Via, Veritas, Vita

"I am the Way, the Truth and the Life"

Many of us are familiar with this statement - Jesus says it in response to Thomas stating that the disciples don't know where Jesus is going so how can they follow him? Jesus' response is breathtaking and directly applicable to our lives, especially in times of feeling lost, stale or tired.

Now keep in mind, I have only a layman's knowledge but, equipped with the education given us as believers I'd like to see if we can deconstruct this statement a little. In other words, what is Jesus really saying here?
Jesus says three things here, not just useless repetition but surely something much more meaningful. 

First He says "I am the way". To me, the "way" connotates a physical path. I'm reminded of the psalm that says "guide me in the path of your commands for I delight in it" (psalm 119) and "He guides me along the right path" (Psalm 23) and "Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." (Proverbs 3:6). In this context, to walk along a path or way means to follow the commands of the Lord. To me this means that we should follow Gods direction when He gives it. Move here, serve there. Be nice to this person, extend my love to that person. I think many of us could agree that this is a fundamental to being a disciple of Jesus. First, we learn to follow his commands, whether that's getting baptised or further down the road following his commands to give generously.
Secondly Jesus states that He is "the truth". I think one of the most beautiful blessings we get from becoming believers is a knowledge of what really is 'truth '. As non believers we saw this concept as a child in comparison. We said, "it is truth that something hot will burn me ". Those more learned among us may even describe truth in more eloquent truths pertaining to the laws of science or nature. But it is all elementary compared to the education we receive in Christ. When we become believers we get insight to the secrets of the universe. Things like the true definition of love or of grace. We start to understand as truth a statement like 'we are all broken '. And these are simply the things that popped into my head right now, I'm sure more mature disciples could elaborate much further in their understanding of truth.

Thirdly Jesus explains that He is "the life". I believe this means several things. Most plainly this refers to the eternal life we have in heaven once we agree to make Jesus lord of our lives. Deeper, I believe it refers to two facets of the dame point. One that Jesus shows us the life he wants us to have. To follow Christ and be a true disciple of him is much more than just an internal decision. Truly following Jesus is a decision that eventually should permeate our entire lives, driven by a love for him. How can a person claim to be a "Christian " if they don't desire the extreme closeness that results from not just tithing but giving generously those finances that he so generously gave to us? How can a person claim to be a mature believer and not wish their every action to be full of love? It should be noted here that none of us, least of all me, will ever obtain this. But a life filled with love for Jesus will have clearly evident marks about it. Those who truly love God yearn to be close to him, and will do anything to be close to him. Just as a man lost in the desert yearns for simply a drop of water, so we should yearn for just a glimpse more of Him who gives us living water.
Also I believe Jesus finishes this off by explaining that this is the only way to really live.

So, the question left to us is:

"Is Jesus all of these things to you?"

Are you truly letting God take hold of every aspect of your life?

Morning (Mourning?) Views

"We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us."

 - John Muir, My First Summer in the Sierra

This is a fun view I was blessed with on a morning after spending the night on this little mountaintop. I woke up intrigued by the thick, milky fog I was engulfed in. I then watched as the clouds closest to heaven started to fade away, letting through the brilliant gold of the rising sun brushing the surrounding hills. It felt like my own little blessing from God, totally unneeded, but just Him reminding me that He delights in me.

Praise In The Storm

I'm inspired here by Jonahs heart! He was in the stomach of a whale, after just being tossed overboard into a violent storm, surely not a very pleasant place. But in the middle of the bile and food digesting around him, he praises God! This reminds me of Job saying “Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” (Job 2:10)  

Praise to God is always an amazing beautiful thing, but how much more so when its in the midst of the storm! Its like an old sailor caught in a tempest, rising up and steering the boat regardless. But instead of glorifying ourselves like the sailor, when we praise God in the midst of the storm we glorify Him alone. We are saying "yes, this is a storm too great for anyone to get through, but with the strength of the almighty God I will continue". What a show of his strength but also of His goodness! 

What will an outsider think when they see someone going through hell on earth, but in the midst of that never stop praising God? They'll either tthink that we are crazy, or they will be amazed and intrigued at the source of this dedication. What can make a person willingly do this? And what a mystery of love and goodness that a person will praise this source in the midst of terrible calamity. 

So I commit to going forth praising God in the midst of the storm. Whatever storms may come, let's be pointing to Him, doing the most ridiculous thing and praising Him in the midst of the storms of our lives.

"So in times that are good, in times that are bad, For any times that I've had it all I will be glad. And I will boast in the cross. I boast in my pains. I will boast in the sunshine, boast in his reign." - Lecrae, "Boasting "

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Check out this great song about the shadows of life