The Plumbline

We all have those moments when Jesus doesn't 'give us what we want', don't we? The people following Jesus this day were intent on him showing them a miraculous sign of some sort. While they didn't stipulate the exact sign, they wanted one as 'grand' as the manna that came down from heaven in the wilderness and they are so bold as to say so. Jesus told them if they wanted to perform 'God's works', then they would believe in him. Their response - show us something 'more grandiose' and 'amazing'. Gotta ask, but what is more amazing than the God of the Universe standing right there in your midst? They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?” Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? (John 6:28-29) If you want us to believe in you, show us what you can do! Heartbreaki

Back in the day when I took cruises, there was one man who will stick in mind because of the importance of what he did for all the passengers on board. You may think it was the Captain, since he steered us clear of all kinds of seas which would upset our stomach due to the waves, or kept us on course just by keeping us out of certain currents. The man was a meek, mild mannered individual stationed outside the doors of the buffet each meal. His words were the same: "Washy, washy! Happy, happy!" His mission: All passengers dining within would wash their hands prior to entering. Why? To ensure the journey of all traveling on the ship would be safe, enjoy their trip and avoid the exposure to unwanted food-borne diseases. Now, that is an important job, is it not? God’s Word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure. Otherwise how will we find our way? Or know when we play the fool? Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh! Keep me from stupid sins

How can a young person live a clean life?  By carefully reading the map of your Word.   I'm single-minded in pursuit of you;  don't let me miss the road signs you've posted.  (Psalm 119:9-10 The Message) Yesterday, we finished the first "section" of this Psalm.  We begin the next "section" with David posing a question:  How do we live a clean life?  He sets out several things in the verses that follow - we will consider those over the next couple of days.  Before we get to the answer, we should try to understand the question a little better.  In some translations, this question is posed as: - How shall a young man cleanse his way?  That one is a little confusing because it sort of focuses us on having to do the work of "cleaning up our act" ourselves. - How can a young person live a pure life?  I like this one because it really gets to the core of what David is trying to say - he wants to know how he gets from the point of making impure dec