It seems every generation has its defining moments, events of historical significance that evoke the phrase, “I remember where I was when…” Everyone can recall precisely what they were doing and who they were with when said event happened—September 11th; the moon landing; the assassination of JFK.
It seems we’re always playing witness to history. Newscasters in particular love to remind us of this in the moment, as we watch teams win their first title, national leaders pass the torch to their successors, or once-in-a-lifetime natural phenomena rack entire cities. In the future, they say, these are the moments that will fill history textbooks as well as the stories we pass on to our children and grandchildren.
Each year during the season of Lent, we’re also a witness to the redeeming power of God’s love for the world. This observation may not feel as grand as those “big” moments we watch on television…and that is kind of the point.
In today’s passage, Jesus points out that our preoccupation with worldly confirmation gets in the way of our belief. The Word of God was not an active force in the lives of the people with whom Jesus was speaking (v. 38); they wanted further evidence in the form of earth-side witnesses to vouch for the work He had sent Jesus to do.
If, like these people, we are always looking for affirmation, or doing things to be included in the history books, we are missing the bigger picture. Just like Jesus, God has put each of us here to do His work. Maybe our purpose is meant for the world’s stage, or simply for the eyes of those we love—or not at all. Either way, our lives are to be committed to Christ, not to receiving the praise and attention of others.
Whether the moments that fill our lives be big or small, whether they change the course of history or just the course of someone’s day, may we be filled with trust in the Lord’s plan. For “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
For reflection:
When is it easiest for you to trust in the promises of God? Pray earnestly for God to increase your faith in His faithfulness!
by Rachel Shuster
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