Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said, "The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified on my behalf. You have never heard his voice or seen his form, and you do not have his word abiding in you, because you do not believe him whom he has sent.

You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. Yet you refuse to come to me to have life. I do not accept glory from human beings. But I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?"

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Today we celebrate Bible Sunday. Just think about your favourite bible - is it an old King James' version given at your Confirmation or Baptism; or one from childhood with pictures; or the latest version with all kinds of helpful information, like maps in it? Perhaps you've got all of these? Or do you only use an online bible now? However you read your bible it has so much to teach us.

In today's reading from John's Gospel Jesus is talking to the crowds after healing a man who had been paralysed for 38 years (John 5.2-18). The authorities were angry because it occurred on the Sabbath, and because of Jesus' claim to a relationship with "God the Father". He argued that as the Son, he has come to do three things - to bring new life to those who believe in him; judgment to those who don't believe in him; and reconciliation with God. This must have sounded like nonsense to those who listened to him, but Jesus says there is a witness to what he is saying. If they don't believe in the Hebrew scriptures and the words of Moses, then they should believe in the work that he is doing.

Unfortunately, although they search the scriptures, the scribes and pharisees do not want a Messiah who has compassion and who heals the sick, or one who welcomes the outcast. They want a warrior Messiah who will destroy the Romans. So they search the scriptures to find arguments to support their own positions. As one great theologian said "They did not really love God; they loved their own ideas about him.” (Barclay)

We need to be careful we don't search our Bibles to reinforce our own beliefs, rather than see what our Creator, Judge, and Redeemer wants to teach us.

Lord Jesus Christ,
You came to earth to bring us new life;
to judge all people;
and to reconcile us to God.
You showed the people compassion,
and welcomed all who were outcast.
You healed the sick and taught all
who would listen about God's love.
May we understand what this means
for our own life,
so that we read the bible with fresh insight.
Amen.