Plan B

It is often said, when facing difficult situations - such as the Irish bale out, or Afghanistan's stability - that there is no Plan B. What seems to be meant is that the best minds have looked at all the options, and can see no other solution to whatever the problem is. Most of us do not face such situations-  so we always reckon that there might be a perfectly workable Plan B or C or even D.
But in the overarching Bible story, there is no Plan B. Having created the world, with freewill given to humans, and having seen the mess they made, the one and only rescue Plan A involves God's call to Abram. 'The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12.1-3) That is God's Plan A, to bless the whole world through the covenant made with Abraham, coming to fruition through Jesus, Abraham's seed.
In our little worlds, where we are so often the centre of our own concerns, it does us good to recall that through trusting Jesus, we are caught up in God's one and only Plan A, for the blessing of all peoples. Today, we may have an opportunity to bring God's blessing to some people. How amazing!
Best wishes,
Richard

Light

As winter takes its hold, and with the days getting shorter, there are feelings of darkness gripping our hopes and dreams. Worries over the Irish economy and whether or not the rest of the Eurozone will suffer fill the papers. The remarkable outpourings from Wikileaks reveal quite what goes on in the murky world of international diplomacy. Darkness seems to reign.
John's astonishing Prologue to his Gospel, yesterday's reading from the Advent leaflet we gave out at Church, tells us about the Light that has come into our world. 'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.' (John 1.5)
To know Jesus is to know his light in our lives and situations. He brings hope and light by which to see clearly and to live trustingly. I am so grateful for the light he brings and the difference that makes. I am aware that many of those I meet daily and weekly are lost in the dark.
Today, let us all thank Him for his light-giving presence in our lives.
Best wishes,
Richard

Risk Assessment

What risks am I taking for Jesus today?
These days, many activities have to be assessed before they take place, to check out the possible risks. What was previously done in the twinkling of an eye, and was usually fine, now takes forever, and the forms result in forests being chopped down. We are increasingly risk averse, in our culture - for fear that someone will get blamed. Is this healthy?
I am challenged by the commission of Jesus to his earliest followers. The authorities were not favourably disposed to the ministry of Jesus, and his followers were not promised an easy ride. 
“The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves.' (Luke 10.2-3)
Jesus knew that it was going to be risky to be publicly working on his behalf, so his warning was clear - 'lambs among wolves'!
We too are called so to live for Jesus that we are identified as his followers - not hiding our light under the cover of good manners, or office popularity. Doing the risk assessment doesn't mean that we then decide to ignore Jesus' call on our lives.
What risks am I taking for Jesus today?
I must ask myself that question again and again.
Best wishes,
Richard

Painful News

The first 3 stories on today's news were all painful stories. The tragic losses in New Zealand, the attack on South Korea, and the problems with the Irish economy all show how our world is a global village. The New Zealand Prime Minister recalled that 'we are a country where we are our brother's keeper'. This sharing of the costs and benefits of every aspect of life is what builds community and strengthens society. But the price is high.
St. Paul was used to sharing his life with his Christian friends, and he didn't shield them from the painful experiences he endured. But he did know the life-transforming presence of God with him through it all. 'All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.' (2 Corinthians 1.3-5)
Today, all of us may encounter those who have painful news to share. It may be that we can also share something of a Jesus-style comfort and encouragement, which takes tears seriously, and doesn't judge or criticise those who suffer.
Best wishes,
Richard

Wake Up!

