Friday, February 01, 2013

February 1st Reflection by Bill Lynch



Luke 4:21-30

Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’ He said to them, ‘Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, “Doctor, cure yourself!” And you will say, “Do here also in your home town the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.” ’ And he said, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s home town. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.’ When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

Reflection
We could see this whole thing taking place. They came out of the temple that day right below us. Jesus had just said something about us from a time long ago. A time when we just floated around and didn't shower any water on the people. It was a time that Elijah came to a widow to live for a while. I don't think we let loose of any rain for around three and one-half years. The land was parched and dry and the people were really suffering below us. God came and acted with Elijah and this widow of that time. We could see it all from above just like now.

So this time we see these people carrying Jesus out of the temple. They are ready to pitch Jesus off a cliff! I guess these people didn't want to listen to Jesus. This time was going to be a little different though. We were about to let go of some water. Jesus' ministry was in the early stages. Jesus would become the Savior of all people. No, not just the Jews... but all people. And we were about to let go of some life giving water that would wash so many people who came to believe.

Water unlike the waters of Noah's time. This water would not eliminate people. This water we were about to let go of would bring people to God. This water we were about to let go of would be a gift from God. Not only water. Water and God's Word. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit all given to all the people. Water and Word and a Promise that would be freely given and that would draw people into a close relationship with God and with one another.

By the way; as we watched from above, they weren't able to throw Jesus over. He passed right through them and onto a ministry that would change the world. We could see this whole thing taking place. We were about to let go of some water.

Prayer
Jesus, stop me in my tracks when I fail to hear your word. Stop me in my tracks when I come close to tossing you aside. Stop me in my tracks and show me your will and your way. Wash me clean... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

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