Who is this man?

We have endured a stormy night, and the wind has caused damage in varying amounts. For those caught in the storms, these are terrifying times. 

But there doesn't seem much let up promised.

My mind goes to a brief story in the Gospels. 'So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. 

Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” 

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!”Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 

The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” (Mark 4.36-41)

It is striking that the disciples, experienced fishermen, were more terrified by the realisation that Jesus had the power to still the storm, than they were terrified by the storm itself.

As the disciples keep asking the question “Who is this man?”  throughout the Gospels, the penny slowly drops that they are in the company of someone with the power and authority of God himself.

As we approach Christmas, I pray that we will all learn to see Jesus as the King who reigns supreme over all, and whose Kingdom will be seen and known by many.

Best wishes,

Richard

Ready for Christmas?

The weather forecasters are telling us that the next few days will be windy and wet - possibly a mild understatement, but you know me! I wouldn't want to overstate the case to get you attention.

And the shops are staying open longer today than normal, and maybe even staying open longer tomorrow. This is all supposed to help us get ready (=spend MORE money than is necessary) to mark the birth of Jesus in a humble stable. That seems odd in the extreme.

How is it that we have forgotten God's style (humble service) and replaced it with worldly flashiness?

So are we ready?

St. Paul reminded his friends in Philippi how they should behave. It seems there are lessons for us all as we approach the birth of our Saviour. 'Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 

Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; 

he took the humble position of a slave 

and was born as a human being. 

When he appeared in human form, 

he humbled himself in obedience to God 

and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

(Philippians 2.3-8)

I pray that we might draw closer to Jesus in these next days, and recall that we are not trying to impress one another with what we do or how we do it. I think that would please Him.

Best wishes,

Richard 

Shortest Day?

If you blink, you might miss it! I am talking about the daylight. There isn't much of it around today, for though the sky looks bright and clear, there will be darkness again before we know it! 

But from tomorrow, the days start getting longer, and summer is just around the corner (you can see I am wired up as an optimist!)

St. Paul uses the idea of night turning to day as a reminder to Christian people that we have changed sides, by God's mercy. 'God has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.' (Colossians 1.13-14)

In many of his letters, Paul uses this image of our new identity to remind us how we should live. 'Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armour of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarrelling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.' (Romans 13.11-14)

In the midst of all the parties and indulgence in these days, it is good to recall Paul's very straight words about living decent lives for all to see. The antidote, as usual, is to clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.'

Best wishes,

Richard

Blue Sky

How lovely to see a blue sky, after days of cloud and rain. 

I don't know what the future holds, in terms of weather, but the present looks very pleasant.

That lesson has much to teach me. 

In my job, I often spend much time thinking and planning about the future, so it is good to learn to live in the present moment.

That has great implications for how I learn to live by faith in Jesus. Faithful in people in times past learned that we live by faith in God, moment by moment. 'The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom,

    so that I know how to comfort the weary.
Morning by morning he wakens me
    and opens my understanding to his will.' (Isaiah 50.4)

Today is the only time that I will live this particular day, and I need to face it with all the simple trust in Jesus that every day requires. I know what is planned, but I don't really know what is coming. But the Lord, my Shepherd knows, so I can trust Him, whatever comes.

In the evening, i shall have a chance, I hope, to reflect.

Best wishes,

Richard

Global Growth

The Airport Commission has plans to develop UK runway capacity. 

Driven by a determination to see British trade and business flourish in the global economy, new runways are proposed at Heathrow & Gatwick. Details will no doubt be argued about for some time, but the focus on global growth should mean that agreement and progress on these schemes will be seen, in time.

In the run up to Christmas, I am reminded that the events in far off times, in Nazareth and Bethlehem, are all part of God's plans for global growth. 

The message of the angel set the scene, which can still shape our own planning and praying in our local setting.. 'That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Saviour—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!' (Luke 2.8-11)

In a wonderful blend of the local and global, the shepherds close to Bethlehem are told of a birth in Bethlehem, which will have global consequences. People like us are to be part of the all people who will experience great joy. The light has penetrated the darkness, and the darkness has never overcome this light.