On Remembrance Sunday, after the Two Minutes' Silence, the lone trumpet sounds the Reveille, which is the normal 'Wake Up!' call for the sleeping soldiers. In the context of Remembrance Sunday, the symbolism is of resurrection and new life in Christ.
With Advent approaching, the 40 days of spiritual preparation for Christmas, we are reminded of the same call. St. Paul, writing to his friends in Rome, makes a startling call. 'Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.' (Romans 13.11-12)
Most of us do not think of ourselves as asleep while we are living our normal lives. But Paul sees that unless we are deliberately setting out each day to live for Jesus, taking steps to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light, then we are sleep walking through life. The traditional prayer for last Sunday has the same thought. Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Today, we can choose to wake up, or we can drift along asleep. Which is it to be?
Best wishes,
Richard

Support

In the complexities of European finances, it is now clear that the Irish economy and Government need support. European financiers are hoping that together they can bring stability and long-term growth. It is in everyone's interest, apparently, to provide the necessary support, for going it alone is never an option.
This is a profoundly Christian concept, as St. Paul makes clear, when writing to his friends in the region of Galatia. 'Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.' (Galatians 6.2) It is one of the miracles of the Christian life, when together we can weather the storms of life, with the Lord's people bringing the Lord's love and peace to each other. And it is not only when things are tough that we can support each other.
In those different circumstances, Paul says, 'Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.' (Romans 12.15)
I am very grateful for for all the support and encouragement that I have received in recent days. Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Richard

Generosity

Walking along the Thames Path yesterday, from Vauxhall to the Tate Modern, was both delightful and uncomfortable. The weather was beautiful, and the sights astonishing, and full of historical and cultural interest. But there were challenges too, in those begging along the way. Questions arise about what help such people need, and are they really in need? How hard to be fully caring, and to treat people equally, when absorbed in our own lives and activities.
The early Christians faced some similar challenges, and St. Paul reflects on the fruits of committed Christian living. 'Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.' (2 Corinthians 9.11) Paul is aware that being truly generous is a miracle that happens when we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the Lord. He tells his stingy (but rich) friends in Corinth about his poorer but generous friends in Philippi. 'For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.' (2 Corinthians 8.3-5)
In our troubled world, we need to commit ourselves to the Lord, if we are to continue to be a 'healthy church is a generous church'.
Best wishes,
Richard

All you need is Love

My text today comes from The Beatles!
Top story around the world - the announced engagement and approaching wedding of Kate & Will. Everyone wishes them the very best, and many look forward to being able to share their joy, in some way or other. Their wedding will be a bigger event than most of us would experience. But the same qualities needed for the couple next door will be needed for Will & Kate. We could remember to pray for them, as we do for all who are getting married.
While St. Paul was not writing to a couple approaching their wedding, but his words apply to us all. 'Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.' (1 Corinthians 13.4-7)
Paul describes the sort of love we need to show to all we meet - and reflects the character of Jesus, as shown in the Gospels. There is no room here for self-centred grumpiness, but a generous willingness to see the best in others. We could all do with a dose of this, with cold weather, government cuts and many other pressures. That would make such a difference around us - what a challenge!
Best wishes,
Richard

Up or Down?

David Cameron's Mansion House speech last evening claimed that while India & China may be rising world powers, Britain was not gong down the league table. He probably didn't use such metaphors! His view is that Britain is still strong, in spite of economic and military weaknesses. That is seen, by many observers, as an 'interesting' point of view. Britain certainly has a great history of colonial power, but whether pride in the past is enough to merit Premier League position remains to be argued.
Individually, we often face the same questions. Are we strong or weak? Are we proud of our role or status in society, and are we sometime smug and pushy? Should we heed St. Paul's warning. 'Don’t think you are better than you really are.' (Romans 12.3)
St. Peter has a striking way of telling us which way we should be facing - and it is down not up! 'Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.' (1 Peter 5.6) To be humble under God's mighty hand acknowledges that He is the One who places and positions us, and that our destiny is in His hands.
Self-confidence must be replaced by God-confidence, for God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Best wishes,
Richard

Free at Last!

Free at last for some! Good news for Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma and Paul and Rachel Chandler in Somalia. Eager reporters were anxious to find out how they were feeling after their different ordeals. But there is more to freedom than feelings. Freedom is a complex and precious quality, and we all crave more of it.
The French philosopher, Jean Jacques Rousseau, wrote, 'Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains'. It is easier to identify the chains than it is to define what freedom is in abstract. Freedom from this, that or the other is understandable, but what sort of freedom do we seek?
Jesus spoke about slavery and freedom, and made some startling statements.  "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8.32) and then, "So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free." (John 8.36)
All of us were made to be in relationship with the God who made us, and who loves us. Only this God, in Jesus, can set us free from the assorted addictions and slaveries which trap us - whether it is an obsession about money and possessions, career and self-improvement. To be a slave of Jesus Christ is to be truly free. We can celebrate today, "Free at last!".
Best wishes,
Richard

Help!

