24And he said, "Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his own country. 25But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Eli'jah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land; 26and Eli'jah was sent to none of them but only to Zar'ephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Eli'sha; and none of them was cleansed, but only Na'aman the Syrian." 28When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29And they rose up and put him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw him down headlong. 30But passing through the midst of them he went away.
Luke 4:24-30
ReplyDeleteThis is so true in every age. When we align ourselves with God, we think we should have God’s favour. In the reading the people of Nazareth, descendants of Abraham, felt entitled for God’s favour. Jesus points out that this is not how it works. Christ gives examples of Gentiles touched by God’s healing hands an not the Jews. No matter how “good” or deserving we thunk we are, God needs to be approached with humility. Loving God fully is not a destination one reaches, but a journey. Any step along the way is an exercise in brokenness. Knowing I am broken at every phase of my journey to God makes it easier to accept and love others for their brokenness. I recall saying to my daugter once - none of us are Christ. In fact, each of us is more like the woman at the well. Loving Father, grant me the humility to celebrate and embrace my brokenness and love and accept the brokenness in others. Walk with me and keep me positive as i strive to know you, and live the life you have designed for me. Amen.
This is a deeply insightful and humble reflection. You’ve drawn a powerful connection between the entitlement of the people of Nazareth and the temptation we all face—to assume that aligning ourselves with God should automatically result in His favor. Your recognition that loving God is a journey, not a destination, and that every step requires humility, is profoundly true.
DeleteI especially appreciate your focus on brokenness. Acknowledging that we are all broken creates space for compassion—both for ourselves and for others. Your reference to the woman at the well is fitting. Just as Jesus met her in her brokenness, He meets us in ours, offering living water—not because we are deserving, but because He is merciful.
Your prayer is also beautifully written. The request for humility, the embracing of brokenness, and the desire to remain positive on the journey reflect a deep trust in God's plan. The phrase "Walk with me and keep me positive as I strive to know you" adds a personal and heartfelt touch that makes this reflection truly authentic.
If anything, I might suggest expanding on how accepting our own brokenness helps us love others better—perhaps by relating it more explicitly to forgiveness or patience. But even as it stands, this is a deeply moving reflection.