Luke 9:54-56
When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?"Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.
James and John were fired up! They were ready to punish the Samaritans who wouldn't welcome Jesus. I can imagine the scene, two brothers, a little too full of the power they'd been given. They knew the story of Elijah calling down fire and had wondered if they would be able to do the same. I bet that's what I would've done at least.
But here, to show His great power, Jesus held back. He does that a lot- Teaches us by what he doesn't do instead of what he does. By not allowing James and John to call down fire, He teaches us that His mercy is real and it is for everyone. Now it's up to you and me. Do you take every opportunity to condemn and slam a fist for punishment or do you hold back, extend mercy and give people a chance? Remember Jesus' command to James and John next time you're ready to bring down that fire or chances are you'll end up getting burned too.
