Sometimes I Digress…

Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:32

 

 

Today I had something to say about writing redeemed, but sometimes I digress…

Let’s imagine we are on the fringe, hanging out with the disciples and Jesus. Just come along with me to John, chapter six for a bit, OK? Turn on your Imagination Station, if you will…

Jesus packs more into a day than any modern-day speaker. No plane or limo, catering or hotel concierge. He’s fed the five thousand (ish), walked on the water, and starts sharing a bit about him being the Bread of Life and how eating His flesh and drinking His blood will guarantee eternal life.

Basically, this causes  a number of disciples to stop in their tracks and rethink following him. Meanwhile the Jews in the synagogue are arguing among themselves because they pretty much hate Jesus anyway, and encouraging cannibalism, claiming superiority over Moses and comparing himself to the Manna the Israelites ate in the desert does not gain him entry into the Today’s Popular Rabbi club.

Jesus never swerves from the Truth. It’s impossible. But, I love when Jesus turns to the disciples and tells them to “Stop grumbling”. See, I know for a fact grumbling is one of God’s least favorite activities for humans. How do I know this? Well, a walk through the Old Testament makes it obvious.

Grumbling is always a sign of discontentment. Show me someone grumbling and I’ll show you a disgruntled person. Grumbling often is characterized by a turning away from gratitude and a turning toward discontent.Grumbling is another name for complaining but they are often partners in crime…and it is not looked upon lightly by God. Grumbling always displaces praise, worship and acknowledgement of God.

I have learned this through Scripture study, prayer and reflection. I have learned this from recognizing the bent of my own heart towards both grumbling and complaining.

In my mind grumbling is something that may be  muttered under the breath, or a low, indistinguishable rumble of words…but a complaint is full-blown out loud, clearly spoken and heard, sometimes public pronouncement.

I am Recovering Grumbler. I have read the way God has dealt with grumblers and complainers and trust me, I do not want to incur that kind of wrath. I’m grateful for grace, believe me…grateful for the blood bought new covenant that reigns today.

What has this got to do with writing redeemed? Everything. But, it’s the verses toward the end of the chapter that ring in my ears today…(60-68).

Aware that His disciples were grumbling about this teaching, Jesus asked them, “Does this offend you?Then what will happen if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before?

The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

Jesus turns to his disciples and asks if they will leave as some were doing. To which Peter responds,

“…“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

I sometimes think Peter and I belong to the same Impulsivity club.

It gives me comfort to think so…because Jesus saw through Peter’s stuff into the heart of the man…and that is a Savior I can wrap around well. Jesus saw Peter and sees me when others don’t. Jesus gets me when others won’t. He stands with me when I mess up again, or am caught short …of fruit, but loaded with fleshly desires, pursuits and plans that can only bring temporary (maybe) satisfaction.

I want my words to have Spirit and Life, Grace and Truth.I don’t want to chase after that which profits nothing…or worse, profits me greatly but robs God of glory only He rightfully deserves.

There’s a lot of stuff being published and shared today, that quite frankly is garbage. Some things I have read are lifeless; some well regarded writings are actually dead, dead wrong or dangerous and deadly.

I don’t want to add to the volume and I don’t want to minimize my portion, either.

Writing Redeemed is about shooting straight from the heart. I’m no theologian. But I listen to God. And my God listens to me.

Or maybe you think I’m just as mad as the Mad Hatter.

 

This is my story, this is my song…

Is your writing redeemed? 

#writingredeemed

 

I am Writing Redeemed in October for 31 Days, 

Read the Scriptures: John 6 (and associated/parellel scripture)