Focus
As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.
Read
John 10:31-42 (NRSV)
The Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus replied, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.” Jesus answered, “Is it not written in your law, ’I said, you are gods’? If those to whom the word of God came were called ’gods’—and the scripture cannot be annulled— can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, ’I am God’s Son’? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands.
He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, “John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” And many believed in him there.
Reflect
Conflict is a really difficult thing to handle. Sometimes I feel like no matter what I do or no matter how hard I try to do the right thing, I still end up on the losing side. If I go the extra mile, it goes unseen. If I try to do right by apologizing, it is met with an insult or not accepted. I wonder if Jesus felt the same way here. He continued to try and show good works from God, but people just wanted to hurt him. He tried to show love and was met with hate.
I find peace in this scripture. I don’t think it was easy for Jesus. He got away from the situation and found people who did believe in him and love him. My hope is that I can remember this story about Jesus when I have to face conflict. In time, maybe after healing, the conflict will be far away and I will find a place of comfort with people who love me.
Pray
God, as I go throughout the day, help me to keep my eyes on you. Help me to be a better follower of you and to love in a way that is pleasing to you. Amen.
Go with God.
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