REFLECTIONS
October 31, 2010
October 31, 2010
There is an old adage that says, "You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make him drink." The meaning, of course, is meant more for humans to illustrate how in our animal-like stubbornness, we can harm ourselves by refusing help. This is perhaps even more true in terms of people responding to the experience of faith. Luke 19:1-10 tells the story of Jesus traveling to Jericho. As he arrives, Zacchaeus, the local tax collector comes to hear him speak. It is important to remember that in those days tax collectors were more like robbers sanctioned by the government to take your money. Tax collectors were allowed to add penalties if they chose as long as they paid the governor the agreed upon rate. What makes this interesting is the fact that a crook as Zacchaeus would have the desire to hear the itinerant preacher Jesus speak. Scripture records that his was a life changing event for Zacchaeus.
Keeping the concept of leading, in the face of strict resistance, albeit in a different context, consider the words of Paul in II Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12. Here the apostle shares the joy he, Timothy, and Silvanus have over this community’s openness to their teachings about the life of Jesus. Paul and his ‘Sons’ knew how resistant some communities have been, and want to affirm the people of Thessalonica. So impressed with their willingness to learn and grow in faith, the letter is written as a boast on this community and passed on to the other churches in the region, holding them up as a model.
Where Zacchaeus responded to salvation as it was offered by Jesus, the Thessalonians would seem to have earned it by possessing attentive spirits. In the horse analogy one had to be drug to the water then invited to drink. The other upon hearing the good teachings realized they were thirsty.
Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601
