Scripture: Luke 4:25-28
And I can assure you that there were many widows in Israel during Elijah’s time, when it didn’t rain for three and a half years and there was a great food shortage in the land. Yet Elijah was sent to none of them but only to a widow in the city of Zarephath in the region of Sidon. There were also many persons with skin diseases in Israel during the time of the prophet Elisha, but none of them were cleansed. Instead, Naaman the Syrian was cleansed.” When they heard this, everyone in the synagogue was filled with anger.
Thought for the Day: After interpreting the words from the prophet Isaiah, Jesus expanded the discussion. At first, the people were thrilled with what he was saying, but then things made a dramatic change as he referenced two other prophetic voices, Elijah and Elisha. By telling the stories of these two prophets, he was implying that there was a message for those outside the traditional community of faith. In fact, the prophets demonstrated how God’s favor was extended to Gentiles. When one speaks in such a way that the audience hears of God’s blessings extended to the audience and the audience alone, the reaction is always positive. But extending those blessings and God’s favor beyond the insiders will almost always produce anger and resentment. Jesus was clear in his message, and the people’s response was very clear. They were not happy. In today’s world, why should we assume the Gospel message of love being extended further and further out will be received joyously by those who believe themselves to have some monopoly on love. People have not changed. And among those who have become comfortable with their insider status, the reaction will almost always be negative. In fact, the next verse describes how the people ran Jesus out of town. Love is not always appreciated like we think it should be.
Prayer: Merciful God, let me continue to share your love givens so generously to me. Keep me grounded, so that I am not surprised when love is rejected and kindness is refuted. Amen.
