Being Certain of the Truth

I recently attended the funeral of a long-time neighbor to my parents (and me growing up). He lived a full life well into his 80s. During the service one of his adult children read John 14:2. "In my Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you." This verse is common at funerals because of the comfort Jesus offers to those who are grieving. Indeed, the verse before it says, "Do not let your heart be troubled" (14:1).

As I reflect more on John 14:2 these words stand out, "if it were not so I would have told you." This is Jesus talking. He is reassuring his disciples and offering them comfort. Read it again. "If it were not so I would have told you." Jesus is not in the business of misleading us. He tells us the truth. At a moment of grief and heartache, Jesus speaks compassionately and to the point.

What about His teaching in parables though? True, these are hardly straight to the point. He uses parables to teach and challenge our thinking on spiritual matters, but on critical issues concerning death and salvation He is straight forward.

As the chapter continues Jesus tells them, "You know the way to the place I am going" (v4). Thomas replies, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" (v5). Jesus answers, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (v6). This is simple, straight-forward teaching from Jesus himself at a moment of possible confusion. We can find comfort and be certain of this truth because it all hinges on verse 2, "If it were not so I would have told you."

This should offer such comfort and reassurance in today's generation searching for answers. It is the truth and He wants us to know it.

GrantJ

Grace is a Gimme

I had a wonderful golf outing with my dad this weekend in Kansas City. In fact, one of my dad's friends in the group was a 79 year-old doctor who delivered me when I was born! Here's a picture of him teeing off (my dad is in the foreground).

As you might imagine, once on the putting green we conceded several "gimme" putts to our elder friend. For those of you who don't play golf, a gimme is when someone grants you a putt that is considered "close enough" and makable, usually within 2-3 feet of the hole. It's a respectable gesture to another golfer. While my dad and I were willing to offer gimme putts to the Doc, we were a little less willing to offer them to each other. Call it friendly competition or just plain fun - as he likes to make me sweat it out :)

So you can imagine my exuberant reaction when my dad offered up a rare gimme as I lined up my putt. "Huh?!" I questioned. "That's a gimme," he replied. "Sweet," I thought. "I'm picking this ball up before he changes his mind!"

A gimme is the epitome of grace on the golf course. Interestingly, I used to refuse them when they were offered to me. For some reason I felt I needed to putt the ball and prove I could make it. Sometimes I would make it, but most times I would miss. Regardless, the bigger issue is that I felt I needed to prove something. I refused this gift of grace to prove I could do it. Sound familiar?

By definition, grace is unmerited favor. We don't deserve it and we know we don't deserve it. Therefore, we want to prove to ourselves or someone else (usually God) that we do deserve it. (That, my friends, is pride). After all, what can we ever prove to God? He is omniscient (all-knowing) about every facet of our lives. He gives us the gift of grace through His son, Jesus Christ, even though we don't deserve it. Just like the way I used to play golf, we can choose to refuse this gift in an effort to prove something to Him. -What a shame. Rejecting someone's grace on the golf course is one thing. Rejecting grace from the God of the universe is something else. Can you imagine?

Yes, in case you're wondering I gave my dad a gimme or two on Saturday. :)

GrantJ