Day Twelve: High Horses

Pure Power
 (image by Carol Poland)

     It sounds like James and John were getting pretty excited about the new powers Jesus had delegated to them. "Should we call down fire from heaven," they asked. Jesus rebuked them helping them learn to keep their powers in proper perspective. Have you ever been in a position where someone has let their position of authority go to their head? If those with power are not held accountable to those they have power over, then things can get very ugly. Jesus was teaching them that with power comes great responsibility.

     But can you blame them for getting excited? How awesome to be able to walk with the King and receive his authority to cast out demons and call down fire from heaven! They were priviledged to walk in Jesus' inner circle. The problems began when they decided to withhold priviledges from others who weren't in their circle. Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you."

     It is easy to get that "inner circle" syndrome when you are among seekers or non-committed Christians who don't walk out their Christianity the same as you. Maybe you don't think their Christianity is as real as the believers in your small group or that possibly they are non-believers. I think in these passages Jesus is reminding us not to be the judge and especially not to rank the believers. 'Don't worry about it,' he cautions, 'as long as they are not against you they are for you.'

STUDY GUIDE:

-Follow along in JOHN: 90 Days with the Beloved Disciple by Beth Moore pages 57-60

-Read Luke 9:46-56

-Answer the following questions in your study guide:

     1. When do you feel the pride that God has humbled himself to draw near to you rise up in you? What does that look like?

     2. How does God deal with that in you?

-Share a brief highlight or two from your thoughts and answers in a comment posted to the group. (Read guidelines and cautions posted August 1, 2010 before you post).

-Read the comments of others and share your thoughts and encouragement with them by replying to their comments. Identify which post you are responding to by addressing them and their subject or pasting a brief portion of their reply at the start of your post.

PRAY WITH ME:

Lord, we just thank you for the opportunity to be near to you. Thank you for choosing us to walk closely with you. Help us to understand your teaching, to listen to your instruction, and to receive the power you delegate to us. We are excited to be chosen by you to be close to you. Keep us from losing perspective as we walk in your power and grace. In Jesus name, Amen.