May 27 He Meets You

Luke 14:34-35 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
 
ONE way we understand how to be a Kingdom Builder and a Kingdom Warrior (See the previous lesson.) is to “meet people where they are.” This method is a mark of Jesus’ ministry. He very often asked questions as he began to minister to particular people. He wanted to learn where people “were” spiritually and physically, so he could effectively respond to their need. One example is this question to the blind man Bartimaeus in Jericho: Mark 10:51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” And he asked the Pharisees: Luke 20:4 “John’s baptism — was it from heaven, or from men?”
    These questions are some of Jesus’ kingdom building tools. He uses them to discern, “What is the best way to meet them where they are?” With that informaiton he would respond in effect with such words as, “Now I understand. I can begin to take them from where they are to direct them into the kingdom. I’ll heal the blind man. I’ll point the Pharisees to my authority. I will show them the Father.”
    With his salt illustration, he concludes his lesson on the cost of discipleship. He urges his disciples to stay firm in him. As we follow Jesus, we are often in a place that can seem uncertain. Many temptations and limitations can cause a us to lose effectiveness. There are far too many stories of people who were once passionate for Jesus but now ignore him. They have lost the distinct flavor of God’s favor. It seems nothing is left to salt their hearts with the gospel message.
    Where is your salt level? If it is low, then please go back to the One who wants to meet you where you are. When he asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” tell him, “I want to see you again, Jesus. I want to be in you as before. My life needs the flavor of your joy, your friendship and your love.”
    With your confession and submission, he will come to you where you are. The Savior will begin to take you refreshed and renewed into his kingdom love. In your heart, receive his blessing, “You who have ears to hear, may you hear.”
 
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, you didn’t leave me where I was the day you came to me. May my steps always be faithful steps in you. Amen.