What James and John got right..

I want a cool nickname. “The Rock” has a cool nickname. “The Black Mamba” has a cool nickname. “Ole Blues Eyes” has (er..., “had”) a cool nickname. And James and John had a cool nickname. Jesus called them the “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17). That sounds like a biker gang, not followers of Christ! How cool is that?!

Maybe that’s why they got so mad at the Samaritans when they refused to welcome Jesus. “Those ungrateful half-breeds - how dare they disrespect our Rabbi!”. What they actually said was: “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” (Luke 9:54 ESV). They wanted to go Elijah v. Prophets of Baal on them! (1 Kings 18:20-40)

Is that all wrong?

Jesus did rebuke them for their vindictiveness. That’s never right. But maybe they also got something right.

I don’t know their hearts, but I do detect something that is virtually vacant in modern Christendom. I detect a jealousy for the respect of their master, Jesus. They were jealousy for Jesus’ fame and honor. And they got ticked when he was belittled.

Kind of like Paul, who felt sick to his stomach when he saw glory and devotion going to idols and not to Jesus where it belongs (Acts 17:16). Paul was passionate for the fame of Christ - that’s why he prayed that the message of Christ would spread rapidly and be honored (2 Thessalonians 3:1). Nothing wrong with that heart attitude!

So where is that jealousy and passion today? Where are the hearts that ache to see Jesus honored in West Orange county? Where are the schemes, efforts, and plans to reach our friends, neighbors, and co-workers for Christ? Where are the prayers of those who can’t stand to see Jesus dishonored by the casual unbelief that is so thick all around us? Where are those who say “Your name and your renown are the desire of our soul!” (Isaiah 26:8)

Where are the “Sons of Thunder”?

I’m not talking about calling down fire in judgement. I’m talking about calling down holy fire in revival.

Family, we must lay down our right to vindictiveness. We must not demonize, but pray for those who reject Christ. We must move forward in mercy, forgiveness, and grace even to our enemies (or perceived enemies!).

But don’t lose the fire!

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,
Pastor Tom