Devotion:
Read Luke 9:51-56.
This passage gives us a glimpse into a potential clash of culture, prejudice, and pride. Just a little background: the Assyrians invaded Israel (the Northern kingdom) and resettled it with its own people. The mixed race that developed became known as the Samaritans. The “purebred” Jews hated these people and the Samaritans in turn hated the Jews. So many tensions arose between the two people groups that Jewish travelers between Galilee and Judea often walked around rather than through Samaritan territory, even though this lengthened the trip considerably. Jesus held no such prejudices and so planned his trip through Samaria. But the village refused to welcome these Jewish travelers. James and John were so incensed by this rejection they wanted to send down fire from heaven to consume all the people. Jesus rebuked them and moved on to another place.
When others reject or scorn us, we too may feel like retaliating. We must remember that judgement belongs to God, and we must not expect him to use his power to carry out our personal vendettas.
Personal Worship Option:
Are you quick to judge? Is retaliation the first thing that comes to mind when you experience rejection? How does loving God and loving others affect your view of personal slight/rejection?
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