John 19:25-27 Demonstrates Heavenly Interest in Daily Life

²⁵Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” ²⁷and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

John 19:25-27 (New International Version)

I have probably read these passages more than a dozen times, without really seeing the greater meaning beyond Jesus’ immediate words of placing His earthly mother’s care with the disciple whom He loved – which is generally accepted as being John, the author of this gospel.

However, what had eluded me regarding the signifigance of this gesture is the fact that while in the midst of an eternal event, and even though racked by the pain of the physical crucifixtion and the temporary separation from God the Father, Jesus still concerned Himself with earthly responsibilities.

In other words, while we are to keep our eyes and focus upon heavenly purpose, we must also continue to recognize our daily role associated with being in the world, but not part of the world.  In essence we must maintain an earthly presence and all that entails while being guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Emphasis on being guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

I cannot speak for anyone else, only myself, and in this regard I know that there have been times where I have lost sight of the earthly duties we all share as Christians by unintentionally losing touch with the seemingly subtle yet distinct difference between being in the world versus being part of the world.

Being in the world means that we are, in the here and now, a presence of love and patience, understanding and perseverence.  Even though we will experience ups and downs, joys and heartaches, it also means that we will be presented with opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s love through our responses to the daily situations that occur in every day living.  If we are myopically focused on our heavenly ascent or gifted heritage, we risk a kind of detached elitism that may cause us to miss opportunties for service and in the process, diminish our testimony.

This of course does not mean that we become part of the world by mutely accepting the actions or attitudes associated with our fallen natures.  What it does mean is that we view earthly circumstances through a lens of charitable love while remaining firmly entrenched in God’s word and will for our lives as His redeemed children.

The only way to do this is not by earthly edict, but by heavenly empowerment – an empowerment that can only come through knowing God’s word, and quiet contemplation through prayer of its meaning and required response.

In this regard, I celebrate my weaknesses for it is through this acknowledgement that I receive the Holy Spirit’s direction and strength to stay grounded in eternal values while focusing on daily responsibilities to God, those around me and yes, even myself.

This I believe is the blance between being in the world, but not part of the world.