Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, have mercy. Cleanse me. Still my mind. Help me to listen as you speak.
Following his beautiful words on being united with God in love, and the famous parable of the true vine, the Lord abruptly changes the subject and turns to the world's hatred of the believer.
He reminds his followers of the opposition he himself had to face. And he goes on to describe faith as being called away from a world which hates him.
The readers of John’s Gospel in all probability lived at a time when, increasingly, believers were experiencing pushback from their non-Christian contemporaries. And there are plenty of places around the globe where modern-day disciples are experiencing a similar reality, first-hand.
But what are we to make of all of this, if we live in a society that tends to respond to the gospel with apathy rather than outright aggression? Perhaps the answer lies in verse 21: ‘They do not know him who sent me.' Our culture’s ignorance seems to be at the root of its unresponsiveness. And so, while we’re unlikely to face out-and-out hatred or persecution, perhaps our challenge is, not to stand and stare at the wall of apparent indifference but to take courage from Jesus’ closing words (verses 26–27):
‘The Spirit of truth who comes from the Father will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me ...’
Lord, give me courage to tell others about you and trust in the power of your Spirit to do the rest.
This reflection was written by Michael Pfundner, Bible Society's Publishing Support Manager
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