No Place Like Home

22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked. 23 Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’ ”(Luke 4:22-23)

Jesus might say it's a good thing that there's no place like home. No place else are both expectations and criticisms so high. When someone we know does well, we want to brag on them. We're proud of their achievements. But it's so easy to cross the thin line from healthy pride to grasping for a portion of their glory. The people of Jesus' hometown wanted to claim him as long as he served them the way they expected. Indeed, the truth Jesus spoke was a difficult one: there were many in need in the hometown of Elijah and Elisha, but they were each called to serve and to bless elsewhere.

How might this scene have played out if the listeners had been able to say they would support Jesus in whatever ways and places he would serve? How might our own faithful journey through life be impacted if we align ourselves with God's plans instead of expecting God to serve our plans? Like those in Jesus' community, we already have a relationship with the Messiah. If we want proof of that relationship, we have only to trust Him and follow where He leads.

7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a boy'; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you, 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD." (Jeremiah 1:7-8)