Vertical Vision Is Better Than Horizontal Vision

Luke 9:41

Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.”

I heard a pastor say once that an evangelist was preaching at the church where he served and as he was preaching – and getting to some of the finer points of his message – a little old lady from the front row started turning around – looking at different folks.  He assumed that she thought she knew who the evangelist was talking about – rather than listening to see if he might be talking about her.

Someone recently told me that they sit in the back of the church so that others will not be able to stare at them from behind.   It seems that we either think others are looking at us or we’re looking at them! Horizontal vision is not very good.  Lol

I’ve often talked about horizontal vision – where we compare ourselves – our righteousness and unrighteousness – with those around us.  Compared to someone – some other sinner – we think we don’t look so bad.  At least that is what we convince ourselves.

How Long Must I Put Up With You?

Luke 9:41

⁴¹ “O unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”

Have you ever felt that way?  Maybe with your spouse, your children or with yourself.  As a parent I remember the frustration of telling my children the same thing, over and over again, only to have them not listen.  And this was just last week – lol (with two seniors in college at home).

I feel that way with myself at times too.  Like when I try for the ten-thousandth time to lose weight.  If I had a nickle for every time I have told myself I was going to lose weight – I would be a wealthy person.

Today’s passage comes in the midst this story:

Luke 9:37-40 – ³⁷The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. ³⁸A man in the crowd called out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. ³⁹A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. ⁴⁰I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.”

Jesus had already taught His disciples and given them authority over evil spirits.

Luke 9:1-2 – ¹When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, ²and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

In the 9th chapter we read about Jesus feeding the 5,000, Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ – the Messiah, and the transfiguration.  Three very significant miracles.  Maybe, just maybe, they are getting it.  They were there when Jesus multiplied the food – manipulating substance.  They were there when Peter finally uttered the words that some may have thought – you are the Christ.  Some were there when Jesus was transfigured and saw Moses and Elijah.  Maybe, just maybe, they are getting it.

And then a child, controlled by an evil spirit, is brought to them to heal and they cannot.  What is Jesus to do with them?

Luke 9:41 – ⁴¹“O unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”

Jesus healed the boy and then warned the Disciples that He would be betrayed.  He had to be frustrated with the Disciples.  How frustrated must He be with me.  He has called me and instructed me so many times.  Sometimes I respond, sometimes I do not, most times I am confused.

Lord, help me to hear and see Your call and power in my life, so that I might do Your will when You reveal it to me.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.