And we are writing these things...
1 John 1:4
John was there. When Jesus walked the Galilean shore, John walked along. When Jesus called, John answered. When Jesus died, John witnessed.
John looked into an empty grave-cave. John ate with a resurrected Christ. John stood, with dropped jaw, as Jesus ascended into a heavenly light.
My point? John was there.
Jesus healed... John saw. Jesus taught... John heard. Jesus fed thousands... John collected leftovers. Jesus walked on water... John marveled. John was there.
When he writes about the reality of true life and joy, John is not espousing a religious feeling or new insight. He is not passing on some good stories for inspiration. John writes from experience. John was there. "What I've heard, what I've seen, what I've touched..." And though we will not see, hear or touch with our physical senses, the call and opportunity to be there with Jesus remains. Beyond that, being there is vital.
If you'll allow a confession from a former pastor: There were many times over the years that I delivered sermons that were not the result of me being there. I did (and do) truly believe in the power and purity of scripture and in God's ability to overcome my inability. Therefore, I could stand firmly and proclaim truth and grace (while raw and in desperate need of grace). And though God is faithful, and can play beautiful melodies through broken instruments, there is no substitute for being there.
John wrote from his intimate experience with Jesus. I must live my life from the same intimacy. I must be there. Anything short of truly being there with Jesus is simply religious jargon and empty ritual.
God, you are near, help me find no substitute to being there with Jesus.
For now...
D
