Luke 9:51-56 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, (52) And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. (53) And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. (54) And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? (55) But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. (56) For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
We all want second chances. We all need second chances. Even those who strive diligently to please our God will disappoint him time after time.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
I think that really is the message of our passage today. In verse 51, our text tells us that Jesus is determined to go to Jerusalem as time approached for his death. To prepare for his arrival, Jesus sent messengers ahead. The messengers came to a Samaritan village where they were not open to Jesus’ coming. When word got back to Jesus, two of his disciples, James and John had a very human reaction. They said “Why don’t we call for fire to rain down on them and consume them?”
As humans, we can be vindictive. Even if it is a just or righteous position. That is certainly the case here. James and John were wanting to destroy these people because they have rejected Jesus. But notice Jesus’ response.
Luke 9:56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them....
It is not Jesus’ goal to destroy anyone. Instead, his entire mission was to seek and to save that which is lost. All of us deserve to be destroyed for the sin in our lives, but God is a God of second chances. He wants us to have the opportunity to learn the truth, come to a knowledge of his will and to submit to it. For that reason, he is not quick to punish or destroy.
Even though he desires for all men to be saved and he is a God of second chances, does not mean that he will fail to punish in the end. On the contrary. The Bible is full of warnings that in the end, if we have not submitted ourselves to his will, there is a fate of punishment waiting for us. But it is our choice at this point. Do not rely on his mercy to give you additional chances by putting off the decision to follow him. Be thankful that you have this moment. Be thankful that he has not already punished us. Make the decision today to accept his grace, mercy and loving kindness by setting aside our selfish will and live by his will. Do it today. You are not guaranteed another day.
Reflecting the SON,
Dennis Hogan
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