But He was on His way to Jerusalem, so the people there refused to welcome Him. When the disciples James and John saw what was happening, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to destroy these people?” But Jesus turned and corrected them for what they had said. Then they all went on to another village.

Luke 9:53-55 (CEV)

Living an uncommon life and sharing an uncommon message must both be done with an uncommon compassion. The disciples were upset that the Samaritans rejected Christ. They responded in anger, wanting fire to destroy their city. Retribution is a common response to being rejected, but Christ called His disciples to live an uncommon way. He rebuked them for having a negative sprit toward others and reminded them that He had come to save lives, not destroy them.

[Today’s reading was taken from our devotional, Change Your Story. Purchase a Copy]

Daily Bible Reading (Two reading plans are provided below. The “Entire Bible” plan will take you through the entire Bible this year. The “New Testament” plan will take you through just the New Testament this year.)

• Entire Bible: Job 10-12; Proverbs 27:15-27
• New Testament: Luke 9