Truth Telling

There has been an awful lot in the news of late about truth telling. The website WikiLeaks has released a massive number of U.S. documents that were leaked to it by a former soldier. These documents included items related to the war in Iraq, private cables sent by the U.S. State Department and others. The fallout, especially from the release of these private cables, has been substantial. Conversations believed to have been held in confidence suddenly have become very public, affecting diplomatic relationships. The US governments has had to scramble to make ammends as have diplomats from other countries as well. There is still out there a question about whether or not the site's actions are legal. But regardless of how this question is ultimately answered, the damage is done.

There is another radical truth teller and there is no question about the legality of his actions. Jesus says in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth and the life." Jesus spoke the truth even when it was not what we wanted to hear.

Read John 4:4-23
In Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well, all sorts of things could have gone wrong. The woman should not have been coming to the well at noon and Jesus should not have been speaking to a woman alone. But both taboos were broken. Jesus had a way of seeing through to a person's heart and seemed to know this woman's life was a mess. Instead of lecturing her or embarrassing her, Jesus spoke the truth to her and invited her to know God's love and forgiveness through him.

Read John 13:33-38
Peter, great one minute, falling on his face the next. And Jesus knew it. So in this text, Jesus speaks the truth to Peter. Jesus tells him how he will deny him three times. The benefit of Jesus' words to Peter is that when Peter denied Jesus and became aware of his failings, he knew that Jesus loved him anyway.

Read John 3:1-17
This scripture is about Nicodemus, a well-known, educated religious leader who came to Jesus by night, seeking answers to many questions that he had--questions that Jesus' teaching and ministry had raised. He did not understand Jesus' message about the kingdom of God. God's truth often transcends human understanding. But fortunately, God's Spirit works within us, guiding us and helping us to accept the truth of Jesus that leads to our salvation.

"Jesus is the way, the truth and the life." If you have questions and want to know more as we head toward 2011, I hope you will come so that we can together find answers.

How does Jesus reveal uncomfortable truths to you? How does Jesus let you know that you have done something wrong or that something in your life needs to change?

Who are the voices of truth and correction in your life? Who can lovingly put you in your place? How well do you listen to these voices? When have you resisted them?

What truths about Christ do you have trouble understanding? How does the Holy Spirit guide you toward understanding?

New Year's Blessings!
Rev Linda