Honest Opponents; Half‐hearted Friends
OPENING PRAYER: Dear Lord, I pray that you order my steps today through your word as I meditate on it.
SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:51‐62
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
The Samaritans were honest. Jews heading for Jerusalem were not welcome guests, and that was that. That did not go well with James and John. These fiery brothers whom Jesus nicknamed the Boanerges, or “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17), recommended the rain of fire on them like the prophet Elijah had done to Samaritan opposition in his time (2 Kings 1:12).
Jesus Christ had a different approach, (vs.55, 56), which is in line with His teaching in Matthew 5:44‐48. Jesus Christ calls people to be wholehearted followers. They must be ready for a life of hardship, and not just the health and wealth which many preachers proclaim today, (v.58). They must be ready here and now, and not on some future date.
Take note that if the father of the man in v.59 was already dead, he would not be out in the crowd; and so, he was going to wait until after his father’s death, even if it took several years! Taking time for a formal farewell with the family could even be a hindrance, (vs.61‐62). The business of the Gospel is urgent, and it deserves the topmost priority.
Practice/Word Application
So what? Is there any opposition which makes you feel like the Boanerges felt for the Samaritans? Pray that God will enable you to give them the treatment which Jesus Christ recommended in His sermon in Matthew 5 today.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Renew the right spirit within me O LORD and grant me the grace to follow you unto the very end.
