FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 - LOVE WINS

 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 - LOVE WINS

On Friday, I write about something spiritual - today - power and love.

“He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival.  But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem.  When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up as Elijah did?”  But Jesus turned and rebuked them. So they went on to another village. Luke 9: 52-56

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Scriptures (especially New Testament scriptures) say things like “ask and you shall receive”, “whatever you ask for in prayer you will receive”.

John 16:23 says “At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.”

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So in the Old Testament, Elijah did call down fire.  (2 Kings 1:9-12)

“Then he sent an army captain with fifty soldiers to arrest him. They found him sitting on top of a hill. The captain said to him, “Man of God, the king has commanded you to come down with us.”

“But Elijah replied to the captain, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and destroy you and your fifty men!” Then fire fell from heaven and killed them all.

“So the king sent another captain with fifty men. The captain said to him, “Man of God, the king demands that you come down at once.”

“Elijah replied, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and destroy you and your fifty men!” And again the fire of God fell from heaven and killed them all.”

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WOW - Elijah called down fire and killed the soldiers.  Sometimes don’t you wish you could do that?  Maybe not call down fire - but maybe just make the traffic move faster so you can get to your appointment on time.  I know of a friend who prayed for a parking spot in front of the store (office).  

I wonder if some politicians (on both sides) might want to call down fire on their enemies?  

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BUT … that was Old Testament thinking.  When James and John wanted to call down fire on the villages, “ But Jesus turned and rebuked them”

Romans 12:20 “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Matthew 5:43-44: “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.  But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”

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So, no, you shouldn’t call down fire on your enemies.  If you are a Michigan fan, you can not call fire down on Ohio State (and visa versa).

Love your enemies!!  Pray for those who persecute you!!!  

Folks, that is pretty radical!!  

And, that is how LOVE WINS!!!

Have an awesome weekend!!!

Karen