November 1

Here they go again grumbling against Jesus. They are amazed at what He says but then they start thinking that they know Him, that He is just a regular, maybe even less than regular guy. It is no wonder that pastors are aloof and distant from their congregants. They fear that if people got to know them, they would lose respect. Unfortunately, I have had it happen to me. People love my humanity and transparency, but it has proven to be too much for some people. I am reminded by the passage that we have already read that says that Jesus didn't give himself to any man, for He knew what was in a man. There is a delicate balance of not giving man an opportunity to trounce on your identity yet remaining vulnerable. Jesus was so compassionate and open to the plight of man yet He knew His source - it wasn't man - it was His Papa. Although He faced personal let down and disappointment from man He knew His mission and He knew His Papa in whom He trusted in wholly. God, I want to be like your Son in this. Help me remain open and vulnerable, yet trusting in your for who I am.