Luke 18

I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
~Luke 18:14 NIV

I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. ~Luke 18:17 NIV

Simplicity.

In this chapter Jesus is teaching different groups of people about the kingdom of God. In each situation he uses a parable that is relevant to his audience. This is nto only smart but it is simple. He is not asking the people he is teachingt o try and imagine a situation that is difficult for them to relate to. He is putting himself and the truth about God into their everyday lives.

Simplicity.

Following Christ is not complex. It is simple. To say that it is simple is not to say it is easy. Easy and simple are not the same. Simple versus complex. Easy versus difficult. Jesus is not teaching that a life following him is ane asy life. He is however saying that the premise of the kingdom of God and life eternal with Jesus is simple. We so often try to over theologize and over-complicate the path to Jesus. This si why Jesus tells us we must be like children. Otherwise we may fail to see the tree for the forest.

That may seem a little backwards. This is because we are always taught to ensure that we do not fail to see the forest for the trees. We are taught not to become too focused on what is rigth in front of us for fear that we will fail to see the big picture. the more complex issue.

With Jesus our problem as adults is that we are so trained to look past waht is right in front of us and to focus on the bigger picture. Jesus is sitting there right in front of us longing to be a part of our lives. All we have todo is ask him. However, we convince ourselves that Jesus is just one tree in th salvation forest. Not only does this make it difficult for us to accept Jesus and the simplicity that is his offer of love and eternal life, but it also makes it difficult for us to share that love with others.

We feel that if we are to make a compelling argument for the case for Christ then there must be more to the process than simply: Jesus loves you and wants to be the centre of your life. All you have to do is confess with your mout and believe in your heart that Jesus is risen from the dead and he is Lord.

That does not seem like that is enough. We feel there must be more steps. It must be more complicated than that. Try asking a child what they must do that have Jesus in their hearts. You will find that the answer is very simple. To come into God's presnece and to enter into his love requires simple acceptance of God's unconditional love for you. To develop a true and genuine relationship with God requires dedication. God loves us enough to make himself accessible (don't forget this is the all powerful God of the universe making himself accessible to us), the least we can do is make an effort to get to know him.

Do not fail to see the Tree for the forest.

Dear God,

It is amazing that you are the ultimate Creator of the universe and you know every detail of this universe. From the mountain peaks to each individual hair on my head. You know what it takes to make everything out of nothing. The most complicated mathematical formula you created. the simples of all life forms you created. You are the Great and Almighty God of all. Yet you have made it so simple for us to come into your presence and to have a genuine relationship with you. I thank you for being so wise. A simple way to you is exactly what we need. When there is joy, you are there. When we are in despair you are there. even at our lowest whether we have ever known you before or not, you still offer us very simple access to you. Just ask. thank you for that. Thank you also that once we enter into a relationship with you, that it is a genuine realtionship. Just like any other genuine relationship it takes work and dedication for it to grow and develop. Thank you that it is not a fake, one time use relationship. God thank you for your great love and for the childlike simplicity we need to receive it. I pray that you will help to always be aware of the simpoicity of coming into your presence. I also ask that you will keep me from over complicating you and your love when I am sharing your word with others. May I present only You. Thank you for your love.

Amen