Scripture: Luke 9:54-56
When the disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to consume them?” But Jesus turned and spoke sternly to them, and they went on to another village.
Thought for the Day: This is one of the places where I want more information. What is meant by the words, “..Jesus turned and spoke sternly to them.” I want details. In Luke’s Gospel, the Greek word translated as sternly is found more than a dozen times, many of the occurrences are found in stories where a “demon” has possessed an individual. Jesus spoke “harshly” or “rebuked” the evil spirit. If that’s the way the word is often used, then what might it suggest of Jesus’ opinion in this case? It sounds as if Jesus believes the disciples’ response to the inhospitable Samaritans was evil. Not that the disciples were evil, but what they were suggesting went against the very nature of God. Revenge, vindictiveness or spiteful reprisals are not the approach of God. When facing rejection, even when it is undeserved, the response is love. Now love does not mean you have to like the rejection or even continue to be around those who have rejected you. Distance is often the healthiest thing we can do, but love reminds us of how we are still beloved children of God as is the person who rejected us.
Prayer: Give me, O Giver of Grace, the peace that surpasses all understanding. Provide me this gift always, and a double dose when anger begins to bubble up within me. Amen.
Sunday’s Sermon:
Painful Excuse
For Visitors & New Members
This Sunday — 10am & Noon
