Today’s scripture: John 8:21-30 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
Why do I speak to you at all? . . . As He was saying these things, many believed in Him. (NRSV)
How many times, over the years, have you ever said or thought, “Why do I even talk to them? It’s useless! They’ll never get it!” A parent about their child, a spouse about their partner, a supervisor about their subordinate, a friend about their friend — it seems we’ve all felt this way at one time or another.
In this case, there were others in addition to the unbelieving crowd who heard and believed Jesus’ words. That in itself illustrates the virtue of continuing to speak the truth in love no matter how many don’t believe. However, what about that unbelieving crowd? Is there a chance some of them came to believe those words that seemed so crazy at the time — even if it was years later? When I first considered this, it seemed almost preposterous. Then, I thought of the Apostle Paul’s conversion story, and it seems downright logical! The years that followed not only gave them a chance to consider Jesus’ words, but also his resurrection, and to realize the truth of what he had told them.
This story spurred me to think of my grandparents who I, as a child, spent the summer with on their farm in Illinois. At times they seemed a bit old-fashioned and not as “with it” as younger people, but how the years have changed my perception! In retrospect, I can see they realized what was truly important, and enjoyed life every bit as much as anyone who seemed more sophisticated. They were in bed by 10:00 and up by 5:00, day-after-day, as they ran their 150-acre farm of corn, beans, oats, wheat, cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens. They showed me how satisfying the “ordinary,” everyday routine is — and that life is more than seeking the next exciting thing. The memory of my brother and me sitting outside with them at dusk, seeing the last of the day’s light peaking over the prairie horizon as we made each other laugh, shows me what contentment is. Now, all these years later, I cherish their example as an invaluable part of the foundation of my life, and automatically think of them when I hear the locusts singing in the trees during the summer dusk.
Thought for the Day: Sometimes the impact of a wise word and godly lifestyle isn’t realized until years later.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.