Move

John 12:27-36

Jesus’ question in verse 27 is, of course, a rhetorical one. His certainty of what he must do does not make it easy, however. When we cry out “Why, Lord?” at some time of grief or trouble, I wonder if an answer would really help. Jesus knew exactly why. And yet his heart was “troubled” – which, I suspect, is understatement by reason of translation. The purpose for which he came completely overwhelmed personal preference. Just as divine and earthly were united in him, so divine purpose fused with personal will: an impossible standard.

So do we give up? No need. The fusing of those heavenly and earthly wires brings a spectacular light, enough light for us to go by, enough light for all to go by – a light to draw all, and to send all out again. He must be ‘lifted up’ to let that light shine for all.

The availability of this light makes movement possible, and mandatory. It strikes me from verses 35-36 that the enemy of light is not so much darkness as inertia. Forget perfect plans, consensus, and lowest-common-denominator unity. You’ve got to move. Clarity comes to the spiritually mobile.

Prayer:
Lord, deliver me from the possibility of the nightmare that when you come again I will be in a meeting. Amen.