“Ignore Any Intimidation And Remain Focused!”

“Ignore Any Indimidation And Remain Focused!”
St. Francis of Assisi loved gardening. One day as he was weeding in his garden somebody asked him what he would do if God told him he was to die the next moment. Francis simply replied, “I will keep on weeding my garden until the moment arrives.”
Where we often turn to in the face of life’s many challenges reveals our true beliefs. To some of us there are times that Jesus Christ is just an appendix. Our concern this day is about our reaction when we receive threats because of the faith.
Jesus was probably in Perea which was under the jurisdiction of Herod Antipas (Herod the tetrarch). Some Pharisees wanted to frighten him into leaving the area and going to Judea. So they said to Jesus, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” These were wolves in sheep’s clothing! They said it as if they loved Jesus and did not want him to be harmed.
Jesus who says we should be as shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves(Mt.10:16) was not in any way diplomatic in his response. He told them, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day – for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!”(Lk.13:31-33).
Hmmmm, I can envision the look on Herod’s face if those Pharisees had gone to him and said, “Herod, can you imagine that little brat Jesus calling you a fox?” Herod would’ve immediately ordered for Jesus to be brought before him. But even if he did, he wouldn’t have done any harm to Jesus. It was not yet the opportune moment!
A lesson to borrow from Jesus is that in God’s agenda your life has a predetermined plan that would be carried out and no harm would come to you until your purpose is accomplished.
Learn to ignore the wiles of crafty people (foxes) and focus on your God-given assignment. Whatever happens to you can only be after the assignment has been accomplished.
While it is now, turn away from sin, focus on the word as you accompany Jesus to Jerusalem the place of death for the prophets!
Weekend prayer: Lord give me the courage to withstand the wiles of crafty Herods and sly Pharisees as I face Jerusalem with you. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!