The extent of this global growth is further foreshadowed by the singing choirs of angels, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2.14)

All round the world, there are communities of people, from every tribe and language, culture and background, who have been drawn into the circle of God's peace, and whose lives are now lived for the glory of God. 

From small beginnings, this global growth continues to shape the destiny of millions and we have our part in this grand plan. Let us rejoice and give God the glory!

Best wishes,

Richard

Slavery

The Labour MP Frank Field has produced a Report on the extent of modern slavery in Britain. Its shocking observation is that there are over 10,000 people enslaved in Britain, and that number is rising sharply. 

The Government is publishing their Modern Slavery bill, and anti-slavery campaigners are divided over whether the bill goes far enough.

Slavery was a hot topic in Jesus' day, as Jewish people looked back to their escape from Egypt, under the leadership of Moses over 1200 years before Jesus. 

In a famous dispute, Jesus challenges people to realise that they are still slaves, who need to be set free. 'Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

“But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” 

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin." (John 8.32-24)

It is striking that the people to whom Jesus was speaking were those who had started to believe in him. In spite of that developing faith, these people are still blind to their own persistent slavery to sinful habits. In our own day, we easily acknowledge that some behaviour patterns can be addictive - whether it is shopping, alcohol consumption, drug taking, sexual activity, sports, fitness, eating, electronic gadgets a=or anything else. The truth that Jesus presents is that we are all naturally enslaved, and only He can bring us freedom. 'So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.' (John 8.36)

Today, surrounded as we are by people who are enslaved and blind to their slavery, we have a chance to live as people set free by Jesus to live a God-glorifying life, life in all its fullness.

Best wishes,

Richard

Christmas Publicity

Does publicity work? 

Plenty of money and effort goes into influencing people's behaviour by publicity campaigns of one sort or another

The special Christmas adverts for television and the clever window dressing of major stores all have their effect. Having bought a cheap pair of jeans from Marks & Spencer recently, I am amused at their 'Believe in Magic and Sparkle' slogan.

And the birth of Jesus, which is missing from most commercial Christmas publicity, was also well publicised. 'Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 

“Glory to God in highest heaven, 

and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2.13-15) 

The singing angelic choirs, with their challenging message, were enough to move the shepherds to take action to see the newborn Jesus. 

This evening at 6.30 pm, in Waitrose, as part of their commercial promotion, St. Andrew's has been asked to provide some Carol Singers. This will provide us with an opportunity to promote our own Christmas special events. So please join us if you can.

But also take the opportunity to invite friends, neighbours and colleagues to join us in our celebrations of this astonishing reminder of God's great goodness and love.

Best wishes,

Richard

More Mandela, please!

Yesterday's Mandela Memorial event at the Johannesburg FNB Stadium was astonishing. The singing and dancing crowds were so full of life and gratitude for the difference that one man had made to their lives and the life of the world. 

In the mood of celebration, the cheers for President Obama, and for his startlingly direct challenge to other world leaders, showed that Mandela's work is not yet finished. 

And the boos for Jacob Zuma showed that the people of South Africa want more of Mandela, and less of old style corruption and tyranny.

If the crowd could choose, they would have said, 'More Mandela, please!'

And what about the crowds around Jesus? In Advent, it is good that we recall how Jesus was viewed by people in his day. 

At the end of his Galilean ministry, Jesus comes to Jerusalem. 'Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields.  Jesus was in the centre of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

“Praise God! 

Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 

Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David! 

Praise God in highest heaven!” 

So Jesus came to Jerusalem and went into the Temple.' (Mark 11.8-11)

But as we know, the mood changed later in the week. 'Pilate asked them, “Then what should I do with this man you call the king of the Jews?” 

They shouted back, “Crucify him!” 

“Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?” 

But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!” 

