In my ministry, I have always been partial to the

parables. No matter how many times I have studied

them, I always discover something new, and I always

see myself in a new light. I have preached and taught

some of the parables dozens of times, and yet they

have never grown old.

But let me warn you: studying the parables is like

exposing yourself to a laser beam! It is a dangerous

thing to approach our Lord s parables with a careless

attitude. In these stories, Jesus deals with subjects

that no Christian can afford to treat lightly: salvation,

forgiveness of others, love for minority groups, the

right and wrong use of money, prayer, motives for

service, and many more.

In these studies, I have tried to shed some new

light on familiar truths. The parables are not bedtime

stories to put us to sleep, but bugle calls to wake us

upl So, if you find yourself jolted by some lesson that

is taught, give thanks to God and immediately apply

that lesson to your life.

I have always met myself in the parables, and I

suspect you wilt meet yourself as well. But don t be

afraid! It will do us both good!