Thursday, January 10, 2008
Opposition (Genesis 25; Genesis 26; Psalm 6; Luke 10)
Scripture: But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.' (Luke 10:10-11)
Observation: When we follow through on what God plans for us to do, it does not mean that it will be easy. How many times in these chapters was Isaac forced to move? Sometimes we think that we will know God’s will by the sign of it being the easiest path. I do not think that is true.
What’s also interesting is that Jesus teaches us how we are to treat those who are in opposition. We are never to back off from the statement that the Kingdom of God is coming (and is here), but we also must act with great compassion. The Good Samaritan reminds us of what it means to be a neighbor, even to those who oppose us.
Application: I need to remember that opposition and struggle is part of the path that we take when we follow Jesus. That things will not always be easy and smooth; that we won’t always go from strength to strength. And that in the midst of opposition not to give in to frustration with the way that things are going.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to be patient. Help me to love and forgive and serve, even when I want to move people and things faster than they are capable of going. Give me a sense of your peace and a knowledge that you are working to build your kingdom in my life and in the world.
Observation: When we follow through on what God plans for us to do, it does not mean that it will be easy. How many times in these chapters was Isaac forced to move? Sometimes we think that we will know God’s will by the sign of it being the easiest path. I do not think that is true.
What’s also interesting is that Jesus teaches us how we are to treat those who are in opposition. We are never to back off from the statement that the Kingdom of God is coming (and is here), but we also must act with great compassion. The Good Samaritan reminds us of what it means to be a neighbor, even to those who oppose us.
Application: I need to remember that opposition and struggle is part of the path that we take when we follow Jesus. That things will not always be easy and smooth; that we won’t always go from strength to strength. And that in the midst of opposition not to give in to frustration with the way that things are going.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to be patient. Help me to love and forgive and serve, even when I want to move people and things faster than they are capable of going. Give me a sense of your peace and a knowledge that you are working to build your kingdom in my life and in the world.
