Meditations from Zion

John 16:2
“They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God…”

This business of taking the way of Jesus has its downside apparently. Based on Jesus’s teaching, the way itself can cause division and even offend others. This is inherent to the process.

Unfortunately, some folks actually try to make this ostracization happen, thinking they are fulfilling the scriptures. But that’s really unnecessary.

Following the way will appeal to some and not to others. If our focus is on the way, on Christ, we would be in the center of love. That means we would be loving those who are drawn to us as well as those who are not. Whether they choose to follow the way, is not about us really. It’s not about “showing others the error of their ways.” We are just the witnesses to what Christ has done within. We are the reflection of His presence.

Let me keep my eyes and heart on Christ. And may I learn to accept the magnetic pull as well as the magnetic opposite of those I encounter today.