I recently visited my son Peyton whom I’ve not seen since he left for college about two months ago. After that, I visited my father whom I’ve not seen for several months.
Peyton is of course not exactly like me, but we are a lot alike. We have been a very close family since he was born. We share similar values, and he looks like me in some ways. I know very well the sound of his footsteps and could literally spot him from a mile away based on his posture and walk.
Like my observations and relationship with Peyton, my father and I have many similarities. He’s been my teacher and mentor ever since I could remember. My father humbly and quickly makes new friends and acquaintances. He is outgoing, kind, and genuinely wants to get to know people and make them laugh so I strive to be like my father in these ways.
I could easily say that because of our similarities, if you don’t like my dad and/or if you don’t like Peyton, then you won’t like me. Conversely, if you don’t like me, well, you probably won’t like my dad or Peyton.
Whoever hates me hates my Father also. (John 15:23)
Jesus lived to please his Father God by following his commands, loving and serving others as directed by God. Jesus, while king, came not to be served but to serve (ref Matthew 20:28). Jesus lived without sin yet he was still hated without cause (ref John 15:25). He was hated because we wanted (and still want) to do things our way with no repercussions. He told it like it is, and he taught the will and ways of his father. He and the father are one. He was the utmost example of perfection, God in the flesh, and so it rings true when Jesus said that if we hate him, we hate his father.
John 15 closes as follows:
And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. (John 15:27)
This is our opportunity to walk and live with the Holy Spirit in us as he guides and speaks the truth into this world. For us to trust and obey. For us to bear witness with our lives honoring God instead of ourselves and our idols, not with our lips but with our actions and full hearts.
Today’s reading: Ezekiel 43-45; Psalm 135; John 15