This past Sunday, in the second service I read the following encouragement from Robert Murray M’Cheyne and have been thinking about it all week. It’s a great reminder of how to listen to a sermon.

“Learn much of the Lord Jesus. For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ. He is altogether lovely. Such infinite majesty, and yet such meekness and grace, and all for sinners, even the chief!”

Two questions. What is this passage trying to show me about myself? Let’s not look away, as tempting as that may be. But then, what is this passage showing me about Jesus that I need to look at ten times?

There are clear answers to both questions for us to look at as Jesus accepts another invitation to dine with Pharisees and scribes in Luke 14:1-14. We should all recognize something of ourselves in the host and the guests if we look carefully at ourselves. And as we look to Jesus, we should be amazed by the glory and grace we see as he stands with open arms and the smile of God. M’Cheyne goes on and tells us what to do next once we’ve done this looking.

“Live much in the smiles of God. Bask in His beams. Feel His all-seeing eye settled on you in love, and rest in His almighty arms.”

This Sunday Kenny Clark will be preaching and Walt Harrah will be leading our sung worship. Would you take some time this week to read and reflect on this section of Luke and to pray for each as they prepare? And let’s ask the Lord to help us see clearly as we look at ourselves and our Savior and to rest in, not resist, his almighty arms.

See you Sunday, Grace. Let’s come hungry!

Song Link of the Week
Jesus, Fount of Joy Eternal by the Trails Church
Come rejoice, be glad forever
Come rejoice again in Christ
Jesus, fount of joy eternal
Precious savior, our delight