Today’s scripture: Luke 4:14-30 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Angie Eden):
All who were there, watching and listening, were surprised at how well he spoke. But they also said, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son, the one we’ve known since he was a youngster?”
It’s that time of year again: homecoming! A special designation on nearly every college and high school calendar, homecoming is a time of football games, bonfires, parades, banners, and dances. Our culture embraces this nostalgic notion that says to us, “No matter how far you’ve gone or how long you’ve been away, you are always welcome back home.” Well, today’s scripture paints a very different picture for our Messiah.
At first, the Nazareth native causes a stir, but in a good way. Everyone is excited to see him. I can imagine the townspeople whispering as they go about their daily business. “Jesus is home!” “Did you hear? Joseph’s son is visiting!” “Hey, he’s put on a few pounds since we saw him last.” News of his teachings and miracles circulated the hometown and they just couldn’t wait for him to return and do for them what he was doing for everyone else. But, Jesus felt led to teach them a different lesson and wore out his welcome instantly. These people, probably some even family and lifelong friends, became so disenchanted, they actually tried to throw him off a cliff! Now that’s what I call a tough crowd!
Whose faces do you see standing in your tough crowd? Chances are some of your harshest critics are also those who’ve known and loved you the longest. I was a late lesbian bloomer. When I stopped hating myself, two of my closest, dearest friends decided they’d take the hate I threw off and turn it towards me. My oldest sister would have gladly organized a hometown lynch mob to cast me off a cliff.
Rejection hurts the most when its sting comes from those we love the most. While Christ may be setting a much larger stage in this scene for a final, violent rejection, he may also be showing us there is purpose in those times we are turned away. History is filled with scientists, artists, inventors, authors, and philosophers who were rejected. Many of the brilliant minds we honor today died in obscure poverty. You, too, may never get a parade or banners or a hero’s welcome. Perfect. You’re in good company.
Thought for the day: For today, whisper a prayer right now for those who persecute you. Bless them. Ask God to use those “tough crowds” to toughen you. Let their sting strengthen your resolve to stick to your moral compass and keep its point on Christ, who, also endured so much rejection.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.