John 12:42-43

How amazing and sad is John 12:42-43.

The story in those verses seem rather like Lehi's dream with the great and spacious building (see also 1 Nephi 11:35-36 and 1 Nephi 12:18-19).

Today, it would seem, this principle still applies and I must ask myself. Do I believe in Christ and yet "confess not" because of modern-day Pharisees? Am I so full of fear--not faith--that I would love "the praise of man more than the praise of God"? The thought frightens me.

John 12:44-50

I read this morning in John 12:44-50 and was struck deeply by the fact that Jesus is not judgmental. He simply came to do His Father's will and to teach the standards of the Kingdom, but He doesn't judge us when we fall. This is so comforting to me! His love, grace and mercy are beyond comprehension to me--the depths of them, at least.

The second part of this passage that is so stunning for me is that in this ever deepening world, ever darkening, we need not remain in that bleakness. Simply by turning to Christ and following close behind, He who is the light for our world, will brighten our day. We don't need our courage; we simply need rely on His.

And finally, vss. 49-50 are deeply significant to me. What the Savior expresses here is how I want to live. When God the Father gives a commandment, whether through His Son's teachings found in the scriptures or through the living modern prophets, I want to be found equally obedient. For Christ promises therein lies happiness (see John 13:15-17).

Aah, the beauty of the scriptures in bringing peace.