S) "4 Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.' 5 And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them."
Mark 6:4-5 (NASB)
O) Just do it. That's the tagline of Nike and apparently one of the mottos used by Jesus. For years I had taken the "without honor / hometown" the wrong way. I used to kind of lament it. I was saddened that I felt it was a dooming sentence to failure. At certain, difficult times, I'd actually use it kind of like a cop-out, because I knew that it would be very difficult or emotionally costly to try and minister to loved ones. But, only within the last year or so, did I understand the implications of the rest of the short story we read about the homecoming King. Jesus still went. He knew full well that ministry in Nazareth would be very difficult and fairly unfruitful, but that didn't stop Him from going. Also, it wasn't a complete bust. While it wasn't the most successful stop, He did still accomplish all that the people would let Him accomplish (or, what their faith would let Him accomplish).
A) As I mentioned, I initially took this verse with some encouragement. It was showing me that it's okay that it's hard. But, this verse was never meant to be taken as a license for complacency. I still have a responsibility to speak the truth in love to my friends and family. I need to be aware that it can be difficult, being so close. But, I also need to be faithful to what God is still calling me to do, and where He's calling me to go. He has a plan; it's my job to obey and His job to produce the fruit.
P) Father, please give me strength and boldness to minister to family and friends. I fear rejection, God, and I also fear for my loved ones who do not serve You, Lord. I know that hell is real and scary. I know that we all deserve it. Holy Spirit, please reach out to my family and friends. Your Word says no one comes to the Father, except that the Spirt calls them. God, call them. Help me be faithful to do my part, even when it looks daunting. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) As I mentioned, I initially took this verse with some encouragement. It was showing me that it's okay that it's hard. But, this verse was never meant to be taken as a license for complacency. I still have a responsibility to speak the truth in love to my friends and family. I need to be aware that it can be difficult, being so close. But, I also need to be faithful to what God is still calling me to do, and where He's calling me to go. He has a plan; it's my job to obey and His job to produce the fruit.
P) Father, please give me strength and boldness to minister to family and friends. I fear rejection, God, and I also fear for my loved ones who do not serve You, Lord. I know that hell is real and scary. I know that we all deserve it. Holy Spirit, please reach out to my family and friends. Your Word says no one comes to the Father, except that the Spirt calls them. God, call them. Help me be faithful to do my part, even when it looks daunting. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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