John 5:30-47

Growing up in the deep south, there was a song that we often sang at funerals.  It said, “May the work I’ve done, speak for me.”  I remember these lyrics often, especially in this season, as I reflect on my life’s living.  In life there are times we need evidence to prove our identity.  It might be the proper identification to purchase a ticket and board a plane.  You will need a passport to enter customs of a foreign nation or to return home from international travel.  During these times, a word about your identity will not be enough evidence.  You will need something more substantial.  This was the dilemma Jesus finds himself as he answers the charges of his opponents.  They wanted evidence that his claims are true.   

There are times in life, no matter what evidence you present, or what witnesses you bring, it isn’t enough to confirm your identity or your character.  But as the song states, there is a more reliable witness.  The witness is the work, the tasks we have completed, the way we have lived our lives, this is the greatest evidence of our identity.  All that Jesus did, the signs and wanders pointed to God.  The question for us in this season of self-reflection, “Is my life a witness of the faith I proclaim? 

Our lives should be lived in such a way that it is a witness to whom we belong.  This is the life Jesus lived.  He lived in such a way, performing signs that pointed back at the one who sent him.  And though the signs and witnesses were there; there were still those who did not believe. 

Our lives should be a living testimony to the one whom we call Savior and Lord.  Our works that we do now and in the future should “speak for us” so that there is no doubt that we are children of God.  And as God’s children, we should not be so concerned with impressing others about our knowledge of God but be concerned about knowing God.  All that we do, we do with the love of God in our hearts.  Love is the driving force for our actions, love is the catalyst for our works, and the source of this love is God.  

What will they say about you?  What will they say when the day comes, and you have gone on to be at rest with Christ?  Will your work speak for you? 

Prayer: Lord, when my day is over and night comes, might the works I have done—in love, speak for me.  Amen. 

Meditation by the Reverend Terence Lee
Priest-in-Charge, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, South River
Diocese of New Jersey