Jesus challenged these people with scripture... nothing new, just a proper interpretation that made them feel convicted. Instead of listening and examining themselves, they became defensive and angry, swollen with pride to the point of murder.
now you may not have killed anyone, but you have probably thought it, or wanted swift retribution for something someone has done to you. why?
the heart the Lord has given us all is so capable of love and care, and so capable of anger and pride... such a contrast.
heres what i think. we think we have time. we think we will figure it out later. well thats garbage. Jesus was offensive for a reason, the bible is convicting for a reason. its to examine your life. i mentioned repentance in yesterdays blog. some people think this means to change your mind. its more than that. the hebrew understanding and application of this word is more physical, more like actually turning the direction of your life when faced with a heart that has been convicted or seen the truth.
so why dont we? I studied jonah last night in class and it blew my mind. jonah knows the word of the LORD. jonah doesnt change, he hates ninevah(with good reason), but God loved them... God's mercy trumps his judgement. this is the same thing we see with Jesus, he has mercy and judgement... he came to show the truth, which may be hard to swallow sometimes. but it is for the sake of repentance and true life change.
the people of Nazareth had hate and pride in their hearts. not repentance.
when you are offended, when jesus shows you truth and you are convicted, what is your response?
repentance? or the comfort of complacency?
Lord, let me not rest in complacency.
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