John 15:18-27
Be Still: Lord, make me aware of your presence here with me. Thank you that your Word is alive and breathing; would you use it to speak to me now. Amen
Read: John 15:18-27
And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning. (v27)
Encounter: Most of the girls in my year 6 class were raging 'One Direction' fans; every lyric memorised, t-shirts with faces on, ‘I’m gonna marry Harry’, kind of fans. Me and my very outspoken best friend were very much not 'One Direction' fans and so one lunch time, my friend boldly declared that she thought they were the worst band ever. She was rapidly exiled from all friendships and after school hangouts, and I very quickly had an important decision to make; sell out and find favour -- or remain loyal and be hated. All I’ll say is I now have a broad repertoire of 'One Direction' songs (not my proudest moment).
Hate by association is what Jesus promises us today -- how encouraging! ‘If the world hates you, keep in mind that they hated me first’. Jesus’ message isn’t always palatable; it sometimes offends and often weirds people out. We might be tempted, when faced with hate or opposition associated with Jesus, to pick the easier option -- deny deny deny. However, Jesus makes it abundantly clear that to follow him, the easy option isn’t an option at all. He follows his warning of hate with this command ‘you also MUST testify about me’.
Telling people about Jesus isn’t always going to be easy: we are going to face uncomfortable conversations, people who disagree with us and perhaps even those who hate us. But the life changing news of Jesus Christ that we have experienced is too good not to share. We must hold firm to the truth, trusting that his Spirit testifies alongside us, making his salvation known.
Apply: Are there any spaces or relationships where you feel afraid to talk about Jesus or make your faith known? Begin to challenge yourself as to how you could bring Jesus into the conversations.
Devote: Jesus, thank you that your gospel is good news for all. May I not be ashamed of it, but boldly proclaim it. Holy Spirit ignite fruitful conversations with those around me.
