March 18 | John 7: 14-44

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DAILY READING

John 7: 14-44

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REFLECTION

IYKYK

 By Jenny Raber

If you know, you know. The first time I saw that combination of letters in a group text, I had to do a quick Google search to find its meaning. Ironically, I didn’t know. Once I learned its meaning, though, I “got” the reference, feeling good to be “in the know.”

While reading these verses, I wondered: where am I in the crowd during the Festival of Tabernacles? Am I front and center, soaking in Jesus’ every word? Am I just hanging out at the challah stand, indifferent to this Galilean? Or am I buying into the rumors that He is a fraud, sensing the growing unrest? Wherever I am in the crowd, Jesus knows exactly where He is and who He is. And His message to all is: If you know, you know. From the crowd’s amazement, to calling him crazy, to accusing of Him being a fraud, Jesus responds boldly each time:

If you know God, then you know who I AM.

How do we begin, then, to truly know God? We live according to God’s will. Jesus challenges the crowd—challenges us—to examine our own lives to discover if we are actually living and obeying God’s Word. When our lives reflect obedience to God’s Word, the way it was intended, we live in relationship with Him, we are drawn to Him, we learn where our sin lives, and we know we need a Savior. Rather than checking off a do’s and don’ts list, which the Law of Moses had become for many, we live in a superior way—righteously, lovingly, and with humility. We glorify God in all that we do. Jesus lived every single day giving all glory to God—never seeking His own glory. When we embrace His Way, then we know both our Good Father and His Holy Son, our Savior.

Jesus knows us! He knows we need Him. So “on the last and greatest day of the festival,” in the midst of hate, opposition, indifference, and doubt, Jesus shockingly stands up--front and center in the temple courts--and loudly cries out: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.” (John 7: 37)  To a crowd gathered to praise God for His provision in the wilderness, Jesus divinely offers Himself as the source of perpetual living water to whoever believes. Essentially Jesus says, “Put your loving trust in Me, enthrone Me in your heart, and life and abundance will flow out.” (Guzik, Enduring Word) Our thirst can only be quenched from the one true source that fills our bellies with God’s deep satisfying love—love that will overflow out of us and spill out into and over others.

If we know, we know.

Recently, a dear friend experienced a horrific tragedy.  Not sure how to help, I offered prayer, praying Psalm 13. I was tenderly surprised when she said she was leaning into verse 6 of this psalm of lament: “I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.” In the midst of heartbreak, loss, overwhelm, and grief, her eyes were focused on the One standing prominently in the courtyard, crying out “Come to Me and drink!” She knows! May we all know the deep satisfying eternal love that only comes from knowing our Heavenly Father, our Savior Jesus Christ, and our Comforter, the Holy Spirit!

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for always knowing! As I searched my heart for prayer, You sent a faithful friend to me with Psalm 36. As we progress to Easter to celebrate all of the signs of Life You provide, let us pray Psalm 36: 7-9:

"How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!

People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

They feast on the abundance of your house;

You give them drink from your river of delights.

For with you is the fountain of life;

in your light we see light."

Amen!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JENNY RABER

I am so grateful for the loving and welcoming community at UALC. My husband and I, along with our three (now adult) children began attending Lytham Road services around 2009. And before that, well, I’ve just loved the Bible for about as long as I can remember. I am so thrilled to be a part of the Daily Devotional Writing Team.