Wednesday, September 3, 2003
Wednesday, September 3, 2003
Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of
eternal life.
The eleven jurors worked diligently trying to convince their retired colleague to switch to a guilty
verdict. They were concerned about getting in their hay before a storm that had been forecast for
later in the day. The retired juror, however, just sat looking out of the window at the dark rain
clouds as they slowly approached. As precious time dragged on the eleven active farmers
showed increasing signs of nervousness. Finally, at the first clap of thunder, they panicked and
all changed their votes to not guilty.
Faith is hanging in there when the day looks dark and the options are limited, because you know
that somehow out there is coming the victory of God. Thus you place yourself in His hands and
you say with Simon Peter: "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life...we
have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."
(John 6.68
NRSV)
There were once twelve men sitting on a jury to try a case. Eleven of these men were active
farmers. The twelfth was a retired farmer. The eleven working farmers were for a verdict of
guilty. The retired farmer was for a verdict of not guilty. It was necessary that the verdict be
unanimous.
Dear God, may I not panicked but always remain faithful to you. Amen.
