Today's Lectionary Reading: Psalm 107:1-16; Isaiah 60:15-22; John 8:12-20
Passages Selected for Reflection: John 8:12-20 (NKJV) & Psalm 107:1-3 (MSG)
Read
John 8:12-20
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
13 The Pharisees therefore said to Him, “You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true.”
14 Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going. 15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16 And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me. 17 It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.”
19 Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?”
Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.”
20 These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one laid hands on Him, for His hour had not yet come.
Psalm 107:1-3
Oh, thank God—he’s so good!
His love never runs out.
All of you set free by God, tell the world!
Tell how he freed you from oppression,
Then rounded you up from all over the place,
from the four winds, from the seven seas. (1-3)
Reflect
How often are we challenged to define who we are or where we stand? It is frustrating on any given day! Here is Jesus tending to the business of the Father, yet being badgered to explain his stance.
I find it strange that you can have your head down and doing what is important and intentional, and someone will come up to you with no true knowledge of who sent you or your intention and question the very thing that you know you are supposed to be doing.
Nevertheless, we are often taught to turn the other cheek or ignore them, but this scripture gives me life because I feel permission to be the light of the world and shine brightly while voicing the power that resides in me because I am sent. Furthermore, I have been set free from any condemnation and I am loved despite how I feel or how others try to make me feel.
Jesus’ message to the Pharisees affirms me in my journey, and I hope, as you are doing the will of the Father, it will affirm you too!
Respond
Jesus spoke in John 8 v.12 “He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
Do you feel that you are following Jesus? What do you see as you walk in the light?
If you feel lost and in the darkness, when do you think you lost your way? And how could you reconnect with your Source of Light.
Envision yourself for a moment in Psalm 107:1-3. What do you feel God is inviting you to proclaim?
Rest
Lord, you tell us to trace or follow you with your words and with our faith. Help us to walk and know. Help us to speak confidently just like your son, our brother, Jesus. You are the light and we have everything you have, so allow us to see in dark places. Allow us to be the light of the world. And, speak confidently into our dreams and also to others that doubt you. We know you are with us. We know you stand with us in faith. And just like Jesus--cover us.
Thank you for coming to get us out of the darkness of our unknowing and thoughtless ways.
Thank you for a clean heart, and for renewing our understanding, daily.
Thank you that we are not ashamed to go into the four corners of the earth and tell all about your goodness and your love.
We are open.
We take your hand.
Lead us and guide us in all truth.
In Jesus name, Amen.
About the Author
Gillie is a trained Spiritual Director who wears many hats. She owns and operates the family business, Elite Concierge Chicago, and leads workshops, hosts Prayer Moments with the Divine, and journal exercises for all ages. She is a fun-loving-dance enthusiast and has been married to the love of her life, T'Chaka for 15 years. Gillie is truly a #Boymom to Zavier, Ethan, Hunter, and Ka’Marion ages 13, 10, 3, and 2. Gillie received her Bachelor of Science from Tuskegee University and has certificates of higher learning from the University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Education and North Park Theological Seminary.