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“And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” – Luke 4:21
He journeyed for days across the hills, valleys and along the river. Dust covered his feet and soiled the bottom of his robe. He traveled in the heat of the day as well as the cool of the night, for he was headed home; and realized well in advance what lie before him. The darkness covered the small village as he approached, with exception of a few homes with lanterns hanging in the window. Making his way through the streets, there were dogs barking, and wolves in the distant hills responding with a bone chilling howl toward the full moon. A few men wandered in the streets, likely full of the wine and having a hard time making back to their respective homes in the darkness.
Finally though, our traveler knocks upon the door of his childhood home and embraces his mother as she steps back to let him enter. He found relief for his tired muscles as he sits to break bread with his family once again. He is informed that he is expected at the services in the morning bright and early, and following a deep prayer to the Father, he finds rest for the first time in days.
He journeyed for days across the hills, valleys and along the river. Dust covered his feet and soiled the bottom of his robe. He traveled in the heat of the day as well as the cool of the night, for he was headed home; and realized well in advance what lie before him. The darkness covered the small village as he approached, with exception of a few homes with lanterns hanging in the window. Making his way through the streets, there were dogs barking, and wolves in the distant hills responding with a bone chilling howl toward the full moon. A few men wandered in the streets, likely full of the wine and having a hard time making back to their respective homes in the darkness.
Finally though, our traveler knocks upon the door of his childhood home and embraces his mother as she steps back to let him enter. He found relief for his tired muscles as he sits to break bread with his family once again. He is informed that he is expected at the services in the morning bright and early, and following a deep prayer to the Father, he finds rest for the first time in days.
As the morning dawn breaks, he joins the other men from the village as they make their way to the synagogue. Upon entering, he is welcomed home and embraced by many, then the Rabbi informs him that he will be reading from the scrolls that day. Jesus then begins reading from the scriptures of Isaiah 61:1, and upon closing the scrolls, he shares with the elders, the teachers and the Rabbi with these words, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Shock filled the room, as men murmured with each other as to his meaning. Some might have been declaring blasphemy under their breath, while others sat in quiet contemplation that it might actually be true. The room became an uproar and the men filed out one by one, pressing and pushing him along with the mob. Angered by his comments that “no prophet is accepted in his hometown.” followed by examples from the ministries of Elijah and Elisha helping others outside of their hometown rather than the widows and sick within the city walls. The men pushed Jesus to the edge of the city hill with evil intent on his very life, for making such a claim. In a manner that only the Son of God could do, Jesus walked right through them as if they didn’t even know he was there. And so it began, the fact that many will hate him for the truth that he brought to bear upon that generation.
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Shock filled the room, as men murmured with each other as to his meaning. Some might have been declaring blasphemy under their breath, while others sat in quiet contemplation that it might actually be true. The room became an uproar and the men filed out one by one, pressing and pushing him along with the mob. Angered by his comments that “no prophet is accepted in his hometown.” followed by examples from the ministries of Elijah and Elisha helping others outside of their hometown rather than the widows and sick within the city walls. The men pushed Jesus to the edge of the city hill with evil intent on his very life, for making such a claim. In a manner that only the Son of God could do, Jesus walked right through them as if they didn’t even know he was there. And so it began, the fact that many will hate him for the truth that he brought to bear upon that generation.
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Jesus began His ministry in Nazareth, amidst those whom He knew would not accept Him. In His wisdom of mankind and of things eternal, He knew that it was a necessary step in establishing His presence here on earth. For what He revealed in Nazareth would certainly proceed Him in Jerusalem and elsewhere throughout Israel. In 3 years time the day would come where His proclamation would come to be judged and a crucifixion would need to take place.
God’s plans and actions are not simply for the immediate situation in our life. He is often times using something today to establish an action that will take place years down the road. What we might see as a hardship or a concern today, could very well be the catalyst of great things to come in the future. As Jesus stepped to the podium that Sabbath morning in Nazareth, He knew that what He was about to do would be seen as blasphemy and sacrilegious in the synagogue. Yet, He also knew that it was a necessity for His purpose on this earth; and He was capable of following the plan the God had laid out for Him, despite the potential consequences.
Do not fear what the Lord has in store for you today, for you do not know how it might bless you tomorrow. Remember, God is sovereign, and in His sovereignty all things work for His good. Do not fear the rejection of mankind for standing firm on the word of God in your daily walk. Let God be your protector and salvation against the evils of this world.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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