Wednesday 25th June
Read Luke 9:51-56
“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?’ 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 Then he and his disciples went to another village.” (NIVUK)
Elijah remains present in the disciples’ thoughts it seems. Having seen him on the mountain with Jesus discussing His ‘exodus’ with Moses and listening closely to Jesus’ words concerning His departure to heaven the echoes of Elijah’s life must have been front of mind. When the Samaritans refuse hospitality to Jesus they suggest that they call down fire from heaven to destroy them!
Calling down fire from heaven is a signature Elijah move. He called down fire against the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18) and he called down fire against the soldiers sent to bring him before the king (2 Kings 1). Those that opposed the will of the Lord’s prophet and the Lord were consumed by fire. The disciples decided that the Samaritans had passed that threshold.
What is genuinely surprising is that the disciples thought they could pull off Elijah’s move! There is an element of the magical and the miraculous about the ministry of Jesus at this time. Proximity to Jesus is powerful. The disciples were arguing over who gets to be closest (v46), they shut down others who were casting out demons in Jesus’ name (v49). They had performed signs and cast out demons themselves. Maybe James and John thought that the spirit of Elijah had rubbed off on them on the mountain also given they too saw him depart like Elisha did (cf 2 Kings 2)?
I sometimes wonder if the dearth of the miraculous amongst us is less about lack of faith and more about the mercy of Jesus. Proximity to spiritual power is dangerous for those lacking humility and wisdom. What do you think?
