Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family
and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?”
So a division occurred in the crowd because of Him.
(John 7:42-43)
Everyone has their own unique experiences, insights, varying perspectives and different opinions. It is important to first seek the truth and not rush to harsh judgment. Let us trust in God’s protection in providing us the strength and courage to stand up for justice even when it’s difficult and unpopular. This is the true meaning and value of understanding and empathy.
40 Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said, “This is truly the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he? 42 Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” 43 So a division occurred in the crowd because of him. 44 Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. 45 So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?” 46 The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.” 47 So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? 48 Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed.” 50 Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them, 51 “Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?” 52 They answered and said to him, “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.” 53 Then each went to his own house. (John 7:40-53)
In the tapestry of life, each thread unique, experiences varied, insights we seek. Perspectives differ, opinions wide, in the quest for truth, let none hide. Rush not to judgment, harsh and blind,
Seek first to understand, with open mind. For in each heart, a story untold, in every spirit, courage bold. Trust in the divine, in protection vast, strength and courage for challenges vast. Standing for justice, when it's tough, in unpopular paths, showing love is enough. Understanding, empathy, values so true, in every interaction, in all we do. This is the essence, the core, the theme, in the grand symphony of life, it's the dream.
Dear Lord Jesus, we acknowledge that everyone has their own unique experiences, insights, varying perspectives, and different opinions. We understand the importance of seeking the truth and not rushing to harsh judgment. We pray for Your divine guidance in our quest for truth and understanding. Help us to listen with open hearts and minds, to respect the diversity of experiences and perspectives we encounter. We trust in Your protection, Lord. We ask for Your strength and courage to stand up for justice, even when it's difficult and unpopular. We know that with You by our side, we can face any challenge. Help us to truly understand and empathize with others, to see the world through their eyes, and to love as You love us. This, we believe, is the true meaning and value of understanding and empathy. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
God is a just judge who sees all things, including the intentions of the heart. Being faithful to our calling can bring us into conflict with our community. People to whom we proclaim the Lord's message can be hostile instead of being receptive. In times like this when we are faced with adversity and injustice, let us commit our case to God, seeking His help, expressing our trust in Him and entrusting our cause to the Lord. Let us remain faithful to our calling and show resilience in our own life, staying true to our values and commitments even when faced with opposition or hardship.
18 I knew their plot because the Lord informed me; at that time you, O Lord, showed me their doings. 19 Yet, I, like a trusting lamb led to slaughter, had not realized that they were hatching plots against me: “Let us destroy the tree in its vigor; let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will not be spoken no more.” 20 “But you, O Lord of hosts, O just Judge, searcher of mind and heart, let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause!” (Jeremiah 11:18-20)
In the court of life, where hearts are bare, God, the just Judge, is always there. He sees all things, both near and far including intentions, no matter where they are. Faithful to our calling, we must remain even if it brings conflict, even if it brings pain. For those to whom the Lord's message we relay may meet us with hostility, may push us away. In times of adversity, in times of strife when injustice seems to cut like a knife, let us commit our case to God above, seeking His help, trusting in His love. Entrusting our cause to the Lord so dear, In Him, we find refuge, in Him, we find no fear. Despite the opposition, despite the hardship we face, let's stay true to our values, let's run this race. For resilience is the key, in our life's grand tour, staying faithful to our calling, staying pure. So let's lift our voices, let's make a start with God as our guide, and His love in our heart.
Dear Lord, You are a just judge who sees all things, including the intentions of our hearts. We acknowledge that being faithful to our calling can sometimes bring us into conflict with our community. We recognize that people to whom we proclaim Your message can be hostile instead of being receptive. In times like this, when we are faced with adversity and injustice, we commit our case to You, seeking Your help. We express our trust in You and entrust our cause to You, Lord. Help us to remain faithful to our calling and show resilience in our own lives. Guide us to stay true to our values and commitments even when faced with opposition or hardship. In Jesus's name, we pray. Amen.
God is our ultimate judge, vindicating the innocent and punishing the wicked. He sustains the just and put an end to the malice of the wicked. In all circumstances of life most especially in times of danger, amid great adversity or during challenging times, God alone can shield and protect us. Let us plead for the Lord's deliverance, put our faith in divine justice, maintain integrity in our actions, and celebrate God’s righteousness with joyful praise.
2 O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and rescue me, 3 lest I become like the lion’s prey, to be torn to pieces, with no one to rescue me. 9 Do me justice, O Lord, because I am just, and because of the innocence that is mine. 10 Let the malice of the wicked come to an end, but sustain the just, O searcher of heart and soul, O just God. 11 A shield before me is God, who saves the upright of heart; 12 a just judge is God, a God who punishes day by day. (Psalm 7:2-3, 9-10, 11-12)
In life's vast panorama, under the sun and the moon, God is our ultimate judge, His justice will come soon vindicating the innocent, punishing the wicked in sight, He sustains the just, and ends the wicked's spite. In all circumstances of life, in danger and in strife, amid great adversity, or during challenging times rife, God alone can shield us, His protection is our life, He is our fortress, our refuge from the strife. Let us plead for the Lord's deliverance, in prayer and in song, put our faith in divine justice, where all rights belong. Maintain integrity in our actions, let our deeds be pure, and celebrate God’s righteousness, His love that's ever sure. With joyful praise, let us lift our voice, in His righteousness, let us rejoice. For God is our shield, our strength, our might, In His justice and love, we find our light.
Dear Heavenly Father, You are our ultimate judge, vindicating the innocent and punishing the wicked. You sustain the just and put an end to the malice of the wicked. In all circumstances of life, especially in times of danger, amid great adversity or during challenging times, You alone can shield and protect us. We plead for Your deliverance, Lord. We put our faith in Your divine justice. Help us to maintain integrity in our actions and let us celebrate Your righteousness with joyful praise. In all things, we trust in You. Guide us, protect us, and lead us in Your ways. In Jesus' most holy name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Book of Signs
DISCUSSION ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF THE MESSIAH
John 7:40-53
Book of Jeremiah
THE PLOT AGAINST JEREMIAH
Jeremiah 11:18-20
Second Book of Psalms 42-72
GOD THE VINDICATOR
Psalm 7:1-18
Reflection Source:
Copilot in Edge
