the need to pick those things for which we are responsible and to leave alone those things which do not belong to us. In so doing, she maintains that we will mature rapidly.

3	v18 *the maturity of Listening Carefully. There are dangers in not listening to God, see Jeremiah 6:17 and 7:13. We need to consider carefully* how we listen or as the Greek puts it *see how you hear!*
			*A check list: How good are we at listening to God?* i. Come near to me & listen Isa 48:16 ii. Come together & listen Isa 48:14 iii. Be still & know that I am God Ps 46:10 iv. Be quick to listen & slow to anger Ja 1:19 v. Put what you hear into practice Ja 1:22-5
	How did you do? Considering carefully how you listen involves listening to Jesus. some weren’t keen to do so John 10:20, others were more open Jn10:21 God is emphatic about it see Luke 9:35! Outcomes of Listening to Jesus see John ch 10 v 1- 27. In this teaching about the Good Shepherd, there are 4 references to listening: v3 confidence of listening to the familiar voice of the shepherd. v8-9 nourishment from listening & following the shepherd’s call. v16 unity from listening to the shepherd gathering flocks into one. v27-8 peace when listening in the safety of the shepherd's hand.
*Three Measures of Christian Maturity* May God prepare us for a meaningful Easter this year as we:
		prepare the soil of our hearts, shine visibly, being mobile and transparent consider carefully how we listen!
				Rev. Howard Heyburn Minister Ryde Baptist Church 20.3.2011.