OK, read the following verses then jump into my thoughts afterwards!
Luke 9: 51 - 56
51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; 53but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. 54When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’* 55 But he turned and rebuked them. 56Then* they went on to another village.
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The disciples are at it again!
Apparently, that primal and foundational sin, pride, has jumped into their pockets as they move through the countryside with Jesus. Witnessing miracle after miracle and hearing the words of life from Jesus’ very lips seems not to have had quite the desired effect on this group.
When a village does not give Jesus the key to the city, how furious are the disciples! James and John then utter the immortal words, ‘Any problem with us asking that they be incinerated?’
The problem I have with this passage is that I see myself in it.
I get slighted and I need revenge. I feel insulted and I want someone’s head. I sense disrespect and look out jugular, here I come.
Pride is the gasoline in my engine when I feel this way.
I don’t see where Jesus reprimanded the village, he just continued his journey. Perhaps because he was hooked in to his Father’s more transcendent purposes?
Pride often retreats in the face of larger purpose. Higher matters always trump the smaller trivialities.
Pride causes all sorts of odd little behaviors in our lives. It is as persistent as a mosquito in the heat of summer.
Who has disparaged you lately? Who has not treated you appropriately recently?
What kind of fire have you wished on them?
May we see pride as the hobgoblin of those of us who seek Christ.
Daily be aware and repent. Allow the updraft of Christ’s purposes to help you ascend over small pettinesses.
It is the only way you can ever arrive at your Jerusalem.
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