We all long for vengeance sometimes. The desire to crush our enemies, and make them suffer for what they have done for us, is hard to overcome. Here, Jesus' disciples indulge in this desire to crush their enemies, but Jesus shows them a better way. The fire of the Holy Spirit comes to transform our enemies, not to crush them. This sermon encourages us to look for the redemption of those caught up in evil, and challenges us to be instruments of that transformation.

Scripture references: 2 Kings 1:1-18; Luke 9:51-62

Preached on the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, June 30th, by the Rev. Stephen Silverthorne

Sermon Highlights

• Vengeance is a natural desire
• Vengeance rarely solves anything
• Jesus is rejected by Samaritans
• Disciples want to follow Elijah's example and burn up enemies
• Jesus rebukes them
• Jesus instead points them to work for Samaria's redemption
• Fire of Pentecost doesn't destroy but transforms
• We are called to work for transformation of enemies
• This is difficult work which costs us a lot
• It is worth doing because Jesus' way is our highest calling

Further Reading

Vengeance by George Jonas. Tells the story of Israel's spy agency tracking down and punishing those responsible for the murder of Israeli athletes at the Olympics in 1972

Making Friends of Trolls by Caitrin Keiper. The story of how a nasty internet comment led to an angry hateful man being transformed into a more decent human being.

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