The disciples were ready to “go off” on the people of a village they were passing through. The villagers were completely unwelcoming toward them.
“Let’s rain down fire,” the disciples proposed to Jesus.
But, doing some “real-time coaching,” Jesus corrected them immediately. He reminded them what his heart is toward people who reject him and insult him.
He is patient. Forgiving. Willing to turn the other cheek. Just as he had once preached in his Sermon on the Mount as the way to respond to those who hate and hurt.
“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 turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village” (Luke 9:51-56, NIV).
Do you find that when others hurt you, you hope for immediate justice — like the disciples? Do you expect God to have a short fuse in those situations?
How about when you hurt others? Are you still wishing for speedy retribution? Do you hope that God will have a short fuse with you?
Or do you hope that God will be patient and forgiving?
Remember, Jesus wants us to use the same measure with others that we would want to be used with us. How glad I am that Jesus is patient with me. And I will pray for the Holy Spirit to help me be just as patient with others!
Join me in that prayer?
Lord, today we are celebrating Good Friday. What a great reminder of your patience, forgiveness and love! You paid the ultimate price to earn my forgiveness. Please give me the same patience toward those who sin against me as you have toward me when I sin against you.
Our Bible reading for Friday, April 3 is Numbers 35:1 – 36:13, Luke 9:28-56 and Psalm 40:9-17.
Header image based on "Burning Fuse Macro" by p.Gordon, CC By 2.0
pastorjeffgunn 
Our Bible reading for Friday, April 3 is Numbers 35:1 – 36:13, Luke 9:28-56 and Psalm 40:9-17.
Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” (Luke 9:48 NIV)
“Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” (Luke 9:50 NIV)
For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Be pleased to save me, Lord; come quickly, Lord, to help me. (Psalm 40:12-13 NIV)
But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay. (Psalm 40:17 NIV)
Heavenly Father, today is always such a tough day of reflection. I am a man, and it because of this that your Son paid the price for my sin. Your Son, holy and without any sin became man for me. True man and true God walked this earth and did many amazing things. He taught that faith like child, pure without question is pleasing to you. That faith and faith alone is enough for you. Lord these are the truths that drive me everyday, please keep me strong in faith and love. Lord you know my sin. You know that I am the worst offender. Help me Father, help to do what is right when I do wrong. I need you Father. I need you today, tomorrow, and in eternity. Thank you for the hope you give in Christ. Thank you for the love you share with me, so I can share my love others today and forever.
~Paul Montenieri
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