Read: John 2:17-22
I saw something the other day that rattled me. A man was crossing the street, when a car coming out of a nearby shopping center struck him. He fell to the ground. The driver slowed at first, but then turned the corner, and decided to keep going. I was so shocked that I stopped in mid-traffic and called out for God. Meanwhile, the pedestrian got up, brushed himself off, and hobbled away. I was really disturbed by this incident. As the body of Christ, we are called to follow in his steps, to be zealous for the things of God and to care for others in the image of his son. Clearly, this was not such a moment.
In John 2:17-22, Jesus refers to his body as the temple. And, though he suffers on the cross, enduring insults and scorn for us, Jesus also makes it truly clear that he is the place where God and humanity intersect. God is revealed in his rising. His resurrection offers salvation and a new true life to all. It is a relationship seasoned with forgiveness, renewal, fellowship, and love.
Now, as the people of God on earth, we become the temple. And it is through our actions that God’s love reaches the world. When God comes to live within us, we can face any of life’s challenges-even a hit and run accident. The Gospel of John is witness to this transference.
Thank you, Father, for loving us in spite of our shortcomings and giving us as many chances as we need to get it right. Touch our lives in such a way, that others will see you, when they see us, Amen.
Yulanda Swindell
I saw something the other day that rattled me. A man was crossing the street, when a car coming out of a nearby shopping center struck him. He fell to the ground. The driver slowed at first, but then turned the corner, and decided to keep going. I was so shocked that I stopped in mid-traffic and called out for God. Meanwhile, the pedestrian got up, brushed himself off, and hobbled away. I was really disturbed by this incident. As the body of Christ, we are called to follow in his steps, to be zealous for the things of God and to care for others in the image of his son. Clearly, this was not such a moment.
In John 2:17-22, Jesus refers to his body as the temple. And, though he suffers on the cross, enduring insults and scorn for us, Jesus also makes it truly clear that he is the place where God and humanity intersect. God is revealed in his rising. His resurrection offers salvation and a new true life to all. It is a relationship seasoned with forgiveness, renewal, fellowship, and love.
Now, as the people of God on earth, we become the temple. And it is through our actions that God’s love reaches the world. When God comes to live within us, we can face any of life’s challenges-even a hit and run accident. The Gospel of John is witness to this transference.
Thank you, Father, for loving us in spite of our shortcomings and giving us as many chances as we need to get it right. Touch our lives in such a way, that others will see you, when they see us, Amen.
Yulanda Swindell