"As the time approached for him to be taken up to Heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him, but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from Heaven to destroy them?" But Jesus rebuked them and they went to another village." --Luke 9:51-56
As I read this passage, two things stand out to me.
First, Jesus resolutely set out. Resolutely. (bravely, decisively, firmly, obstinately,steadfastly, unwaveringly) He had a purpose and he was going to carry it out even though he knew that he would face persecution and death.
Second, the disciples saw this and wanted to bring destruction on the people. As I have read, some would say that this is spiritual pride. Perhaps. But as I read and re-read and put myself in the disciples shoes, what I believe is that they are reacting out of rejection.
How many times have you believed in something so much and devoted yourself to it only to have others not understand or even reject it? It's hurtful and it can make us angry. Rejection does that.
How many time have you loved someone so much and been by their side only to witness their rejection by others? If I'm being honest, that gets me heated... hey, I'm human. Rejection does that.
So imagine James and John loving Jesus so much... the message he brings, the miracles he does, the peace and joy that flows through him, the kindness and the compassion they have witnessed... the person that he is. The Messiah. And the people reject him. They follow him everywhere to be part of his mission... going, preparing the way... they must be excited to be part of this mission. They believe in it. They have given their lives for it. And the people reject him.
They are hurt. Rejection does that. Is it any wonder that they reacted as they did? These people were rejecting their Jesus, the Christ... the Messiah.
I'm not excusing their desire to destroy the people, but I certainly understand their hurt. It took Jesus rebuking them... setting them straight. And that's what we require when we are rejected... being set straight by Jesus so we can love those people and pray for them rather than wanting for their destruction. Afterall, he understands how we feel. We need him to help us through because God has given each of us purpose, a mission, a goal to accomplish. We cannot afford to get distracted. Let us "press towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Amen!
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Lately I feel I am so easily distracted so I really appreciate this post. There is always so much to do: housework, quality time with husband and kids (and myself - though I usually don't), meals to prepare, reading to do, errands to run, more reading about that new subject I'm interested in, decisions to make, conversations to have, calls to make....etc etc. But, I am to press on. How simple is that!?! Just go and do. So I will. But you have reminded me of the goal, so I will press on with Joy because that is who I am in Christ and he has given me Life.
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