ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
July 17, 2021
Scripture: John 6:63
The Spirit is the one who gives life and the flesh doesn’t help at all. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
Thought for the Day: In tomorrow’s sermon, I will focus on how God speaks to us. For most people, it is not an audible voice. It is more like a tug, a feeling, a hunch, a nudge. Now there have been a few times when the nudge was just as clear as a spoken word. Other times, it requires some discernment, and it appears as if the above words were intended to help with discernment. Some of the followers were grumbling and eventually would walk away based upon what they heard from Jesus. That was the flesh talking – the flesh being that part of us that is easily swayed and does not wish to be challenged. Yet the words Jesus spoke were full of “spirit and life.” To say it another way, they were life-giving for self and others. This is one of those lenses through which we discern the words of Jesus (words of God). If what we hear is not life-giving for self and others, then it might not be of God. That does not mean it will always be joyful and easy and without discomfort. Often the most life-giving parts of human existence require sweat, pain and sacrifice. It is usually there that the flesh pushes back and says, “No thank you!” As those listening for the invitation of Jesus, we are ready to say, “Ok! Let’s do this,” even when it is hard.
Prayer: Continue to nudge and tug at my soul, Merciful God. I may not always discern you immediately. Be patient and persistent, for I wish to be a follower of Jesus, even when it is challenging and uncomfortable. Amen.
