John 7:14-31
Have you ever tried to reason with someone who already had their
mind made up? I don't mean someone whose opinion was simply different from
yours. I mean the kind of conversation where your communication partner is
really not a partner at all...someone whose mind is closed to consider any other
possibility than what he or she sees or believes. Even when confronted with
irrefutable fact, they will not yield. It's a "don't confuse me with the
facts" mentality that makes open communication nearly impossible. (One
could argue this mentality is paralyzing our political and governmental systems,
but I don't have enough time here to deal with that!!)
In our text today, there is debate among the people about
whether or not Jesus could be Messiah. Their pre-conceived notions lead them to
conclude that he is not Messiah. He is a familiar face among them...they know
too much about him. Messiah, they believe, will burst on the scene not as a
favored man among them, but sent directly from God to break the bonds of
governmental oppression and restore Israel again to its rightful place. The
tragedy of a closed mind...missed opportunity fed by pride and
arrogance.
The season of Lent is nothing if not an opportunity to open
heart and mind. Our pre-conceived notions keep us from experiencing the riches
of God's grace and mercy. Jesus reminded those with shuttered minds that he was
doing the work of the One who sent him. Is your heart and mind open to allow
The Christ to work in you?
Prayer: May we open our hearts and minds to you, Lord, that you
may create them anew within us. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord we pray.
Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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