Dave Dishman

We face some big questions in life. Should I go to college? What should I study? Should I marry? Is this the person to spend a lifetime with? Where should I live? Should I take this job? Should I hang with this crowd? Sometimes I slide easily into a decision, but others create angst.

Often I rely on strategic indecision—do nothing and hope the problem goes away. But with major life decisions this approach rarely satisfies. Eventually I must decide, and then live with the consequences.

Jesus decided to delay after hearing of his friend’s grave illness. He arrived too late, Lazarus having laid in the grave four days already. Martha, Lazarus’s sister, sought comfort from Jesus. She spoke of her future hope of resurrection, that Lazarus would rise again on the last day.

Jesus looked Martha in the eyes and said, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?

Martha’s answer? Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.

Of all the big questions in life, this remains the biggest. What we decide about Jesus influences every aspect of life and impacts our eternity. A decision changes our reason for living. Those are enormous consequences. But turning away carries equally enormous, and I would argue catastrophic, outcomes.

It’s a decision we all face, and one we ought to review and remember. Jesus claims to be the resurrection and the life, to hold the keys to the kingdom, to be the one narrow gate to eternity. He says he’s the only way.

Do you believe this?

John 11 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Christian Lue

Ezekiel was no slacker. He preached day after day to willing listeners who also happened to be unwilling doers. Through his spokesperson God urged change. But content in a fog of comfortable yet unjust living, no one lifted a finger in response.

To the citizens of ancient Jerusalem Ezekiel was simply an entertainer, a singer of love songs, a voice on the radio. His words from God were dismissed as fantasy. God encouraged the downtrodden teacher: When all this comes true—and it surely will—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Ezekiel got up the next morning and went back to work. How did he feel speaking to people who listened with polite interest, but held no intention of changing their lives? He knew it and they knew it, yet Ezekiel pushed ahead.

Sometimes life’s a slog. At times following the Lord feels a bit like Ezekiel’s experience—no one seems to notice or care that we are hewing closely to the ways of God, trying to live his words and apply them to our lives.

But no worry, God sees and others do as well. When all his words come true—and they surely will—you and I will be glad we followed the way of this frustrated prophet.

Ezekiel 33 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Ali Inay

Shuffling along in the middle of a crowd, I entered the Sistine Chapel in Rome. The walls and ceilings are covered with paintings, including The Creation of Adam, by Michelangelo. It really is magnificent, and my neck ached as I stared at the ceiling. But it was hard to enjoy the beauty in the packed room. If I leaned too far I bumped my neighbor. I wished for a few moments all by myself.

I thought of my Sistine experience when I read in the psalms, Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.

By day the house of the Lord filled with people herding animals, priests making sacrifices, and busy shops just outside the compound. A vibrant scene. But after dark, when the crowds retreated to their beds, a handful of priests remained on duty. They kept watch and prepared for the next day. The psalmist recognized an opportunity for a few quiet moments to pause and give thanks to their Maker.

I’ll never get a few moments alone in the Sistine chapel, but some do. After the crowds leave, people clean the floors and make ready for the next day. May they contemplate the Lord in those moments of solitude and calm under Michelangelo’s masterpiece.

Fortunately, I don’t have to work the night shift to discover a place of solitude. A hike in the foothills, a stroll around a nearby lake, or simply a quiet hour in my living room with a cup of coffee works quite well. No matter where, my soul refreshes and strengthens when I meet with the Lord in quiet moments.

Psalm 134 in Through the Bible in 2024

The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo, 1512

But Jesus is.

When arguing with a group of opponents, Jesus quoted Psalm 82, referring to people who live like gods yet understand nothing.

Members of the elite were upset because Jesus had just told them, I am the good shepherd: I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

These little gods refused to believe Jesus came from the Father, despite the miracles he performed (this argument followed the healing of a man blind from birth). Jesus said to look at the evidence, but the gods refused to open their minds to the true God standing before them.

This interaction reminds me that I’m not the shepherd. I have the choice to listen to Jesus and follow (i.e. read the Scriptures and apply his words) or wander off on my own amidst the wolves and thorns.

Many in that crowd chose to believe. Not so much the powerful, although a few turned to Jesus, but mostly ordinary people. People in need of a shepherd.

People like you and me.

John 10 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Biegun Wschodni