Tiny Morsels of News that are Sometimes Malicious

Hello siblings

After tomorrow’s Nougat, we’ll be on a break for a bit. You are welcome to read prior reflections or to start your own. Whatever you do, ensure that you keep your time with God your chief priority.

Today’s Holy Nougat continues to challenge us on the matter of rumours: the tiny morsels of news that are sometimes malicious.

John 21:23 NLT

[23] So the rumour spread among the community of believers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

Rumours Too

Last night, we played a whispered message game at a cultural night. It involved passing on a message to the person next to us that we’d heard only once. In some instances, what was passed on was radically different from what was said. There were others, however, who accurately heard and shared what was told to them. It was hilarious! Some of us clearly are not cut out to carry news!

Self-Check

How well do you share what you hear?

What if the person who’s speaking is God, how well do you listen?

Application

What Y’shua said could have been construed as a plan for John to be raptured. But, despite the fact that He often spoke with parables, Y’shua didn’t actually say how John would die. Given that nearly 2000 years later, John is most definitely dead, we know that’s not what He meant.

In our own contexts, it is very critical that we are clear on what we’re hearing from God, and about God. It is extremely important that we make the time to actually check in with God with all we hear. When God becomes our filter, God will tell us what to believe, what to say or do in response to what we hear. As we wait, God’s desires for us will become clear.

What is also important is that we mind God’s business. The rumours were a result of Peter minding John’s business instead of God’s. How much different would that text have read if Peter had stuck to Y’shua’s prophecy, and not sought to hear John’s fortune? How much different life would be if that juicy news we couldn’t contain remained with us?

Siblings, sometimes what we share isn’t gossip. It may even be good news. When we act on information God hasn’t given us permission for; and if we share information to others beforehand, it’s a bit like gossiping and rumour-mongering.

Assignment

Let us aim at speaking for God, in God’s timing, and not of our own will.

And, above all, let us ensure we’re neither a source nor conduit of rumour-mongering.

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May all we seek be found in Christ