Drawing Near or Pulling Away

And all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage as they heard these things. Luke 4:28 (New American Standard Bible)

Just a few verses earlier the people had their eyes fixed on Jesus, were speaking well of Him, and marveling at His gracious words. They were a captive and receptive audience. So why the sudden change? How could they go from being willing students to attempted murderers? What caused them to close off their hearts and minds to Jesus? He stopped saying what they were comfortable hearing and began telling them truth they refused to acknowledge.

Jesus gave examples of two times in the Old Testament when God chose to send His prophets and His intervention to individuals who were not part of the nation of Israel. Elijah was sent to a widow of Zarephath during a famine and the miracle of provision was realized in her life. Elisha was sent to a leper named Naaman and the miracle of healing took place. These were both non Jews. In the New Testament it was an insult to the Jews to think that God would act on behalf of the Gentiles. So Jesus’ insinuation that the Gospel would be given to the Gentiles because of the unreceptiveness of the Jews was too much for them to accept.

When God’s message and the circumstances of our life don’t turn out the way we want, how do we react? How receptive are we to what God is doing or saying when difficulties come our way? We often find that our preconceived ideas about life and God are revealed by the way we react to unpleasant times in our life. Rather than run to Him when the storms of life come upon us and seek to devastate us, people quite often turn away from Him in anger and refuse the only Source that stands ready to help them.

Throughout the book of Psalms, David voices his hurts, disappointments, and fears but never fails to proclaim God as his refuge, defense, shelter, and rock! No matter how difficult life got and no matter how cruel the people in his life could be, he realized God was the One he could count on, run to, and hide in. While he had no trouble verbalizing the problems of his life, he strengthened himself with praise to the One who held him in His hands. Even when confronted with his own sin, David instantly drew near to the One who could forgive him. What an example!

Father, give me a heart for You. May I be receptive to Your words and Your ways. You alone are my hiding place. Amen.