Bringing it on

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink..." John 7.37

The Tuesday of Holy Week is known as a day of robust engagement and rigorous teaching. Jesus is confronted over his authority and responds by warning people against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He predicts the destruction of Herod's temple (Luke 21.6) and his own return in glory (Matthew 24.30). Parables concerning the end of the age are delivered, as the atmosphere intensifies. Judas schemes.

Do you feel under pressure? How ready is any of us to take risks in standing up for what we believe? The Bible speaks of there being a right time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3), including "a time to be silent and a time to speak" (verse 7) - even "a time for war" (verse 8). Knowing when to act and when to refrain requires discernment, which derives from the prayerful study of scripture combined with the inclination towards trustful obedience. More coiled spring than loose cannon!