Who should rejoice? Woe unto who? Luke 6:23-26

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. YOU ARE BLESSED!!!  Why?  Because of Jesus Christ taking your sins away!!!!

   Yesterday we ended with Luke 6: 22 when Jesus tells his disciples (and you and me) blessings will come when people hate you, exclude you, and mock you.  Now look at verse 23 - Jesus tells us:  23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

  Why rejoice?  Because, your reward, my reward is what?  GREAT IN HEAVEN!!  These words of Jesus we need to keep in our minds and in our hearts.   But then Jesus goes on to verse 24 - take note please:

  24 But woe unto you that are rich!  For ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger.  Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.  What is Jesus saying here?  Jesus is telling us that if we try to find fulfillment only through riches, wealth may be the only reward you will ever get, PLUS, it does not last.  Don't seek comfort from what we have here on earth at the expense of eternal life.

  26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.  What is Jesus referring to here?  Well, in the Old Testament times there were many false prophets.  Many kings and  people praised them (false prophets) for????  They predicted prosperity and victory in war and this is what the people and kings wanted to hear.

  You know, being popular may win you a cheerleader spot, political spot, or special place in church, at work, or in your community, BUT, the truth may not be there, AND, human flattery does not bring GOD's approval.  People who pursue people's favor do not realize that sadness, weeping, and destruction lies just around the corner.  The favor we need to seek is GOD's.

   We are to seek God's truth and push forward, being led by the Holy Spirit to do God's work.  Question:  If you had to give up everything right now to follow Jesus -- How would you react and feel?  Food for thought.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny