John 12:36-43 (NRSV)
The unbelief of the people
While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light."
After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah:
"Lord, who has believed our message,
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"
And so they could not believe, because Isaiah also said,
"He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their heart,
so that they might not look with their eyes,
and understand with their heart and turn
and I would heal them."
Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about him. Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God.
Reflection
God acts first. God acted first in flesh and blood with Jesus coming into this world. Jesus performed many acts convincing that he was the Messiah. God acts first. But in our hard hearts we refuse to see Jesus as God. We can't deny that we attempt to act first on our own. In illness or times of trouble we tend to turn inward and depend on ourselves. We forget that God acts first and don't turn to God until we have run out of our own failed attempts.
But as I think about God's activity, I must learn to turn to God first. God acts first. Once I realize that I need God first, I can act. It's a discipline that's hard for me to do, but I'll continue to look to God. As I see the actions of Jesus in the lives of others and myself, I soon realize that God has acted first. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, as I turn to you, show me the direction to take in all I do that I may honor you. --- Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment