When you move fearlessly in your faith, you move under a new set of values and energy. We do not know the reason why the people in the Samaritan village rejected Jesus. We know that the disciples thought otherwise, and when the Samaritans declined they were angry. Should we make them feel our pain of rejection (v. 54)? That was the disciples response. It is what their culture would suggest. But Jesus had a different response (hint: Mt. 5:43-48). Our communities are drowning in a culture of violence. But the “eye for an eye” mentality rules everywhere, not just on city streets. Our Lord calls is to think and act differently. Ask yourself, what does being “in the world, but not of the world” look like in your house? On your job? With your friends?
O God help me to perceive the difference between the culture I’m living in, and the culture that emerges from the Holy Spirit. Help me to choose wisely, and walk fearlessly in Your ways, in Jesus name, AMEN