So to pacify the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.' (Mark 15.12-15)

These stories remind me that in following Jesus, we do not go with the crowd, especially when they cheer their support. Learning to be consistent, whether or not it makes us popular, was a lesson that Nelson Mandela learned.

Following that example is demanding, and yet ultimately rewarding.

Best wishes,

Richard

What Next?

Today, the world is celebrating all that Nelson Mandela was, and his astonishing legacy of bringing peoples together. Many words will be spoken, and many will seek to bask in the glow of his reputation and goodness. But already people are asking 'What Next?'.

The present leadership in South Africa and many other nations are not in the same league as the great man. Rhetoric may flow freely, but actions seem to be very slow. The challenges to make the future better than the past seem endless. 

And still we are in the season of Advent, awaiting the return of Jesus Christ, as Saviour and Judge. 

What difference does that waiting make for us, day after day?

Jesus repeatedly reminded his hearers that they should be forward-focused. '“The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!” (Mark 13.34-37) 

Some may wonder, how do we 'watch for him'? How can we be ready for Jesus coming amongst us? St. Paul reminded his friends in Colossae how they should live. 'And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.' (Colossians 3.17)

If we live every day, fully aware that we are always on duty as a representative of the Lord Jesus, then we shall always be ready for his coming amongst us. People around us will be blessed and challenged, as though Jesus were speaking and living in their company. That will bring glory to God and good to our community.

Are you ready?

Best wishes,

Richard

Marketing Messages

'Believe in Magic & Sparkle', 'Truly Magical', 'Merry & Bright', 'Live well for less', 'Love you Food', 'More of what matters', 'Every little helps' and many more.

These are the marketing messages that we hear and see every week. The run up to Christmas is the busiest time in the year for the shops and businesses which rely on consumers like us buying stuff. 

Without their relentless advertising, we might not be persuaded to spend our money on all that food which we will end up throwing away. What a waste of our money and precious resources. Why do we do it?

We do it because we are convinced that we need (or must have) all that stuff that we manage without during the rest of the year. Why? Because we get caught up in communal madness! Those marketing messages are clearly quite effective.

The Old Testament is full of similar marketing messages, which may whet our appetite for something longer lasting.

For a child is born to us,
    a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
    And he will be called:
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.His government and its peace
    will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
    for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
    will make this happen! (Isaiah 9.6-7)

Isaiah's prophecy, from over 700 years before Jesus, but only 300 years after King David, picks up the idea that when God acts decisively, his kingly rule on earth will make a profound and lasting difference. When Jesus announced the arrival of the Kingdom of God, people of his day will have recalled this earlier marketing message, and joined the dots.

Today, we can be living billboards and advertising agents for the King of Kings, whose righteous rule has brought hope and life to broken people like us. What a privilege!
Best wishes,

Richard

One Life

I thank God for Nelson Mandela. What a man! What a life!

Much is made of the way 27 years in prison made him into a President who brought healing change to a divided and hate-filled land. With humour and courage, he opposed those calling for revenge and violence, and taught us all to see each other as fellow human beings. Again and again, he echoed the words of Jesus about forgiveness and peace. How that man's one life transformed the destiny of millions brings a challenge to us all.

St. Paul reminds us of what we can do with our one life, if we choose to go the right way. 'And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.' (Romans 12.1-2)

Mandela, at the close of his trial speech, indicated that he was ready to live, and if necessary die, for what he believed to be true.

St. Paul call us to live, and if necessary die, in our grateful sacrificial response to God generous mercy towards us. 

When I look back to Jesus dying in my place, for my failings and wilfulness, nothing I do for Him looks very difficult. But living like this makes all the difference to how we live. Living like this will make a startling difference in the lives of those we we encounter. I want to live like this today. Will you?
Richard

The Coming King

There was great excitement when Prince George was christened. Not only were there plenty of photos of the family, but this child will one day be a king. He also received some interesting gifts, including from the Samburu community in Kenya four heifers, a bull, and a goat. This makes the gifts from the Wise Men look fairly ordinary!

