Recklessly Abandoned

I haven't been able to stop thinking about James and John, the passionate brothers declared by Jesus as the "Sons of Thunder". A few blogs ago, I was taken with their response to the Samaritan rejection of Jesus and his Jewish sojourners. It was evident that the Samaritan's behavior was wrong, but James and John mirrored the Samaritan's cold hearts by inquiring of Jesus:"Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" (Luke 9:54). This single verse truly fascinates me so, you can imagine my thrill when Oswald's devotional led me back to this dynamic duo. Oswald wastes no time and gets directly to the point.

"Our calling is not primarily to be holy men and women, but to be proclaimers of the gospel of God."

This insight both soothed and disturbed me. I was immediately relieved that there could be some rest in the pursuit of becoming more like Christ. Of course, believers are to diligently pursue our sanctification. Still, the fact remains that no matter our efforts, we will "fall short of the glory of God," ( ) To know there is a higher calling and purpose in our position in Christ is encouraging. I may not be capable of perfect righteousness, but I can certainly tell others about Jesus.

How I love to talk about Jesus. To share with others His goodness, his mercy and his transforming love. Likewise, I find there is nothing that interests me more than the work of Christ in the lives of others. In what other topic can you find love, mystery, challenge and miracles? His mercies are indeed new every morning, as well what I have to experience of him. God is absolutely my very great reward! Those who know me understand my passion. Those who don't know me...respond to my talk of Jesus in various ways.

The most valuable lesson I have learned since back in school is the power of Jesus' name. Say "Jesus" and everyone reacts. I guess in a sense I do call fire down from heaven every time I speak of the Lord. For, those who love Christ find their fires rekindled or stoked, and those outside of his fold often feel the burn of conviction. This of course saddens me, for if I could, I would convince all of the glory of God.

This takes me back to our smoldering disciples.It is evident that James and John were not interested in sharing Jesus' teachings about love and forgiveness with the Samaritan's. Quite the contrary was true. They were ready to torch people in the name of Jesus. It's no wonder Jesus rebuked them. They were called to share the gospel message of hope, and restoration. What testimony would they have if there was a wake of charred Samaritan's behind them? To their credit, James and John did not yet have the Spirit of God within them. Therefore, the fruits of the Spirit like: self-control, gentleness, kindness, peace and patience were yet to grow in their hearts. Fortunately, the great Helper which was still to come, would certainly keep their temperaments under control.

I have to confess, through the years I have been more like these two fiery spirits than Jesus. How thankful I am by the end of the good book, both of these fireballs learned to properly channel their passion for Christ. They each were used by God to spread his gospel through out the biblical world. The ripple effects of their efforts has no doubt revealed a greater use of the Almighty's power through their lives. The result being a great many lives have been saved rather than lost.

Like the disciples, I believe God has tamed my raging inferno to a healthy and safe burning fire. Not that I am setting any spiritual records, but I struggle to recall the last time I volunteered to incinerate God's enemies. Hope for continued transformation to the image of Christ is what keeps my home fires burning. Okay, I know...the puns are too much!

On a more serious note, I'll share my thoughts regarding what James and John offered to Jesus that day passing through Samaria. The idea that they both came up with the same consequence for the wayward Samaritans says so much. Does not their word: "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" suggests that this was somehow one of their abilities, (Luke 9:54). We know that the disciples were given power from on high when Jesus sent them out two by two. They healed the sick and lame and many came to believe in Christ by their efforts. However, it appears the apostles' powers were not restricted to healing alone.

Furthermore, the idea that they were confident in there offer makes me wonder if they had experience at practicing just that. Perhaps this is why they were called "Sons of Thunder:" they were known for calling upon the power of God in order to testify to the power of God. The Bible doesn't give us these kind of details...and it drives me crazy!

I guess it stirs me inwardly because I can't imagine being able to perform such a task. And yet, there are numerous stories in the Word, of the servants of God performing this and many other miraculous tasks. I can't help wonder if my faith is really so small I am unable to unleash the power of God like that. If that is the case then it makes me want to cry. I can't think of that right now. I'll have to ponder that tomorrow!

I wonder if Oswald believes these bold men were looking to bring glory to themselves with such a display of consequence. Regardless it was in direct conflict with the peaceful, loving Spirit of God. Yes, Jesus rebuked them for their mixed up priorities and misunderstanding of their call in the beginning. But how can we doubt the love of these brash men for their Savior? The remainder of their lives they lived with reckless abandonment. Like Paul, they were "totally surrendered, and separated by God for one purpose--to proclaim the gospel of God."

This of course is how every believer is called to live...recklessly abandoned to God.