Unless It's True

As an agnostic and a sociologist, I always had a yearning for the truth. I just didn’t know where to find it when it came to faith. My path paralleled that of the author G.K. Chesterton, who discovered the teachings of Jesus and His Church validated what he had seen in the natural order of the world, and documented it in his book, “Orthodoxy.” Many struggle with the life and teachings of Jesus, who wasn’t just a prophet or messenger – he claimed to be God. Those in authority during Jesus’ life knew their power was threatened and wanted him killed. Thomas Jefferson famously cut the stories of Jesus’s miracles out of his bible. It can all seem too fantastic to believe. Unless it’s true. And it is. As he said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Let’s listen today to a reading from John’s gospel, On the last day of the feast, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, “If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This is really the prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” The officers then went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this man!” Let’s pray. Jesus the Christ. No man ever spoke like you. Help us to accept your hard truths, knowing they rest in your overarching love. Amen. This is Mike Kelly with Pray For 2. Listen anytime at prayfor2.com, or on the Redeemer Radio app.