That makes me feel...Uncomfortable.

We live in a very politically correct society don't we? There is not much we can say that won't offend somebody, even if we don't mean to. And to some people, there is nothing more offensive than the Bible, and in particular what Jesus has to say about getting to Heaven (John 14:6). But do you ever feel uncomfortable when somebody asks you "why does the Bible say this, isn't that really intolerant?" I can sometimes.

I am sure the disciples felt this way at times. Take a look at John 2:12-25. This has to be one of those experiences where the disciples were like "Jesus, I can't believe you just did that!" In the story, Jesus flips out at the temple (right when probably more people were there than any other time of the year) and starts a stampede and throwing money. We are talking a large commotion. Picture Christmas Eve service and somebody starts flipping out and throwing things around in the hallway.

Of course we see now that Jesus was justified in doing this (and the disciples remembered this later), but think about what was going through their heads at that very moment. I'd be hiding someplace I think. This is the way we can respond when the truth of scriptures is brought to light in the public setting. Jesus was not ashamed to do whatever it takes to right an injustice (note- he was not pushing rules on people but rather defending his father's house). Are we willing to stand up and bring to light peoples misunderstandings of scripture? Are we willing to stand up for what is Biblical in our lives? Think about this as you get ready to head back to school. Is your perspective on God's word one of passion or one of timidity?