Lazaroo – Thursday, January 5, 2012
1 comment, Jan 05, 2012
Pray the words of this Lazaroo aloud, with penetrating self-assessment:
“…he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so…”
(3 John 1:10)
This baffles me, Jesus.
Not the part about this man’s inhospitality to others.
Sadly, I understand that part all too well.
There have been times when I haven’t had it in me to be open and gracious to others.
I’ve been so hurt, weak, exhausted
that I withdrew into temporary isolation
desperate to heal.
But that’s not what this man’s antisocial behavior was about.
He stopped everyone else from welcoming new believers, too!
Out of fear.
He viewed new people as a threat.
He was afraid their
gifts
skills
energy
fresh perspective
new ideas
might weaken his position
make him look bad
force him out of his comfort zone
require him to put forth extra effort.
May I never
ever
ever
be that guy.
_________
Judges 19:20; Matthew 10:11-16; Mark 9:37; Luke 9:51-55; Acts 18:27-28; Philippians 2:25-30; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:12-18; 2 John 1:7-11
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
Marie Says:
Praise the Lord! .. may we all check that feeling .we don’t want to be like the Pharisees .. not able to see or accept Gods precious Gift .. and there are many gifts He wants to share with us in the people he puts in our paths each day. I do pray I can be open to them and not let my fear or feelings of inadequacy stop me from seeing what God wants me to see and do.
Jan 05, 2012, 10:18 am