But as, during Advent, we reflect on the Coming of Jesus, as Judge & Saviour, I am reminded of how he started his ministry in Galilee.

'Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” (Mark 1.14-15)

In announcing the Kingdom of God, Jesus was stating in word and deed that God is the rightful King on earth. In the prayer Jesus taught us, we repeatedly pray, 'May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.' In the Kingdom of God, that is exactly what happens.

And the conditions that make it possible for us to enter the Kingdom, and play our part in doing God's will on earth as it is in heaven are simple and clear. We first have to turn away from all we know to be wrong. We then believe God's Good News, which involves us in discovering that there is always a better way to live, free from guilt and greed, given over to new-style relationships and generosity. And this is a continuing and deliberate process of relentless realignment of our living.

So I ask myself again how much of my life is reflecting the Good News that Jesus was bringing.

On Sunday, when we wrote out what we needed to do, to be ready for Jesus' return, I wrote some clear words demanding action from me. Yesterday, in God's mercy, I was able to put those words into practice. I now pray that the next steps will lead to God's will being done on this small part of earth, as it is in heaven. Will you pray that too?

Best wishes,

Richard

"Testing, Testing!"

The sound engineer is doing his best to check whether the equipment works, and says "Testing, Testing!"

The OECD wants to check on the performance of school children in Maths, English & Science, so they are testing, testing! And Britain's schools don't seem to be doing as well as they might. 

These are testing times for many.

RBS customers had a very testing time last evening, when they were unable to use their bank cards at ATMs or over the internet. So I guess RBS people will be having a testing time trying to sort out the mess, and get everything working as it should.

And so I could go on.

I visited several homes yesterday where people are under considerable stress and pressure. The reasons were all different, varying from external events to the behaviour of people. The result was that life has become almost unbearable. Very difficult. A testing time.

And as Christmas approaches, most of us get more busy and stressed, because of the extra events and expectations which come with this time of year. As we know, little of it has much to do with Jesus!

How do we respond when life is full of tests and troubles?
St. James has an extraordinary outlook. 

'Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.' (James 1.2-4)

Because this is so different from the way I normally think, I have to keep going back to see what James is saying. James is reminding us that we only ever grow stronger in anything with relentless practice and application. As the proverb goes, 'Practice makes Perfect'. 

So when I am wondering whether I can handle whatever comes along, I remind myself that Jesus knows what is coming my way, and He can help me to endure, joyfully, rather than through gritted teeth. And the result will be an astonishing outcome - you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

So today, while life may be "Testing, Testing!", I shall ask Jesus to give me joy as I grow stronger in faith and trust.
Will you do the same?
Best wishes,

Richard

Getting Ready

Today is due to be the busiest day of the year for internet shopping. Huge numbers of people will be spending loads of money, apparently on new iPads and tablets. For many, who have spare spending capacity, this is a very exciting time of the year.

And others will be wondering if they will be able to cope with family pressures or financial problems that are getting worse, as the 'festive season' approaches. Food banks, crisis loans, heightened expectations, children and young people trying to keep up with their friends and much else suggest this is the worst time in the year for many.

And what might devoted followers of Jesus be thinking or doing?

The Advent season, which is looking beyond our annual remembrance of the first coming of Jesus, to his glorious and climactic return as Judge and Saviour, is a startling wake up call to get our own priorities in order. As we were powerfully reminded in yesterday's worship, there are some things which must be addressed. St. Paul, writing to friends in Rome, has a direct challenge. 'Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armour of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarrelling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.' (Romans 13.11-14)

Each day, as we get ready for the Coming Day of Jesus' return as King, let us deliberately submit our wills to His, so that He lives his life through ours. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armour of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see.

That means choosing not to do some things. Don’t participate in the darkness of . . . . . We can add our own contemporary examples of deeds of darkness - such as self-indulgent greed and excessive consumption. That way, we will be getting ready, in our inner lives, to be shaped by the Jesus we worship.

What a privilege!
Best wishes,

Richard