Before Abraham Was, I Was

Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God.’ The Jews answered him, ‘Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?’ Jesus answered, ‘I do not have a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks it and he is the judge. Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.’ The Jews said to him, ‘Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, “Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.” Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, “He is our God”, though you do not know him. But I know him; if I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.’ Then the Jews said to him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.’ So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. John 8:47-59

The people that mean the most to us are often the people who are kind and accept us as we fully are. Some judge others by looks and status, and we find quickly those are not our friends. We might want to rub elbows with the rich and famous, but we don't want them when we are in need. They cannot see us. From the beginning of time, God's love was pressed in every heart. Some have rejected it and put status over love. Yet Jesus reminds the religious leaders then and us today, that he was around before Abraham. He is the incarnate and sacrificial love which Abraham knew from his beginning. And he is the incarnate love, placed in our hearts, from our beginnings.

Wondrous Creator, you made us in your image

and filled our hearts with your exceptional love

you have given us teachers of great wisdom

and placed us in families to know that love.

So many have been raised without deep love

status, accomplishment and wealth set as the goal

the shine of wealth and status quickly fades away

when a community and people are broken and hurting.

Help us to use the love you have given every day

may our words and actions lift the falling up

may our kindness and compassion be endless

as yours has been before the beginning of all time. Amen.