I have come to save souls…

Here is James’ story…

The following story is one I'm not proud of at all, but I think it's important that I share it with you in case it somehow speaks to your heart.

As you know, Jews and Samaritans don't get along well. My brother John and I have always had a very strong dislike for them, almost a hatred. When Jesus went to preach and heal the sick in Samaria, we couldn't understand why He wasted His precious time and energy on the Samaritans. They were such despicable people...it didn't make any sense! When Jesus directed us to work in Melech's fields, we couldn't understand His reasons behind it.

We were still in Samaria, trying to make sense of it all, when one day, some Samaritans insulted and spat on us—and not just us, but Jesus! Our hearts burned with anger, and we begged Jesus to send fire from heaven to consume these unworthy people (Luke 9:51-56, NKJV). We were so angry that we even dared to suggest to Him that the idea of coming to Samaria had been a bad mistake.

Jesus corrected us with great patience and authority, and that's when we began to understand. The events that occurred with Photina at the well and how she told so many others about Jesus were going to impact multitudes of lives for generations to come. Those Samaritans we hated so much were willing to believe in Jesus without even seeing great miracles.

As Jews, we've always thought of ourselves as better than the Samaritans, but that day, we realized that we are not. Jesus was not calling us to judge others but serve them out of love and humility.

I still can't believe we dared to say such things! What were we thinking? We were so ashamed...Jesus encouraged us, though, and we felt accepted and forgiven by Him again. But on that day, we earned the nickname "Sons of Thunder"...it's a good way to help us remember that we had to calm down a bit! :-)

My name is James, and in spite of my mistakes, I have been chosen by Jesus.

Bible references: Luke 9:51-56

Have you ever exploded in front of God or other people and then regretted it? God is working on your character, and He wants to purify you more and more every day. May you not be known by those around you as a "child of thunder" but rather as a child of God. :-)

You are Chosen to be a Miracle!

Christian Misch