Communication, along with understanding, is a fundamental need among humans. From the primitive peoples’ use of drums and smoke signals to the variety of instant electronic means that are part of life in the 21st century, we find it essential to be able to express ourselves to one another. There are times, of course, when that instant comment or response isn’t the best idea. When tempers get short or feelings are hurt, a quick reply may be regretted almost as quickly as it is sent. Perhaps if we had to build a fire to send smoke signals or find the right drum for a message, the time involved in doing so would also be time to think over just what we should say.
Growing up in a very small town, in which everyone knew everyone else, I understood the instantaneous nature of the neighborhood grapevine as simply a fact of life. We kids knew that, although we didn’t have to be perfect little ladies and gentlemen, bad behavior would be reported to our parents before we got home. And of course, the grapevine wasn’t always 100% accurate — as stories that get repeated are often embellished a little along the way.
As John the Baptist was preaching and baptizing in Bethany, in the area of the Jordan River, those who were intrigued by his message wanted to know more about him, even asking if he was the Messiah. He was emphatic in his statement that he was the messenger, the one preparing the way for the Messiah. The next day Jesus approached, and John declared “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Jesus was later baptized, and John described seeing the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove and remain on him. He went on to say, “And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.” (John 1:29, 34)
It doesn’t take much of a stretch to visualize the news of the day traveling through the village and around the countryside, and can’t you just imagine how the story of John’s testimony took off? Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat, or just a cell phone call would be hard pressed to duplicate how quickly it spread, along with the human reactions of excitement, hope and wonder!
The Gospel of John opens describing the mystical power of the Word, stating that the human who lived among us in the person of Jesus was the embodiment of God’s Word. Let us consider our everyday words, and use them in ways that will share “the Word” with a world in desperate need of hope, comfort, and Good News.
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers