Pat
Well-Known Member
WHAT mATTERS? Calling Down Fire?
Jesus and His disciples were headed to Jerusalem from Galilee through the area of Israel called Samaria. Its “half-breed” people were not known for getting along with the “purebred” Jews. When Jesus and His disciples were refused overnight accommodations in a Samaritan village, James and John, known as the “sons of thunder” said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did? 2 Kings 1:10-12 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them." And they went to another village.” Luke 9:54-56
These two of the most zealous followers of Jesus had some serious problems. First, they were pridefully religious by judging outward appearances rather than the heart. Second, they thought more highly of themselves than they should have, wanting to be more than what God called them to be as “sons of thunder”, to also be called the “sons of lightning”, by calling down fire from heaven. Finally, they wanted vengeance for the wrong done to them. They were portraying what the world sees as hypocrisy. First, no matter which denomination we belong to or come from, we think we are always correct in our interpretation of Biblical doctrine to the exclusion of any group that doesn’t agree with us. When we withhold personal fellowship because of those doctrinal differences, Paul says we are religiously carnal. “…for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” 1 Corinthians 3:3 He also asked, “Is Christ divided?” 1 Corinthians 1:13 I’m not advocating ecumenicalism, but sometimes our pride prevents us from having fellowship with genuine members of the body of Christ. Second, when we exalt ourselves like they did, we are thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought. Paul told us, “Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.” Philippians 2:2-3 Finally, the carnal mind seeks vengeance. We always want to see God mete out justice to those who do wrong, but we expect God to give us mercy when we do the same wrong. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19
What matters is to not follow our flesh when we encounter the world and its ways, but rather follow what the Holy Spirit via the Word of God tells us. The religious world has conditioned us to stand up for “our rights.” But Jesus says, “For what glory is it, if, when you be buffeted for your faults, you shall take it patiently? But if, when you do well, and suffer for it, you take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were you called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps.” 1 Peter 2:20-21
