52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem.
Sometimes our preconceived ideas get in the way of God’s blessing. The Samaritans had their own ideas about how God was going to fulfill His promises to the world. In their understanding they would become the center of God’s blessing. And because Jesus wasn’t fitting into their mold, they rejected Him and His message. The disciples wanted to call down fire from heaven and destroy them right on the spot. The disciples wanted acceptance right at that moment or not at all. Forcing conversion does not work. Jesus must be accepted on His terms, not ours. Salvation is a work of the heart and soul, not simply of the mind and the will. Salvation encompasses the whole being. It must be freely chosen again and again in life. As new knowledge is gained, it must be incorporated and a new surrender made. The Samaritans were some of the early followers of Jesus after His resurrection. They welcomed the Gospel and wholeheartedly followed. The timing had not been right. Their soil had not been fully prepared. Their hearts were not sufficiently softened. Preparation is important. Many people need to see the Gospel at work in you before they are willing to accept. They must be aware of their need before they can accept. Just because someone does not accept the message on the first exposure does not mean they will never accept. Continue to live a life consistent with the Gospel. Over time they will see God’s love and hopefully turn and yield to the forgiveness and restoration He has to offer.