Thursday, July 15

The very first disciples were an extremely unlikely group, and fascinating case study for the power of the gospel. A tax collector (Matthew), a Zealot (Simon), and a group of fishermen from the same clan (Peter, Andrew, James and John) laid the foundation for the centuries to follow in Christian practice. Tax collectors were naturally hated, and reciprocated by despising others. Zealots, having been taught that hatred of their enemies was a virtue, were naturally judgmental of anyone who didn’t share their views. Fishermen were their own breed - sticking together, and being naturally suspicious of those outside their trade. They loved those within their own sphere of life but that was nothing special. Jesus fired an arrow right into the center of their hearts when he commanded them to love all men. He went so far as to describe their love for one another as the distinguishing characteristic of Christians:

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. - John 13:35

These are the men to whom Jesus first said these words…

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? - Matthew 5:46-47

In other words, you are called to be different than the rest of the world! It is natural to love those who are “like you”, those who are “my kind of people”. But the Kingdom call of Jesus goes beyond the natural human reaction. It is a supernatural call!

This supernatural “Kingdom Call” was evident in the lives of Rachael Saint and Elizabeth Elliot as just a short time after their brother and husband respectively had been brutally killed by the Auca Indians, they moved among these people to share with them the gospel of Jesus Christ. How do you love someone that has robbed you of your spouse, and left your infant daughter fatherless? You cannot do this by natural means. Grace alone can transform a heart to love this way. (You can read their amazing story in Elizabeth Elliot’s book, Through Gates of Splendor.)

The supernatural grace of Jesus Christ can overcome the natural tendencies of hatred and revenge to the point that the believer can love those he or she thought impossible to love.

Questions for reflection:

How open am I to people that are different from me? (economically different, politically different, socially different, different interests or hobbies, racially different, etc.)

Am I only friends with people that are “like me”?

Is there anyone in my life that I love, but probably would not have chosen to be my friend, if not for the grace of Jesus?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus you have reconciled us all to yourself. When we were far away from you and from each other, you brought us near by your love and grace. Teach us to live this way for your sake – Amen.

Jeff Frazier