Studying

"You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." - John 5:39-40

Just like many families at the moment, we are in the middle of exam season. Needless to say this time carries a certain degree of stress and much patience is required. 

As I was reflecting on this I was reminded that we are all called to keep on studying, no matter our age. As followers of Jesus we are life-long students, but we must remember to do our studying with the right motives. Jesus' speaks to those who follow him (in John 5) and teaches that our studying of the scriptures is to encounter the Messiah and not just to gain head knowledge. 

Enjoy your studies :)

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Death and taxes

It was on the 13th November 1789 that Benjamin Franklin wrote these iconic words: "Nothing certain but death & taxes (sic)." His statement is true even to this day and I think that living through recent uncertain times has just solidified his opinion. 

The bible speaks about both death and taxes. It seems that as far back as the scriptures take us, there were people levying taxes on others. Of course, Tax collectors were well known in Jesus' day and many of them came to follow him (Matthew, Zacchaeus). 

Jesus spoke a lot about the topic of death, but often in the light of hope beyond the grave. For Jesus, death was an inevitable part of human existence and something that was not to be afraid of. When we place our faith in the Messiah, death would simply be a transition from one world into the next.

"Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." - John 5:24

Question: What impression does Benjamin Franklin's quote leave on your life today?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

I don't want your vote!

Can you imagine a politician using these words in their campaigning speech?: 

"I don't want to get your vote, but rather to pass on something to you that will save your life!" 

It seems far fetched, but when we read these words from Jesus we see that he was not campaigning for public support, but rather passing on the Good News to all. I am thankful to Eugene Peterson for his take on this passage:

 

“But my purpose is not to get your vote, and not to appeal to mere human testimony. I’m speaking to you this way so that you will be saved. John was a torch, blazing and bright, and you were glad enough to dance for an hour or so in his bright light. But the witness that really confirms me far exceeds John’s witness. It’s the work the Father gave me to complete. These very tasks, as I go about completing them, confirm that the Father, in fact, sent me. The Father who sent me, confirmed me. And you missed it." - John 5:34-38

 

While we are on the topic of voting, I also found this verse from the Psalms. It gives us a different perspective on government and political office.

 

Psalm 145:13 - Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. (Message)

Living in Grace

D3LM3