On A Mission

 

 Luke 9:51-56

Samaritan Opposition

⁵¹ As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. ⁵² And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; ⁵³ but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. ⁵⁴ When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” ⁵⁵ But Jesus turned and rebuked them. ⁵⁶ Then he and his disciples went to another village.

Jesus knew he was here for a purpose: to suffer and die for our sins, to "purchase" with his sown life, eternal life for us. Hence, he set his face resolutely for Jerusalem where this "exchange" would take place. He was on a mission and nothing could deter him. We too are on a mission, to carry on the preaching, teaching and healing of Jesus to the people with whom we live and work. Like Jesus, we need to keep focused on our mission amidst the many distractions, and especially today, the discouraging lack of interest in "the things that really matter" that we find so prevalent in our families, churches and society in general. Yes, today, as in the time of Jesus, people do not welcome us nor our message, but we need not let that discourage us, but like, Jesus, set our face resolutely toward Jerusalem, that is, the establishment of the Kingdom of God. Not easy, but other generations have faced worse and have prevailed. So can we.

Bro. Rene

Dear God, help us to be faithful to our mission and not let discouragement hold us back. Amen.