“He came to His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.” Matthew 13:54-58
So it is that Jesus went to reveal Himself to those who had seen Him grow up. He arrived at His hometown willing to do the miraculous, to demonstrate the power of God to people He knew in gracious, tangible ways.
Perhaps it was familiarity that deterred many in Nazareth from believing. How could the carpenter’s son, a young man of questionable lineage possibly perform such amazing works in their little community? Jesus’ desire to serve and heal was hindered only by others’ unwillingness to receive what He was otherwise willing to give. True enough, over the course of His ministry, Jesus healed many who did not ask to be healed and some who did not even know Him, but He never imposes Himself where He is clearly unwelcome.
So certain were some that Jesus could not possibly be who He claimed to be that, as a result of their own deliberate will, some who were wounded or suffering remained in the same state Jesus found them. Jesus gave them what they wanted – nothing – and they missed out on the opportunity to experience the revolutionary, life-changing grace and power of the living God and all of the joys – and vulnerability – that come with it.
Tragically, they chose to forgo what the Lord had to offer. They preferred to keep Jesus in the box they created for Him. They preferred to maintain the status quo.
Similarly, if abusers want their lives to be rich and full and happy, they must be willing to admit that they have a role to play in finding healing for themselves and their families. They must openly embrace the miraculous healing power Jesus extends to us and be willing to receive the kind of life and freedom He offers.
Yet too often, with their lives, their words and their actions abusers say, “This is who I am. I like things the way they are. I am not receptive to change.” In doing so, they shut the door on the possibility of the miraculous and the wonder of true relationship – with God and everyone else in their lives.
They choose.
“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 16:25
Copyright 2019, All Rights Reserved
Cindy Burrell/Hurtbylove.com
Yes, they do make a choice.
It’s a shame that so much burden is placed on the abuse victim to change her abuser. If she speaks softer, is more respectful and submits in all things, if she stays and suffers, then he will be led to Jesus and repent and stop his abusive ways. But all that does is give him the power and control he is seeking.
Powerful post.
Yes, abuse victims are supposed to tip-toe around and pretend everything is normal while the unrepentant, ungodly man is coddled and protected. So wrong. Almost unbelievable. Yet this is so often the norm. The best we can do is educate the innocents trying to live under such bondage as well as the ignorant within the body of Christ and pray they can discover the truth that sets us free.