Scripture Verses that caught my attention today: John 16:31-32 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me.
Observation: Do we ever believe deeply enough in Jesus? Here again the disciples naively proclaim the depth of their faith. And here again Jesus reminds them that they are over-selling themselves. Though in the next couple verses he will nevertheless offer them significant cause for hope.
Application: It has been said that one never knows for sure how he or she will handle a situation until he or she is actually placed in that situation. We may, in advance, have ideas for how we might handle a given situation, but once we are in it, well, then we find out what our true response will be. Sometimes we follow through. Sometimes we change our mind. There are often good reasons for our response. There are often bad reasons for our response. Either way, because of Jesus, all hope is not lost.
Tomorrow night many people will gather in various locations all over the world purportedly to celebrate the birth of Christ. To what extent do we really believe? How easily will we be subsequently scattered?
Ironically, it probably doesn’t matter. Jesus promises to draw all people to himself. He did so long ago when he was lifted up on the cross. And he continues to do so today for all who have the courage to see him in such estate.
Prayer: Lord, our belief is never as deep as it could or should be and we are so very easily scattered. Draw us together again in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: John 15-18)
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