A US congressman, John Lewis, was 23 years old when he participated in the historic 1963 civil rights "March on Washington" led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Half a century later, journalist Bill Moyers asked Lewis how he was affected by Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech that day. Mr. Lewis replied, "You couldn't leave after hearing him speak and go back to business as usual. You had to do something, you had to act. You had to move. You had to go out and spread the good news".
Many who encountered Jesus found it impossible to remain neutral about Him. John 7:25-46 records two different reactions to Jesus. While "many in the crowd believed in him" (v. 31), the religious leaders tried to silence Him by sending temple guards to arrest Him (v. 32). The guards were likely present when Jesus said, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them" (vv. 37-38). The guards returned without Jesus and were asked, "Why didn't you bring him in?" (v. 45). They answered, "No one ever spoke the way this man does" (v. 46).
The words of Jesus compel us to act, and to move, beyond business as usual. Jesus' death forgave our past sins and inspires our present obedience. So let our lips and lives express the holy gospel we profess. And, let our works and virtues shine, to prove the doctrine all divine.
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