Lectionary readings for today:
Morning: Ps. 34; 146
Evening: Ps. 25; 91
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. John 2:19-22
My grandfather, Daddy Doc, owned a car during the Depression because he worked as a rural mail carrier to supplement his farm income. He volunteered to take his cousin to a tiny community in the mountains of East Tennessee where she had a job teaching school. Leaving Sumner County behind, they drove as far as their map took them before asking directions from a local farmer.
“Go ’bout a mile that way, then at the red barn, turn up.”
“Do I turn right or left?” asked Daddy Doc.
“Hell no. I said TURN UP!”
Hoping to find someone else to ask, Daddy Doc pulled the black Ford onto the road and headed toward the red barn, shaking his head and wondering if they would find their way. As they got just in front of the barn, the road split three ways. Sure enough, one road went straight up the mountain.
Like Daddy Doc, the disciples did not understand what they heard until it was clearly evident in front of them. They just couldn’t imagine how Jesus’ spoken words could describe something real.
God, strengthen my faith to believe your promises. Take away my worry about what lies ahead.
It might be beyond what I can imagine.
——
Dana Feldman
Northminster Presbyterian Church 