26 NOV 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional
“And as for these enemies of mine who didn’t want me to be their king - bring them in and execute them right here in front of me.” Luke 19:27
There was a time when Israel wanted to be like everyone else and decided that they would like a king instead of following God’s leading and receiving his providence and protection. God warned them of what they would get for accepting a mortal as their leader and how he would rule over them. This was a great offense to God, their maker and redeemer.
An earthly king would draft their sons for the military, force them to be farmers, and manufacture weapons and war materials. He would take their daughters and force them into labor for him and would tax their wealth and the best of their property. They would eventually beg for relief because of how they were treated, but the Lord would not respond. (1 Sam. 8)
Jesus tells the story of a nobleman who is rejected by the Jews as their king. He assigns the people a task and expects them to follow through by being faithful and obedient. There are people who are faithful, and disobedient, and many who reject him whom he calls his enemies. Jesus says that the disobedient would be stripped of what was given to them and the ones who rejected Jesus will be judged and executed.
People who have mistakenly portrayed Jesus as one to overlook their rejection of him in this life will have a rude awakening in the next life. Those people will not receive mercy and grace but will receive justice and sentencing to the second death. The blunt and direct words of Jesus are meant to bring about change in your mind and heart while there is still time.
Have you received Jesus as Lord?
Reading Plan: Psalm 118; Isa. 19:19-25; Rom. 15:5-13; Luke 19:11-27
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