Sharing Scripture — November 9, 2024

Texts: John 1:32-36; John 3:25-36; John 5:36-38; John 6:51-71; John 7:37-53; Daniel 7:18

An unusual bellwether that gauges the state of the American economy, according to “New York Times” business reporter Jordyn Holman, is the hit ABC TV show “Shark Tank.” During its 15-year run, entrepreneurs have made sales pitches which reflect the current state of the economy, from the Great Recession to the rise of online direct-to-consumer sales to the “shock of the pandemic and the ingenuity that came out of it.”

The show began in 2009, in the depths of the recession. Contestants shared stories of overcoming adversity as they pitched products such as comfort food to help consumers endure the challenges of those austerity years. Coming on the heels of the subprime mortgage crisis and the demise of the Lehman Brothers investment firm, banks at that time were simply not lending money. The initial panel of Sharks—the investors who entrepreneurs make their pitches to—looked for ways to diversify their portfolios.

As the economy recovered, the show began to reflect that optimism. People began splurging more on feel-good items, like designer clothes and eyeglasses. Startups such as Uber and Airbnb offered opportunities for the Sharks to strike gold. Online companies offered new ways for the Sharks to get in on direct-to-consumer sales. Those cyber enterprises ultimately helped the economy weather the pandemic, which restricted face-to-face sales at brick-and-mortar stores.

As the economy evolves, the Sharks also evolve. The current economy looks good on paper, but people are still apprehensive for the future. Now the Sharks are more interested in smaller start-ups than big businesses. “There are a lot of low asks,” says Shark Barbara Corcoran, “which I really like because I love to get on the ground floor with people.”

“‘Shark Tank’ is not a game show,” reflects savvy Shark Kevin O’Leary (known playfully on the show as Mr. Wonderful). “It’s real life. It’s real investing, real money. And it reflects the real economy.”

Just as “Shark Tank” reflects our evolving economy, so John’s gospel reveals the evolution of Jesus’ ministry and His followers’ growing understanding of it. John shared this insight in the progressive testimonies of John the Baptist.

God revealed Jesus’ divinity to John the Baptist at Jesus’ baptism (John 1:32-34). John then introduced Christ, not as the expected military conqueror, but as our atoning sacrifice with the declaration in verse 36, “Look, the Lamb of God!” He takes it a step further in John 3:30-35: “He must increase, but I must decrease,” because Jesus comes from the Father above. John then reveals the ultimate purpose of Jesus’ ministry in chapter 3:36: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.”

Just as those first followers progressed in their understanding of Jesus and His ministry, so we also can grow in our own personal relationships with Christ.

 

For Reflection

Sharing: Read the story of Jesus interrupting the festivities at the Feast of Tabernacles in John 7:37-52. How would you respond to someone interrupting your local worship service with such an astonishing testimony?

1. I would ask the deacons to “please remove this gentleman”
2. We should listen politely, then continue on with the service
3. I’m doing nothing, as I’m not in any leadership position to make such decisions
4. I suggest that we not make any more of a scene in the sanctuary than necessary, but then instruct the deacons to never let this person enter the premises in the future
5. I would listen, believe, and follow the person’s testimony
6. Other:

Applying: How open do you see your congregation toward receiving and accepting new (or present) truth? As you weigh the balance between prudent caution and openness to God’s potential leading, what factors should you consider in deciding between the two options?

~ Chuck Burkeen

---

 

No matter how each of us may feel about the 2024 U.S. election results – apathetic, overjoyed, anxious, etc. – it’s important to remember that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords. If Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, could surrender to and be used by God, anyone can! So claim God’s promises and pray them back to God. God is in control! We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds. God says, “At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked. When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm. “I warned the proud, ‘Stop your boasting!’ I told the wicked, ‘Don’t raise your fists! Don’t raise your fists in defiance at the heavens or speak with such arrogance.’” For no one on earth—from east or west, or even from the wilderness— should raise a defiant fist. It is God alone who judges; He decides who will rise and who will fall. For the Lord holds a cup in his hand that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours out the wine in judgment, and all the wicked must drink it, draining it to the dregs. But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. For God says, “I will break the strength of the wicked, but I will increase the power of the godly.” Psalm 75 (NLT) And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. Daniel 2:21 (NKJV) Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1 (NIV) Stefani Leeper | Content Coordinator Image source: Holy Land Prayer

The Center for Creative Ministry is fully recognized by the North American Division (NAD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church; it is also a 501c3 nonprofit organization which makes donations tax deductible in the U.S.