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Word on the web/19 October

ladylovesJesus

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19 October 2007

John 10 v 22-30

The time came for the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the Temple in Solomon's Porch. The Jews gathered around him and said, "How long will you make us wonder about you? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I told you already, but you did not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name show who I am. But you don't believe, because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never die, and no one can steal them out of my hand. My Father gave my sheep to me. He is greater than all, and no person can steal my sheep out of my Father's hand. The Father and I are one."


This is one of those bang-your-head-against-a-wall readings! Before this event, Jesus has turned water into wine, fed five thousand people from almost nothing, walked on water, healed sick and afflicted people and preached the most incredible, radical truths about God. Those who didn't witness the events would certainly have heard about them - the stories were all over the place! And they say to Jesus "If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."

Doesn't part of you want to yell "Just how plain does it need to be?" Why couldn't these people see what was in front of them? Was it just too big a step? Were they afraid of the consequences of believing? Did they just not want to believe, despite the evidence?

We know that some listened and believed. Many were able to get past whatever the barriers were and take that step into a whole new spiritual life.
Is it so different today? The world not only has the Bible to show it who Jesus is, but centuries of historical evidence, personal testimonies, events and people shouting out loud and clear - but it still won't believe. It needs our prayers like never before to break down the barriers to belief.

Thankfully millions have listened and become those believers that no - one can steal from Jesus.
I'm glad I'm one of them. What about you?


Jesus, it's so frustrating to see the world - people I know and love - behaving just like those in the reading. Thank you for opening my eyes and help me to show patience and love to those who, for whatever reason, can't or won't see the truth about you. I pray for an unbelieving world, today, Lord. Help me play my part. Amen.


Written by Tracy Lambert
 
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