Just Go On
“And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him…“ Luke 9:51-53
The above verses were a part of my Bible reading a few weeks ago and the thought I’m sharing in this post has stayed with me. Jesus had just been rejected by a Samaritan village and the response of His disciples was so……so human:
“And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” Luke 9:54
How many of us would have responded in like manner…or at least had thoughts of some sort of vengeance toward these people? They had just refused Christ’s entrance to their town! How RUDE! Right?! Yet, although James’ and John’s reaction was no doubt one of love and loyalty to their Saviour, the response they received from Him was quite the opposite of their reaction:
“But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them…” Luke 9:55,56
Not only did Jesus rebuke them for their attitude, but He also reminded them of His purpose for coming. That purpose was not to destroy lives but to save them! After Christ’s rejection by the Samaritans and His rebuke as well as a reminder to His disciples, notice what happened next:
“…And they went to another village.” Luke 9:56
They didn’t start a fight. They didn’t try to force themselves on the people in that particular village. And, they didn’t sit down and pout. They just went on to another village. While thinking on this passage, I was reminded of other instances in Scripture where an individual just went on despite the conflict they faced:
David did not allow his brother’s false accusations to daunt him. David just went on and slew the giant. (I Samuel 17)
Nehemiah did not allow Sanballat’s and Tobias’ evil tactics to distract him. Nehemiah just went on and built the wall. (Nehemiah 2:17-6:16)
Daniel did not allow the king’s decree to divert him. Daniel just went on praying to his God and experienced a miraculous deliverance from the lions’ mouths. (Daniel 6)
The blind man did not allow the multitude’s rebuke to deter him. He just went on crying out “so much the more” and was healed by Jesus. (Luke 18:35-43)
The woman with the alabaster box did not allow the disciples’ criticism to dissuade her. She just went on worshipping Jesus and her extravagant love for her Saviour is still remembered today. (Matthew 26:6-13)
There are many other examples we could mention but our ultimate example is our Saviour:
Jesus did not allow betrayal, rejection, oppression, affliction, criticism, loneliness, desertion, false accusations, etc. to stop Him from His one purpose. Jesus just went on – all the way to the cross – and willingly gave His life for you and me. And, He gave His life for all of His persecutors. Not only that, He gave His life for those who may mistreat you and me as well. He is not willing that any should perish. Jesus gave His life for ALL.
As Christians, we have one purpose as well – to bring honor and glory to the One Who died for us. Yet, how many times has our reaction to unkindness been less than Christ-like? (Sadly, I have my hand raised.) Friends, if others are rude to us, remember Christ! Don’t return the insults! If others are contentious with us, remember Christ! Don’t argue. If others reject the truth of God’s Word, remember Christ! Don’t quit!
There may come a time in the life of that “hard to get along with individual” when they need someone to turn to. The way we have responded to them in the past may determine whether or not we are allowed to have their ear and thus point them to JESUS. Until then, just go on “to another village”. There is someone, somewhere longing for truth.
I am prepared to go anywhere, provided it be forward. I determined never to stop until I had come to the end and achieved my purpose.
~ David Livingston ~