John 7:25-52

40 Days of John

Day 12: John 7:25-52

Jesus stirs things up, hearts and minds, everywhere He goes.

I can see it happening as I put myself back in time in the middle of the crowd that has gathered at the temple courts listening to Jesus' every word.  

I imagine hearts must have stopped for a minute as questions arise, mumbles travel, and Jesus publicly admits to being the Messiah, sent by God.

Everything Jesus says is true.  But, still people have a hard time believing and understanding His words for them.  After all, the world is full of confusing ideas and opinions, and hard circumstances that don't always match up with God's perfect love.  

I imagine myself standing there in awe, knowing and feeling something special and amazing about this man.  Yet, I can see my mind reeling.

This man, Jesus, the one right here with me so normal and human is really the world's Savior, God in the flesh.?!

Jesus keeps reminding the crowds that believing in Him is most important...

"On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, 'Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.' By this he meant the Spirit..."

John 7:37-39

These words Jesus says are strange and unknown at first, yet they are so full of hope, they connect to God's promises, and they satisfy a deep and unidentifiable need within that I am able to recognize as soon as Jesus mentions my thirst...

And here I sit in the comforts of my cozy kitchen, warm cup of coffee in hand, reading and typing away.  Jesus' words awaken something deep inside, though unexplainable.  These words are a much needed reminder in this busy, seemingly crazy and rushing world.

Jesus has stirred things up right here, right now, with me, making me aware that He is alive in me, reminding me with His power that He loves me... and I pray Jesus does the same thing for You.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for Jesus and for Your Living word.  

I admit to getting run down.  Forgive me for all the ways I get caught up rushing through life and miss You being right here with me.

Lord, help me to slow down.  Help me remember what is most important in life.  Guide me by Your Spirit, Lord, to make my time always valuable to You, especially when it comes to ___________________________.  

I pray for all those on my heart and mind this day.  I pray for all those for whom life is painfully slow right now.  And I pray for all those who need to slow down to be with You.  Fill them with Your sustaining presence and Your comfort please, Lord.

You are my Rock and my Redeemer.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

Grace and peace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.