August 13, 2005

  • "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice." (John 18:38)

    Yet again while I was studying for my talk tomorrow I read so many things in the Bible that touched me. Today I read Mark, Luke, and John. I was surprised by how touched I was by Mark. I think it is not often read out of all the gospels. It won't take long- I recommend going and reading the Book of Mark. "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (Mark 10:9) Is an example of one of the many great passages in Mark. Chapter 13 is another great section.

    In Luke I was touched by chapter 2, verses 19 and 51. As I was reading, "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart," I was struck by the distinct impression that Mary had helped write the Gospels. Luke was recounting Mary's story- the experiences of Christ's childhood and birth that she remembered. I don't know why, but that realization really touched me. Mary testified of her Son.

    I was also touched by a realization in Luke 4:38. Peter, the chief apostle of the ancient church and someone who I admire greatly, was married. He had a family. I was really touched by that insight into Peter's life.

    I was not surprised by all the things that impressed me in John. I have always loved the Gospel of John and the way it expounds beatifully on truth. "The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go" (John 8:14). What a beautiful statement. "I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me" (John 8:42).

    One of my favorite things that I read today I think was in John 9 when Christ heals a blind man. The pharisees then attack this man, trying to get him to condemn Jesus. They try to attack Jesus's background, saying that they don't know who he is or where he came from. I was so struck by the profoundness of this healed man's response, "The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes." Yeah. Chew on that. (John 9:30)