PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 4:22-30
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“‘Truly I tell you,’ he continued, ‘no prophet is accepted in his hometown.'” (Luke 4:24)
A prophet does not have an easy job, since God’s message is often convicting.
A prophet is tasked with raising the God questions, making people think.
People who are open and willing will pay attention, but not everyone will be.
Sadly people often prefer the darkness they know than the light that blinds them.
As long as he spoke well to them, they “spoke well of him” (v.22)
But by the end, they were ready to kill him, which says a lot about their hearts.
When we get angry at someone for what they say, we always need to check our hearts.
It is true that unjust or unkind words can provoke us unnecessarily.
But isn’t it also possible that there is a grain of truth that is agitating us?
I am nervous as a speaker, I do not want to cause unnecessary provocation.
Like Jesus, I need to apply the truth to myself, and model what I say.
The light needs to shine on us too, if we want it to shine through us.
Humility and grace are needed for both speaking truth, and hearing truth.
A closed heart and mind cannot speak it, and will not be open to hearing it either.
PRAYER
Lord, you were the epitome of humility and grace, and still people did not accept it. May I be humble when I hear it, and gracious when I share it.
What speaks to me in this passage is that Jesus anticipated the objections the crowd would have for him and how to rebut these objections in advance. He didn’t do so through a miraculous reading of minds, but through wisdom, showing us as leaders how should we address the objections that would stand in the way of ministry.
This does resonate with me. I find that people who know you more – tend to be more reticent – less excepting of what you may say or do. They apply a higher level of criticism – that erodes self-confidence. Maybe that’s good because it humbles me – but it can make me more reserved and holding back. Jesus didn’t hold back and identified the ‘elephant-in-the-room’ – doubt of who he is! I must not doubt who Jesus is and walk in confidence in Jesus’ ways. Help HS to do so I pray!
A hero’s welcome for the deeds He did came ahead of Him. They were expecting great things. However, did they really accept Jesus or just wanted to see the miracles. Just like the entry to Jerusalem – triumphant one day and crucify Him was their shout days later. Those who hear need open ears and open eyes and an open heart. Not my will but His be done. I need to be an instrument of His peace.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin’ in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy