Daily Dose 1-21-12

Matthew 13:58 (MSG)  But Jesus said, "A prophet is taken for granted in his hometown and his family." He didn't do many miracles there because of their hostile indifference.

The verses prior to this share the story of Jesus going back to his hometown at the height of His ministry. The people were amazed at His teachings and spoke highly of Him one minute, then quickly turned as they remembered He was nothing special, He grew up just like them. Most versions refer to His lack of miracles there because of their lack of faith. The Message translation calls it hostile indifference. Isn’t that an oxymoron? How can you be hostile by being indifferent? When it comes to Jesus, indifference is hostile. Reading this scripture should be a call to be a difference maker. These people knew Jesus personally, yet they would not allow their lives to be changed by Him. We easily criticize them and wonder how they could have let Him pass through town without being with Him more intimately and being changed by His presence. Yet, how different is that from Christians who claim to know Christ, yet their lives are not really changed because of Him? Do you feel like Jesus has passed through your life and moved on without blessing you? Maybe it’s because He met hostile indifference when He tried to make a difference!

Father, I know indifference should never be used to describe my walk with Your son. Give me the courage to allow Him to make any changes necessary to make a difference in my life so I can make a difference in the lives of others. I love You! Amen