A Thought a Day...
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Due to business travel and vacation, I will not be posting to this blog until December 1. See you then. By the way, you are on my list of things and people for whom I'm thankful.
Later,
Steve
Monday, November 15, 2004
"On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. " John 14:20
This verse could lead to a long discussion of the Tri-Unity of God, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is one of those verses that I think I could study for a lifetime and never completely understand. Yet it makes more sense in the context of the verses that I've already read. Christ has said that He and the Father are one. He has said that there would be One who would replace Him and that person would indwell us and walk beside us. It's that old equation of A=B, B=C, therefore A=C. Ok, I have to go one step further and say C=D and therefore A=D... But that's splitting hairs. The essential point here is that the Christian is interconnected to the Father through the Son, Jesus.
The funny thing is that I feel pretty disconnected much of the time. So what's with that? Tony Newby was my first year Greek Assistant Professor. He later became a friend. Tony is noted for his pithy little "Newbyisms" or statements that just hit me between the eyes. One of my favorites is "God can never be any further away or any closer than he is right now." I suppose this statement breaks down when we start talking about eternal judgment and Hell where God chooses not to be... But that's another discussion.
"God can never be any further away or any closer than he is right now." That's pretty heavy. So it seems that it is not God being further away from me, it is my choice and actions that cause me to seem far away from God. Christ says here "On that day". He's talking to the Apostles about the day of Pentecost, but I'm glad he understands that comprehending this teaching may take time and experience. I guess I'm just a slow learner.
Father, I understand that you are wonderful and loving God who has provided for my good. You have also given me gifts that I haven't deserved, the gift of forgiveness through your Son and the companionship of your Spirit. The only problem is mine... I don't always appreciate You as I should. I don't always appreciate what you've given me. Soften my heart today. Allow me to accept what you've done for me. Give me understanding and wisdom as I represent you in the world. Oh, and by the way... Thank you.
