Dear John

Dear John,

       Don't worry, we are not breaking up, we're just finished for the summer. This is probably the fifth time I have studied John in BSF. I have no idea how many times I have read and studied it in my 45 years as a believer.  It was your book they were studying at the youth group my brother drug me to, where I explored the Bible for the first time. It was that Truth that trumped the man made rules of the Mormonism I had been raised in. It was that Light that showed me the darkness of my own self-righteous heart. It was your way of presenting the Savior that showed me the Way of eternal life.
     And it was your blatant admission of your purpose in writing John that got it black-listed from my Humanities class at the university. Too biased to be credible. In truth, it was only biased in the wrong direction.  And it was through studying John my reluctant, first year in BSF that, in a time of great hopelessness, began to lift my depression. And this year, in desperate need of direction and encouragement, I have searched your book like a starving man seeks sustenance. I was willing to settle for crumbs but you gave me a feast. Thank you for your biased viewpoint.
     A recurring theme I got from this year's study, was the warning not to judge reality by preconceptions. Over and over, the Jewish leadership rejected Jesus because he didn't keep their version of the Sabbath and sought out sinners instead of Sanhedrin support. Their made-up minds not only caused them to miss recognizing their Messiah as he performed miracles right under their noses, but to murder him. I, too, have preconceptions so thanks, John, for the warning.
     I also needed the reminder in the crucifixion account that no matter how out of control things appear to be, God is still sovereign. After his death, Jesus had no way to make sure his legs would not be broken, his side would be pierced, where he would be buried. He trusted God's sovereignty just as we must. Thanks, John, for not just telling us what Jesus did, but who he was and why knowing that matters eternally. When life gets in your face, your gospel provides face time with Jesus.

                                                                      We are NEVER breaking up,

                                                                                                            Connie