News about the Irish economy suggests that the cry will go up soon, 'Help!'. In the muddled world of international banking and loans, the loss of confidence in the Irish government's plans for weathering the storm has led to the storm getting much worse.
But news from Haiti suggests that they too will be crying 'Help!' again, as cholera takes lives at an accelerating rate. Providing the targeted help before it is too late requires both an accurate diagnosis and efficient application of the life saving remedy.
Jesus announced that he was the answer to people's cries of 'Help!'. In his day, there were others who also promised to be the answer. But his claim is special. '“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock.  “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.' (John 10.11-15 edited)
Too many of us have experienced the disappointment and let down when those we hoped might help us turn out to be 'hired hands' - running away in our time of need. But not Jesus, as he repeatedly reminds us that his proof of being up to the job is that he sacrificed himself for us. The people of Haiti need to know the care and miracles of the Good Shepherd, as to the people of Ireland. But we can all find security there - if we will entrust ourselves to Him. Today, we can rest in being known by Jesus and knowing Him for ourselves.
Best wishes,
Richard

Equal or not?

Some will have been surprised to hear of 4 Anglican Bishops wishing to become Roman Catholics in recent weeks. The presenting issue is the prospect of the Church of England getting ready at some stage in the future to have women Bishops. For some, far out on both wings of the Church of England, this is too much. So I ask the question, 'Are women equal or nor?'
Without going on too long (come to Church this evening at 8pm for our last in our Hard Issues series), I want to draw attention to an astonishing verse from St. Paul. Men brought up like Paul, as orthodox Jews, thanked the Lord every day that they were not born women, slaves, or Gentiles, but they were Jewish free men! Everyone else was inferior. So when Paul writes, 'There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.' (Galatians 3.28) he is unravelling centuries of culture, prejudice and practice. If we are one in Christ, then we are equal, whatever else we may say about availability, authority, gifts or cultural appropriateness.
Will we treat each other like that?
Best wishes,
Richard

Soaked

This morning's weather may mean that some people get soaked through. I hope my shoes don't leak at all , but if they do, at least I possess another pair! But I was thinking about the preparations for making this year's batch of Christmas puddings. The first stage that many C Pud makers employ is to soak the dried fruit, which is the basis of the pudding, in brandy or some other flavoursome nectar. This cannot be done quickly - it takes time for the fruit to soak up the flavours and be changed. Do this too quickly, and the results are poor!
St. Paul, writing to his friends in Colossae, encourages them to be soaked in God's word - together. 'Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other.' (Colossians 3.16) Many find that one result of being part of a 'word-soaked' community is that somehow when the need arises during the day, wisdom and counsel comes from others who are also 'word-soaked'. But it all starts with people like us committing to read and reflect - allowing God's word to soak deep within. That is worth it!
Best wishes,
Richard

Speaking out

Former President Bush is out to convince us that he is both 'a deliberative person' (=he thinks about things!), and that the lawyers told him that waterboarding was legal. Many may not be convinced by his defence of his record. But politicians face difficult choices. On the other hand, Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has called for David Cameron to raise the issue of human rights on his visit to China. Should he speak out on behalf of others? When should we speak out about issues of justice, or about our faith in Jesus? What price might we pay?
St. Paul, to his friends in Colossae, gives some clear advice, which is very applicable for all of us. 'Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.' (Colossians 4.5-6)
What sort of opportunities Paul is talking about? He has already spoken of opportunities - Pray for us that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.' (Colossians 4.3-4)
I have several meetings today with people who are not followers of Christ - so I need to look for the opportunities to speak out for Him. Will you look for those too?
Best wishes,
Richard