January 4 Listening?

Luke 10:25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
 
REMEMBER that two days ago we learned our Lord reveals knowledge of himself to whom he chooses. Our years of education, course of study, role in the church or societal position does not teach us to truly know God. Note Paul’s echo of Isaiah’s humble expression of our mind in relationship to God: Romans 11:33-35 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” (Isaiah 40:13)
   Second, please note this, too: Jesus’ questioner here is an “expert in the law”. He knew God’s words, but he did not know a personal relationship with the living “Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. (John 1:1b&4). The Word is about to teach an eternal life lesson designed to quicken our hearts to God.
     To do so, Jesus will tell one of his best-known parables – the Good Samaritan. Jesus’ lesson will underscore that it’s time to put down the man-made words defining cultural and religious rules. He will instruct the man – and all of us – to see and do God’s law with a loving heart.
   But here is a third note: there is a barrier around the man’s heart. As the law expert addresses Jesus as “Teacher”, he acts as if he is saying, “I want to learn from you.” He also seems to convey humility with, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” But we know he is testing Jesus.
   Is it not incredulous for mankind to test God? As Paul and Isaiah wrote, no one has been God’s counselor. No one knows the depths of Gods mind. The expert is ready to form Jesus’ answers into his own view. He is seeking ways to skillfully say, “No.” to the Word made flesh. He puts more trust in his own mind and surely seems unprepared to do the Teacher’s answer.
   How about you? Are you prepared to listen?
 
Prayer: Lord God, as I call you “Lord” I pray you remove all barriers from heart that separate me from you. Amen.