SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:37-45
“You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you and put up with you?” (Luke 9:41)
Anyone else feeling a bit uncomfortable with Jesus’ words here?
Is he speaking about his disciples, or about the crowd of people?
The disciples couldn’t cast out the demon – was it because of them, or the people (see Matthew 13:58, where Jesus could not perform miracles because of the peoples’ lack of faith).
My sense is that the crowd was the problem, which is why Jesus warns His disciples about His looming death.
It was the crowds of people who were soon to be calling ‘crucify Him, crucify Him!’
These words may seem harsh, but maybe this is exactly what they needed to hear.
No one likes to be called faith-less or perverse (literally, turning away from what is right).
But God has often used prophets to speak harshly, to help them repent (see Jonah 1:2, 3:5-6).
What might Jesus say of our generation, how might He assess us?
And though it may hurt, might Jesus also need to challenge me this way?
“You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you and put up with you?” (Luke 9:41)
Maybe we need to allow Jesus harsh words to speak to our hearts — so we can repent?
Thankfully He is patient, and does stay with us, and put up with us for a long time…
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, Your diagnosis may seem harsh, but if it is accurate, then it is necessary. May Your Spirit speak to my heart, and help me to hear and accept Your perspective on me.
What was going through Jesus’ mind in these verses? Was he thinking of yesterday’s events, his discussion with Elijah and Moses? What was discussed at that event we do not know. Or perhaps this is like a mountain top experience after which regular life pours in.
It almost seems to me like Jesus is preoccupied with something, yet when people bring him a child with a need, Jesus heals the boy. While the people are still amazed, Jesus lets his disciples know what is on his mind. He is going to be betrayed. Even though he tells his disciples to listen carefully, this message was not understood. How could it be? They would not have known the context, or imagined what was to happen next. They were afraid at this point to ask Jesus about what he meant. I wonder sometimes about the relationship between the disciples and Jesus, where fear was a part of their lives.
We also do not know what the future holds. We need to be prepared for whatever God has in store for us. I pray that when fear grips my life, that I can turn it over to Jesus.