sometimes we get the truth wrong.

26Feb

A “giving up 200 words for Lent” post

A woman told Jesus she wasn’t married. He agreed and described her marriage history: five husbands, living with a sixth man.

She was impressed with his abilities to describe her life. She started a theology conversation.

Eventually she said, “When the Messiah comes, he’ll explain what to do about worshiping God.” Jesus said, “you are talking to him.”

She ran to get her friends.

Jesus didn’t tell her to change behavior. He wanted her to know who he was. Then, maybe, she wouldn’t keep looking for his love in others’ arms.

He’s still working that way.

His people often don’t.

9 thoughts on “sometimes we get the truth wrong.”

Rich Dixon
February 26, 2010 at 10:30 am

I read a quote this morning–seems to be a theme for the day:

Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining. They just shine.

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1. Mary Ellen Zent
  February 26, 2010 at 12:46 pm
  
  Ouch! For me, one of the most convicting verses in the Bible is Romans 2:4, “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” The way we Christians respond to one another sometimes, you’d think the verse says, “the condemnation of God leads you to repentance”. Thanks for the thought-provoker!
  
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2. Jon Swanson
  February 27, 2010 at 5:10 pm
  
  Sometimes there is a place for cannons. Sometimes we can’t see. But even then, most often, touch works better.
  
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3. Jon Swanson
  February 27, 2010 at 5:11 pm
  
  And Mary Ellen? perfect. Because we often figure that we can pick up the condemnation part if God’s too busy. (either of others or ourselves.)
  
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Jeff Leslie
February 26, 2010 at 3:16 pm

Wow! This is excellent! This would make a good song. I’m going to work on it.

Thanks.

Jeff

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Jeff Abel
February 27, 2010 at 9:32 am

I love this:

“Jesus didn’t tell her to change behavior. He wanted her to know who he was. Then, maybe, she wouldn’t keep looking for his love in others’ arms.’

I read this and immediately thought of some of my students who struggle with this and God quietly whispered “And you? Where are you seeking love outside of me?” How easy it is to put other people in the story instead of ourselves.

Thanks for the God moment this morning.

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1. Jon Swanson
  February 27, 2010 at 5:07 pm
  
  Jeff – brilliant. “put other people in the story instead of ourselves”. Thank you.
  
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T. Sanjay
February 27, 2010 at 11:38 am

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 18:19

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Vickie
March 2, 2010 at 5:15 am

This is so very good. I really enjoy the things you share Rich. They cause me to pause and check myself. Which is a good thing. I think we tend to think we are okay its others who need the message. So Lord let the changes start with me first then spread out from there. Blessings to you Rich. Your friend Vickie

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