Week 51—Friday John 14:5-7
John 14:5-7
ILLUSTRATIONS THAT ILLUSTRATE
Jesus did not merely tell us that death need have no terrors for us—he rose from the dead, and lo, now the tomb glows with light.
Many teachers of the world have tried to explain everything—they changed little or nothing. Jesus explained little and changed everything.
Many teachers have told us why the patient is suffering and that the patient should bear it with fortitude—Jesus tells the paralyzed man to take up his bed and walk.
Many philosophers speculate on how evil entered the world—Jesus presents himself as the way by which it shall leave.
He did not go into long discussions about the way to God and the possibility of finding God—he quietly said, “I am the way.”
Many speculate with Pilate and ask, “What is truth?” Jesus shows himself and says, “I am the truth.”
Spencer defines physical life for us as response to environment—Jesus defines life itself by presenting himself and saying, “I am the life.” Those who look upon him know in the inmost depths of their soul that they are looking on Life itself.
Jesus said, “But ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:5, KJV), and not many days hence Peter could rapturously say, “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this which you see and hear” (Acts 2:32-33, RSV).
Everything he said he did—and more. For his life was greater than his words. Words never have had such weight of meaning.
Blessed One, you pour blessings upon us beyond our fondest dreams and our highest imaginations. We never dreamed or thought that God was like this. But now that we see who you are, we give this all to you. Amen.
AFFIRMATION FOR THE DAY: Grace is written across all I think, say, do, and am—nothing but Grace.