Pause

Snapshots remind us of times past. They rekindle memories and create opportunities for sharing stories.

Those who have experienced God before us provide snapshots of God’s love for us. This love speaks through their words. It speaks through their actions.

As different as their lives and cultures were from ours, God’s love remains the same. Love speaks to us on our darkest days and in our brightest hours. Love speaks to us through stories and snapshots. Love speaks to us through actions and words.

Listen

And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up 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.

Luke 4:24-30

Think

Jesus reminded the people about the prophecy of Isaiah. They heard what they wanted to hear. At this point, Love spoke in an unexpected way. Jesus was painfully honest and direct. He called the people out about how they protected the status quo in the times of Elijah and Elisha. This was blasphemy in their eyes.

Love often finds resistance because love speaks the truth, even when it is not popular. Think of when your parents tell you something you do not want to hear, but later you know they are right. You might not ever admit it, but…

That’s essentially what Jesus did. He identified what his ministry would be about. He told the truth about how God’s people had acted, and they set out to kill him. Love speaks boldly. Love challenges people and systems that allow others to be oppressed and put down. Love risks all. Will love guide you to do the same?

Brian Foreman

Pray

God, there are many in this world who are in need. Help me to share your love with those who are poor materially and those who are poor in spirit. Amen.

Go

You are God’s.
You are loved and known.
Let love speak to you.
Let love speak through you.

Amen.