Have you lost the plot? Something is happening here. We are distracted by all the things. God has been putting together the ultimate story of heaven and earth, now and forever, and we can’t decide what to have for dinner. No wonder Jesus often asked, “Are you listening to me? Really listening?” (See Matthew 11:15 The Message.)

In this chapter, Jesus sent out the twelve disciples on a Good News tour complete with the specially delegated power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases (verses 1, 2). Jesus fed five thousand (verses 10-17). 

Peter openly declared who Jesus is (verse 20). Immediately, Jesus told his disciples about his coming death and resurrection (verses 21, 22). He then told them some of them would see the Kingdom of God (verse 27). Peter, James, and John then climbed the mountain with Jesus. Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus who was transformed before them. They talked about Jesus coming exodus from this world which was about to take place in Jerusalem (verses 28-31). 

God’s presence overshadowed them and said, “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him,” (verse 35). Jesus healed a demonized boy when he came down the mountain. Everyone was awestruck at this “majestic display of God’s power,” (verse 43). Everyone was marveling while Jesus was telling them he was about to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies (verse 45). 

They didn’t get it.

Keep reading this chapter. Jesus keeps telling them what is going to happen. They keep missing his point. Fast forward to the other side of the cross and resurrection. Jesus commissioned his disciples to do what he had commissioned them to do in Luke 9:1, 2. He promised the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide them, to empower them, and to use them to declare God’s Great Good News. He also promised he is coming.

So many people in Luke 9 are distracted by so many things they missed the heart of the Gospel. In this Acts 29 world, so many people are distracted by so many things that we are missing the heart of the Gospel. We are a commissioned, empowered, authorized people wondering what to eat for dinner. We’ve lost the plot. 

When Jesus was raised from the dead, he revealed God’s heart for all people everywhere. He loves everyone and wants each person to know and experience him. A simple request today: Remind yourself as often as necessary of the plot of God’s story for heaven and earth, now and forever. Please don’t miss 

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I will awaken daily to God’s Great Good News and live out my part in this story older than time, endless and enduring, ending at the beginning of a brand new Day. 

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Our Father, please remind us of the plot. Show us our places in your story. Use us to embody and declare your Great Good News. Amen.