“Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them;” (John 14:23 NRSV). I have been thinking about this verse from John’s gospel for a couple months now. I last saw this verse on the cover of my grandmother’s funeral bulletin. Apparently, it had been her confirmation verse. The giving of a confirmation verse is a common tradition for many congregations. A confirmation verse is a biblical passage that serves as a constant reminder of God's presence and promise to a person. It is a verse that one uses to guide their life. A confirmation verse is either given to or chosen by the confirmand. It is usually spoken to the confirmand on Confirmation Sunday when they affirm their baptism. As I reflected on this verse from John’s gospel, I started to wonder why my grandmother chose this verse. What inspired her to select it or was she given it? Did she just come upon it while reading through the Bible or was she given a list of verses to choose from by her pastor?
Reflecting back, I remember choosing my own confirmation verse. However, to be honest, I do not remember what verse I chose. I remember my pastor giving us recommendations, but I do not remember my verse. Instead, I remember all of us just wanting the easiest verse to remember because our pastor was having us memorize our verses to be recited aloud to the congregation. So, we all wanted John 3:16 since it was the verse that we all knew already through its popularity in modern culture. So, I wonder what my grandmother's reasoning was? Was it silly or was it because the verse actually spoke to her? If this verse was in her funeral bulletin, then I am compelled to think that it meant something to her. I wonder how it affected and guided her life? To me, this verse, read by itself, is a reminder of God’s close relationship to us, a relationship that is grounded in love. A promise that God in Christ through the Holy Spirit makes a home among us and with us and in us. A home full of comfort, support, and peace. I would like to believe that my grandmother felt this close relationship with God, and that it guided how she interacted with others. For me, my grandmother was home. She was a stable presence in my life. I could always count on her to be there for me. She loved and comforted me. Perhaps, she was this person because this was who God was to her, and so this verse from John truly did guide her. Well, I guess I will never know for sure why she chose this verse, but now it speaks to me. It guides me!
So, Church, I ask you what bible passages or verses have guided your life? What scripture is speaking to you, and how has it affected how you walk in this world? As you finish your summer and continue through the year, I pray that God’s holy word strikes you in awe, and that through the Holy Spirit you find guidance in it. However, most importantly, may it remind you that you are loved. In Jesus, the Word, we pray. Amen.
Peace and Blessings, Pastor Ethan Doan
Reflecting back, I remember choosing my own confirmation verse. However, to be honest, I do not remember what verse I chose. I remember my pastor giving us recommendations, but I do not remember my verse. Instead, I remember all of us just wanting the easiest verse to remember because our pastor was having us memorize our verses to be recited aloud to the congregation. So, we all wanted John 3:16 since it was the verse that we all knew already through its popularity in modern culture. So, I wonder what my grandmother's reasoning was? Was it silly or was it because the verse actually spoke to her? If this verse was in her funeral bulletin, then I am compelled to think that it meant something to her. I wonder how it affected and guided her life? To me, this verse, read by itself, is a reminder of God’s close relationship to us, a relationship that is grounded in love. A promise that God in Christ through the Holy Spirit makes a home among us and with us and in us. A home full of comfort, support, and peace. I would like to believe that my grandmother felt this close relationship with God, and that it guided how she interacted with others. For me, my grandmother was home. She was a stable presence in my life. I could always count on her to be there for me. She loved and comforted me. Perhaps, she was this person because this was who God was to her, and so this verse from John truly did guide her. Well, I guess I will never know for sure why she chose this verse, but now it speaks to me. It guides me!
So, Church, I ask you what bible passages or verses have guided your life? What scripture is speaking to you, and how has it affected how you walk in this world? As you finish your summer and continue through the year, I pray that God’s holy word strikes you in awe, and that through the Holy Spirit you find guidance in it. However, most importantly, may it remind you that you are loved. In Jesus, the Word, we pray. Amen.
Peace and Blessings, Pastor Ethan Doan
