Scripture: John 5:19
Jesus responded to the Jewish leaders, “I assure you that the Son can’t do anything by himself except what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.”
Thought for the Day: If you’re looking to understand who Jesus is and how he approaches his work, here is a pretty good overview. Maybe not the specifics, but a good starting place. In these words, Jesus clarifies his unique task as it relates to God. Throughout the centuries, people have taken the above words and other parts of scripture and determined for themselves exactly why Jesus was here. To this day, people will say things like, “Well I just believe what the Bible says on this topic.” That kind of statement assumes the other side is basing its argument on the last John Grisham novel. Taking a step back and clarifying the disagreement is important. Quite often, it is more than being on the Bible’s side or not being on the Bible’s side. Both sides of a theological argument may have a strong Biblical basis, but the real disagreement might be rooted in a disagreement of what is more important: The Great Commission (go and make disciples) or the Great Commandment (Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor); God controls every human decision or God leaves all decisions to freewill; Prayer can change God’s mind or prayer changes the person praying. Of course, it might even be deeper than those theological ideas – it might be rooted in a fear of death or rejection; rooted in experiences of personal suffering or tragedy; rooted in low self-worth. So often we are having an argument on what appears to be one topic, but at least one person in the argument is really arguing about something entirely different. Clarifying, at least to the best of our ability, the true nature of the disagreement is so helpful in situations of conflict.
Prayer: Kind and Gracious God, I may find myself upset about something, but help me to explore the difference between what I think has upset me and what really has upset me. It may not be easy, but with your help, I just might be able to do so. Amen.
TOMORROW
Wednesday
Last Session on Conflict Reslution
6:30pm
