Thoughts for the Day

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

How do we know what is true? In today's world we are given so much news via social media sites, our televisions, and even our friend's gossip. But how do we know if what they say is true? An image that seems to show a great white shark swimming up a flooded highway went viral after Hurricane Ian struck in 2022. But was it true, had a shark come in from the sea as the water invaded the streets? Well no, it was a hoax photograph.

So the experts tell us to ask ourselves two questions:

1. Who said it? In other words do we trust the person, or the news site, or are they likely to be a gossip, or a spoof programme?
2. What's the evidence? Can you go back to primary sources, that is people or groups who are directly involved with the information, or perhaps secondary sources, that is someone you trust who knew the original primary source?

When it comes to faith in God and whether we believe that Jesus rose from the dead to take our sin upon himself, we should ask ourselves the same questions. My answers would be - I trust the words spoken by Jesus and recorded by, in this case, John the secondary source as he repeats that which he has learnt from the original disciples, the primary sources. So for me I can echo the last sentence in our reading above "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life."

Lord Jesus Christ,
give us the wisdom to see what is truth,
and not take take statements for granted,
but to question who speaks
and what evidence there is for their words.
Then, ultimately, give us the faith
to trust in You and Your promises,
and to continue learning about You,
so that Your wishes may mould our lives.
Amen.