Today’s scripture: John 15:18-16:4 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Robert Ferguson):
I remember believing that once I was baptized, all of my troubles would come to an end.
I believed, when I was very young, that the reason things weren’t completely right in my life was because I hadn’t accepted Christ. So once I got sprinkled with that holy water, or recited the sinner’s prayer, or allowed the Pastor to dunk me in the baptismal pool (I’ve been baptized 3 times) I’d get a miracle. All of my problems would magically disappear and I would be able to waltz through the rest of my life worry free.
But very shortly thereafter, reality set in — life still happens and situations don’t automatically work themselves out.
In our reading today we find Jesus telling the disciples that the road ahead is going to be rough. I always find it interesting that from the very beginning the disciples never really knew what they were getting into by following Jesus. Many expected Jesus to be something other than what he was — a warrior King sent to free a people and make right all of the wrongs, or a ruler over many and commander of the armies. But this Jesus was a humble servant and spoke of ruling in heavenly kingdoms, not earthly ones, and he was hated. Now he shares with the disciples that they too will be hated. They must suffer as Christ has suffered.
Being a Christian in today’s world is not an easy task. There are challenges and temptations at every turn. It sometimes seems that it would be easier to join the rat race to amass material wealth, be self-consumed, and have little regard for the less fortunate of the world. However, there is a problem with living life that way: it’s not the way of Christ, and it’s not the way to true life. If we profess that Christ is our Lord and Savior, then what message are we sending to a world whose only image of God may come through you or me? We have a responsibility to serve others as Christ did — and that may include suffering.
Jesus shares with us today that when we choose to follow him we will be directly opposed to the world. The things of God are not the things of this world. When we choose one we must turn our backs on the other. So today ask yourself one simple question: When the world looks at me do they see Jesus?
Thought for the day: Can Jesus be seen in me?
Today, let’s join together in prayer for: our Associate Minister, Rev. Tammy Mills.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.