THE SEND: Luke & ActsSample

Luke 11 opens up with Jesus teaching His disciples how to pray. He makes it look pretty simple, don’t you think? But if prayer is such a huge part of being a Christian, why does Jesus give so little practical advice about what it should look like?

I think the answer might be found in what he talks about next. Jesus then shares about the gift of the Holy Spirit that God has given to all those who follow him. Although it may seem like just a nice sentiment, I wonder if this part of Jesus’ response is actually the most practical bit of all.

Jesus tells us that our Father in Heaven has blessed us with the good gift of the Holy Spirit, a gift that is better than anything we can get from people on earth (Luke 11:13). And it is with this gift of the Holy Spirit that Jesus invites His disciples to not only pray, but to live out their entire lives. You see, following Jesus isn’t simply learning a set of rules and sticking to them (as some of the Pharisees seem to be doing in Luke 11:39-42), but it’s about partnering with the Holy Spirit to walk out the Kingdom of God here on earth.

As you read chapter 11 today, can you see how important the Holy Spirit is? I want to encourage you to think about what Jesus might be saying to you about what it means to live your life with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus was teaching His disciples to pray, he did give them a framework, but he also invited them to partner with God’s heart for the earth through the Holy Spirit. When he was driving out demons, he was partnering with the Holy Spirit to bring the Kingdom of God into the lives of those around him. And as he challenged the Pharisees, he challenged them to not just live a life that looks good on the outside, but one that allows the Holy Spirit to bring the Kingdom of God into their hearts and minds too.

Today, I want to challenge you to ask God where you can partner with the Holy Spirit in:

1. Praying for His Kingdom to come on earth.
2. Bringing His Kingdom to the lives of those around you.
3. Letting His Kingdom come in your heart and mind.