Show Youself

After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. Now the Jewish festival of Booths was near. So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples also may see the works you are doing; for no one who wants to be widely known acts in secret. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” (For not even his brothers believed in him.) Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify against it that its works are evil. Go to the festival yourselves. I am not going to this festival, for my time has not yet fully come.” After saying this, he remained in Galilee.

But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret. The Jews were looking for him at the festival and saying, “Where is he?” And there was considerable complaining about him among the crowds. While some were saying, “He is a good man,” others were saying, “No, he is deceiving the crowd.” Yet no one would speak openly about him for fear of the Jews. John 7:1-13 

Yesterday, Facebook decided to hide the blog I wrote because of objectionable content. I mist say that the words I write are always kind and supportive. I make my heart and life visible so that others may gain hope and strength. If that is objectionable than why wouldn't someone be brave and talk to me about it? Why wouldn't they show themselves?

Jesus did not want to stir up trouble at  an upcoming religious festival. He was advised to share his voice and gifts despite the true dangers and folks who were angry enough to threaten death. He decided finally to go anyway. We are called, in these days of divided country and family to go anyway, to show ourselves as willing to face criticism and threats so that love can shine bright in the midst of division.

Today, I ask God to help me not worry about the dangers and detractors, but show myself, ready to share love and serve others at all times. May we live to shine as the vessels of God's love in a fearful and anxious world.