with devotion: June 2014

He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. ... Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify against it that its works are evil. -John 7:1,6-7 NRSV

It is an odd scenario. God has appeared in human form. Religious people are plotting to kill him not for heresy but because of hatred. The ones who should reflect love and mercy have given themselves over to hate and violence. Such is the state of religion back then. Such is the condition of religion today. Abuse of power seems to permeate religion.

Yet I am in awe of Christ's wisdom and discernment. It would have been so easy for impatience to overwhelm him. His words challenge me to discern the season and time that I live in. I am so often driven by impulse. Patience seems so far away and yet so very near. It is an issue of discerning His voice. And trusting God's leading with all of my heart.

Teach me to discern the day Lord. Grant me patience in my decisions. Help me to trust you with all I am.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.” He was speaking of Judas son of Simon Iscariot, for he, though one of the twelve, was going to betray him. -John 6:66-71 NRSV

Jesus has been speaking about how the Spirit gives life and not the flesh. It is a difficult teaching for those who experience life in fleshly activities. In reality, I too struggle with this teaching. Sometimes, when life is turned inside out and pain knocks on my front door, God seems far away. And my faith seems so weak when I am hurting.

These words of Jesus challenge me. Will I be one who perseveres in faith? Or will I be one who turns back in unbelief? In these times I echo Peter's words. I have built my life on the words of Jesus. He is the one who gives me life in times of deep sorrow. I believe that he is the Messiah, the Holy One of God. It is because of Christ that I persevere in trial.

Help me to remember Lord. And hold fast to your words. You indeed have the words of eternal life.

... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.

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My time has not yet come ...

You have the words of eternal life.