Luke 4:22 “All spoke well of Him and were amazed at the gracious words than came from his lips…” (NIV)*
Luke 4:24 “‘I tell you the truth,’ he continued, ‘No prophet is accepted in his hometown.'” (NIV)*
Rather than basking in the admiration of the people after He read from Isaiah, Jesus spoke the truth.
He predicted how they would later treat Him. He made those well-speaking people so mad they drove him from the synagogue and out of town. They were furious to the point of wanting to throw him over a cliff!
Why didn’t He sit there and accept their words of praise? Why did He spoil the moment and cause a ruckus? Did He see through to their corrupt hearts and the disbelief to come?
I’m enough of a southern gal to know politeness is suppose to reign. Being nice trumps stark truth any day. Hide the disagreement, the knowledge, the anger. Accept the flattery then turn around and give it back double-fold…seething behind clinched teeth.
Jesus wasn’t polite. He saw to the heart and cut to the quick. He dealt with reality…no false pretenses allowed. Jesus saw hearts and knew the future…I don’t. I need His help.
Help me discern
If polite is best
To let a matter ride
In your hands rest.
………………..
Help me know
When to speak up
Call a spade a spade
Give tough love.
………………..
photo and poem by Patty Perkins
*The One Year Bible, New International Version, copyright 1986, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois.
Beside Quiet Waters 
March 20th, 2013 at 5:06 pm
oh yes, I need His help too! Thanks for your thoughts today!
March 20th, 2013 at 7:58 pm
And thank you for dropping by…and I’m not just being polite:)
March 20th, 2013 at 7:59 pm
🙂
March 20th, 2013 at 6:38 pm
Oh dear Patty – this is so very inspiring and touching, as all that you share is. I particularly loved this one! Thank you.
March 20th, 2013 at 8:02 pm
Your feedback means a lot! He keeps busting up my preconceived notions of Him…He is beyond being defined…Appreciate you!
March 20th, 2013 at 9:36 pm
“He dealt with reality.” Unlike me who tends to turn from reality if I don’t like it. I have so much to learn…
March 21st, 2013 at 7:46 pm
You’re not alone! I’m right there with you. Our Father is patient, and for that, I’m grateful.
March 21st, 2013 at 6:18 pm
Patty, “I need his help” too!! It amazes me how gracious He is in even using my blunders for good. I’d rather not make them though…
Blessings ~ Wendy
March 21st, 2013 at 7:48 pm
Thanks for the reminder that He does work ALL THINGS for good! Appreciate your stopping by!
March 21st, 2013 at 10:24 pm
Nicely written Patty, as always. Reminds me of a book by Max Lucado called Just Like Jesus which is inspiring in the way he gets you to think. Now as a result of reading that book, I often ask myself when faced with crossroads – “What would Jesus do?”
Nice photo too…
March 22nd, 2013 at 7:54 am
Ohhh…thank you! What a blessing to have blogging friends to offer encouragement and share insights. We learn from each other. God is good. Blessings on your day!