Game Changer Week 1 Devotional Day 2

Game Changer Week 1 Devotional Day 2

Day 2 – Tuesday

Daily Devotional

Read

Mark 6:4; Deuteronomy 18:15-22; 1 Samuel 8:7; Luke 17:24-25

Ask

Jesus refers to the rejection of prophets in their hometown and households. Can you recall some of the prophets in the Old Testament that experienced this? (Cf. 2 Chron 36:15-16, Jer 11:21)

Reflect

If you’ve read any Old Testament book that is written by or about a prophet, you know that the prophet almost always experienced some form of rejection. The task of a prophet being to speak forth God’s word – either generally to tell of a coming event, or often to a person or group of people who were breaking God’s laws, highlighting a consequence for the misbehavior. It isn’t a stretch to think that God’s people might reject such a person.

Jesus was not only rejected, he says he was “without honor.” Those words actually mean “dishonored” or made lowly. God gave Moses specific instructions concerning prophets. The people were to obey the words that were spoken, unless the prophet behaved dishonorably, speaking words that leading God’s people astray. If in fact the people saw Jesus in this dishonorable light, what would have been their responsibility under the law, according to the Deuteronomy passage?

The response of the people, however, was faithlessness. They were indifferent to Jesus, casting him aside as though he were nobody at all. (cf. John 1:45-46) Because of this faithlessness, they did not experience the miracles in the way that Jesus had been performing them in the outlying areas. Have you ever encountered a teacher that didn’t hold your attention the way you would have expected or wanted? What was your response to that teacher? What was the impact of that person’s teaching on your life?

We can hold the same attitudes toward teachers (prophets, pastors, lay leaders, etc.) today. Think of the people who might fill those roles in your life. How do you treat them? How do you respond to the things they say and do? What changes, if any, may you need to make to honor them as God commands?