They Live In You

1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. "(John 17:1-3)

Eternal life is to know (be in relationship with) God and Jesus. When we know someone well, we will often take on similar traits. But when our relationship is genetic the resemblance can be deeper than physical. Our DNA may impart to us features or talents of loved ones, but it's the heart beneath the surface that reveals the spirit of those who came before us.

We are made in the image of our Creator, and when our heart is in union with the Holy, we will resemble our Maker. With God's eyes we will see this flawed world as the good and precious gift that it is. With God's ears we will hear the cries of those in need, and our hands will bear the callouses of God's work - pulling others to safety and holding tight so that none are lost. By the hands of the Almighty we are woven together, joined on this tapestry of light by a common thread. Together we ascend, or together we fall.

As we prepare to observe Memorial Day, we honor those who gave their lives for this country even as we continue to struggle with what it means to be united. May God infuse us with the courage of generations past to fight for one another as we journey together for generations to come.

25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

(John 17:25-26)