Near the end of our two-year confirmation cycle, students in eighth grade receive a list of possible Confirmation verses to choose from. I’ve gathered some good ones over the years, put them into a little booklet, and give students an opportunity to choose their Confirmation verse.
As we start the process, we talk about the importance of choosing a verse that speaks to them in some way. To convey the significance of this choice, I talk about my own Confirmation verse, from John 15:
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
Unlike our students, my verse was chosen for me. It’s been dear to me because God continually brings it back to me through various means. It was the scheduled reading for my installation as DCE in both my first and second congregations.
It’s especially dear to me as I reflect on being a “good” Christian. Understanding the Scriptures can sometimes be a difficult thing. There are some good techniques for understanding Scripture (which Pastor Chuck will talk about during the sermon), but I take comfort in this: As long as I am abiding in Jesus, I will bear much fruit.
Do you struggle with understanding Scripture? Join the club! Try the techniques Pastor will share, but if it doesn’t click, remember: It’s not about knowing all the answers, it’s about abiding in Jesus.