David C Cook Editorial

Download “In the World” for July 26, 2026 here.

A DISCOVERY, UNDERSTOOD LATER

The American chemist Raymond Davis Jr. (1914–2006) was famous for studying neutrinos. These tiny, nearly massless particles move through space and matter. In 1961, Davis began studying neutrinos from the sun. But his “Homestake Experiment” detected only one-third of the expected number according to then-current models. The surprising result became known as the “solar neutrino puzzle.” Some questioned the validity of Davis’s work, but he remained committed to the research. Later, scientists confirmed his findings but learned that their understanding had been incomplete. Updated research showed that neutrinos can change forms as they travel from the sun, Davis’s experiment revealed a truth that took decades to understand. His work was finally honored with the Nobel Prize in Physics.

GOD’S PLAN, UNDERSTOOD LATER

Mary trusted God even when she could not see the full picture of his work. She treasured the shepherds’ words after the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:15–19). Years later, at a wedding in Cana, she trusted Jesus to respond when the wine ran dry (John 2:1–5). Then, at the cross, she stood near her son as he suffered. Before he died, Jesus entrusted her care to a disciple (John 19:25–27). Throughout Jesus’ life, Mary witnessed Jesus’ humanity and his divinity, even though she may not have fully understood. Her consistent “yes” to God teaches us that we can trust him when we do not yet fully understand how his purposes will unfold.

1. When have you discovered something that took a long time for you to understand?
2. Why can it be difficult to remain faithful, when answers are slow to appear?
3. In what ways can you say “yes” to God, even though you may not fully understand?

Additional Links

Any videos or web materials are for your personal use. If you play any media files in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.

Playlists:

• Contemporary Worship Weekly
• Echoes Worship Weekly (featuring African-American music artists)
• Traditional Worship Weekly

Study Resources:

• Commentary: Thomas L. Constable’s “5. Jesus’ Provision for His Mother 19:25–27”
• Commentary: Dorothy A. Lee’s “Commentary on John 19:23-30”
• Devotion: Theology of Work on “Mary, Did You Know?”