Hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.

This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.

In a bit I will read the New Testament lesson selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.

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I use the message version Relatable.

Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.

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Reading today from the gospel of John 8:12 19 from the Message.

You're missing God in all this.

Jesus once again addressed them, I am the world's light.

No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness.

I provide plenty of light to live in.

The Pharisees objected.

All we have is your word on this and we need more than that to go on.

Jesus replied, you're right that you only have my word, but you can depend on it being true.

I know where I have come from and where I go next.

You don't know where I'm from and where I'm headed.

You decide according to what you can see and touch.

I don't make judgments like that.

But even if I did, my judgment would be true because I wouldn't make it out of the narrowness of my experience, but in the largeness of the One who sent me, the Father that fulfills the conditions set down under God's law that you can count on the testimony of two witnesses.

And that is what you have.

You have my word and you have the word of the Father who sent me.

They said, where is this so called Father of yours?

Jesus said, you're looking right at me and you don't see me.

How do you expect to see the Father?

If you knew me, you would at the same time know the Father.

Well, that closes this reading of the scripture, friends, and I just want to thank you again for spending some time with with me here in the Daily Bible Refresh as we delve a little deeper into this passage of Scripture.

John 8:12 19 Jesus says, I'm the world's light.

No one who follows me stumbles around in the Darkness.

But the leader is pushed back.

All we have is your word, and that's just not good enough.

And Jesus answers that his witness is trustworthy because of the largeness of the One who sent him, not the narrowness of self.

If you know Jesus, you'll know the Father.

And God's presence is right here, even when we miss out on it.

Some powerful, Some powerful information here.

So let's go a little bit deeper with three teaching points.

I call them points to ponder from a progressive perspective.

The first is light is liberation, not a spotlight of shame.

When Jesus says he's the world's light, he isn't threatening exposure to embarrassed people.

He's offering clarity so we don't keep tripping.

A progressive reading treats light as what reduces harm.

Truth telling that heals, transparency that protects the vulnerable and pathways out of stigma.

If our light makes people hide, it's not Jesus kind of light.

His light dignifies and guides.

Second point, we judge from largeness, not narrowness.

Jesus contrasts narrow surface level judgments with God's expansive vision.

Progressive discipleship resists snap judgments based on what we can see and touch.

Those are limited ways.

Limited ways like appearances, stereotypes, class, race, orientation, physical health and illness.

We choose trauma, informed curiosity, listen to lived experiences and let marginalized voices shape our perspective.

That's how we move from small reactions to big wisdom.

Another point, truth needs community, not just a certainty.

Jesus invoked the law's two witnesses, I.e.

his word and the Father's, to show that real discernment is held together.

Progressive faith practices, communal, accountable truth.

We read scripture with the oppressed center.

We submit our claims to the test of neighborly outcomes, I.e.

does this reduce suffering?

And we pair prayer with science, therapy and policy that protects dignity.

Light becomes a shared practice.

All this is about keeping knowing that the light is like a steady vision of kindness, of shared courage, and choosing people over posturing.

Let's talk about an action step that you can take.

Practice, quote a light check, that is take a few minutes the next few days to let Jesus light shape your concrete choices and actions.

Maybe one area is in clarity.

Name one area where there's confusion or fear that keeps you or maybe others stumbling.

Might be in a relationship, a decision, a system, and ask what truth here would reduce harm.

Second thing is proximity.

Move towards someone who's in the shadows.

Text a caregiver, offer a ride to somebody, help somebody with paperwork, take a listening walk in a park.

Not fixing now, just presence and listening.

Another thing we can do is amplify that is pass the mic on to those who don't have a voice.

Invite a marginalized voice to lead or to at least be heard and affirm their idea publicly or back.

An inclusive policy in your workplace or your church or your civic group.

Let it be gentle, let it be honest, let it be practical.

We'll come back and have a prayer here in just a moment.

I hope that you'll rejoin me then.

But first of all, I really want you to know that we have a resource for you called the ABC 123 Bible study method.

It's here for you to help you with your own at home Bible study practices.

You can pick it up at our website voiceofgodaily.com Lets pray Jesus, Light of the World.

Shine on our ordinary roads, our hospital hallways, wooded trails, our kitchen tables and hard conversations.

Save us from the narrowness that judges by appearances and teach us the largeness of your compassion.

Make our light look like yours.

Less shame, more guidance, less control, more dignity.

Bless patients and caregivers.

Bless.

Bless new parents, the tired and the trying, and anyone stuck in red tape and thank you for laughter.

Guide our steps so fewer neighbors stumble alone and our communities glow with truth, safety and joy.

Amen.

My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.

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Thanks much.

My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.

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Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.

His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.