Today’s scripture: John 14:1-11 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Robin Herman):
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves.
I think this is one of the hardest things for those of us who profess to be Christian. Thomas and Philip were doubting Jesus and he said, “If you do not (believe), then believe me because of the works.” Think about what a powerful statement that is. “Don’t judge me from the things I say, but judge me by the things I do.” If I stop and think of how many times I could pull that off, I’m afraid I couldn’t. Jesus’ example showed that he was God’s son, but I’m just thinking about setting the example as someone who believes in God. I can’t imagine the self-discipline that would take to be under the scrutiny that Jesus was under.
Being a parent and having to constantly set an example is difficult. I watched my father struggle through it. He was a great guy — always concerned about the principle of things, and always trying to teach me a lesson.
On Good Morning America several years ago, there was a story about a family with twin boys at a hockey game. They signed up for a contest at half time. The challenge was to hit a hockey puck through a small hole — next to impossible. When the boy’s name was called, he was in the bathroom. The father didn’t have time to go get his son, so he sent in the identical twin. Amazingly, he hit it and won $50,000. After giving it much thought, the father called the next day and told the contest organizers that it wasn’t the son who’s name was called, but the other boy that hit the shot. They will probably lose the $50,000 prize.
I can imagine what was going through his head as he was making the decision to call the organizers. He had just taught his sons to lie and cheat. It doesn’t really matter, he could rationalize. It’s a contest, the boy DID hit the hole! It’s $50,000 — I can send them to college with that money! What does it matter? What harm can come of it?
With the forethought of the next twenty years, Dad made a great decision. He could see all the things that could lead to in the future. If he let this one go, because it didn’t matter, he would’ve taught the boys a horrible lesson. Money is more important than their integrity. Cheating and lying is OK. Letting that go could cost the family a lot more than $50,000 with the poor decisions the boys could make. Who really wrecked the car? Who really stole the bike? Who took the test?
I’m sure the boys aren’t going to get it for a long time. They’ll nod their heads and think they get it– but it may be 20 years before it really sinks in. Maybe not until they are raising their own children.
That’s what Jesus is up to — trying to teach us lessons when we aren’t able to really understand why. Too many times it’s easy for us to say “What does it matter? What harm can come of it?”
Thought for the day: Could I be judged solely by what I do, and not by the good things I say or intend?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.