Eastertide
May 14, 2016

Scripture Reading: John 14:8-17

Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. –John 14:8-14

Do others see the image of God projecting from us? Scary question isn’t it? I do not think we need to see such a phenomenon in ourselves that is what it means to walk humbly with the Lord (Micah 6:8). We do not even need to be assured by others that they see the image of God in us. I do believe we are called to open ourselves to being a conduit for others to see the image of God in each of us. Jesus of course set a standard for doing so that far surpasses our abilities. Yet we can illuminate the love of God to others rarely in grand and great ways but routinely in small beams of love giving light. And together as the Body of Christ on earth today we can move mountains.

Before such light can get out we must seek God’s help in clearing its way by removing all the clutter we allow to bog down our streaming of living love. Fear is often the greatest barrier. Fear of the stranger, fear of those different than ourselves, fear of failure or ridicule or shame. Lack of self-worth may also clog the way. Who am I to get involved to make a difference? Those principalities and powers sure seem to be overwhelmingly in control.

Jesus did not leave us defenseless. The gift of the Holy Spirit as our advocate and guide is real and certain, our ever present help. It is also the sinew that holds us together as one in Christ.

Prayer: Lord, strengthen our weakened knees and give us courage to reflect your love as a light throughout the world. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.