“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.” Luke 9:51-56 NIV
God,
I suppose the disciples were not used to going ahead to find lodgings and being rejected. Mostly we read the crowds welcomed him. They heard of his miracles and were happy to welcome him. But here they were given the cold shoulder.
None of us like rejection but how easily they verbalised judgement. They saw You heal the sick, feed crowds and even command the wind and waves not to be dangerous. They experienced You, and God working through them, to do good when they were sent out in Luke 9:1-6. You gave them power and authority to do good works, heal the sick. Shall we call down fire!
They actually asked if they should burn them to death. Oh yeah! Where did that come from? But before I judge – I am glad others cannot read my thoughts sometimes! We do get frustrated by people especially politicians at the moment. We do get angry when wildlife programmes tell us we have evolved from apes. We do resent rejection and being snubbed. We do have anger in our hearts sometimes.
And Jesus response – He does not sack the disciples or forbid them to do anything till they learned better. He rebukes them, forgives them and leads them on. Keep us from judging andjumping to get our own back. Rebuke us gently and lead us on. Thank You that Your love forgives and teaches us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God,
We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For their many individual needs and You would help them in their difficulties.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches. Make them beacons of hope and help in this dreary season and troubled times.
For our Government, that You would be in the midst, leading it into truth and good governance.
For our King and Queen and their family and their work here and overseas.
For Iceland, for those who have had to leave their homes. Speak peace into the earths crust.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle, a long pause leading to a new peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. A full stop, a miraculous end to war, conflict and bloodshed.
For those in the midst of conflict, to have hope and a future and hear of Your love.
For those who find it difficult to forgive. Those who cannot control their anger. Those who suffer at the hands of angry family, employers, neighbours. Send relief, a way out, a miracle.
For ourselves, thank You for a new day. Help us be quick to forgive, gentle in our answers and able to wipe out angry thoughts before they take root.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thurs 23rd November 2023
The world is dark and sometimes my mind gets dark so I love the chorus – come Lord Jesus. Lighten our darkness. Remind us that the darkness cannot put it out (John 1:5).
Great is the darkness that covers the earth,
Oppression, injustice and pain.
Nations are slipping in hopeless despair,
Though many have come in Your name.
Watching while sanity dies,
Touched by the madness and lies.
Come, Lord Jesus, come, Lord Jesus,
Pour out Your Spirit we pray.
Come, Lord Jesus, come, Lord Jesus,
Pour out Your Spirit on us today
May now Your church rise with power and love,
This glorious gospel proclaim.
In every nation salvation will come
To those who believe in Your name.
Help us bring light to this world
That we might speed Your return.
Great celebrations on that final day
When out of the heavens You come.
Darkness will vanish, all sorrow will end,
And rulers will bow at Your throne.
Our great commission complete,
Then face to face we shall meet.
Lyrics: Noel Richards and Gerald Coates