The Silencing of Thunder

Who did write the book of love? Well, that would have to be the Apostle John. I mean, that's just about all he talks about in the epistle we call "First John", right? Well it's pretty amazing that John wasn't bitter and angry. After all, his own brother, the other "Son of Thunder" was murdered by Herod in the initial wave of persecutions following the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.

Even brothers that don't get along that well experience a loyalty that goes deeper than friendship, and I have a feeling that James and John probably had a close bond, having walked with Jesus for three years. Maybe they were cantankerous and bellicose toward each other (hence the nickname from Jesus) or maybe they were simply loud, or even clumsy! Scripture doesn't explain, but for whatever reason Jesus labeled them "Sons of Thunder", it's a testimony to God's grace that the brother who survived did not adopt a brooding, stormy temperament.

This man John knew about love. He knew. And that's why he could write, decades later: "Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you...By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers."

Glory to God for love that supersedes insult, injury and injustice.