Seeing Clearly

The morning mist is hanging in the air, possibly a result of yesterday's extremely wet weather. I was glad to be inside, while the downpour happened. Maybe the sun will evaporate the mist, and we shall see more clearly later.

Why is it that at times, we are unable to see things clearly? I am not talking about fog and mist, but when a combination of circumstances, both internal and external, seem to render us incapable of clarity in understanding and normal wisdom.

It is well known that being intoxicated, whether by alcohol, fear or passion, can make us muddled. I recall many an old black & white movie in which one of the female characters was screaming about something, and the hero slaps her sharply about the face, and suddenly her mind is cleared and she starts being rational again! Is that the only way to bring a return to clarity?

The Bible has such an incident. It is very instructive.

'That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him.' (Luke 24.13-16)

We can imagine, from a human angle, why they were unable to recognise Jesus, but Luke tells us that God kept them from recognizing him. In the purposes of God, their temporary blindness was deliberate. For in that time, a deeper blindness could be addressed. While Jesus listens and talks to them, he has a chance to help them rearrange their mental furniture. 'Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.' (Luke 24.25-27)

Getting their thinking straight about the eternal purposes of God, and helping his followers of all generations to see how suffering was the chosen path to glory, was essential. Only within that context would it be possible for them to recognise the risen Jesus for who he was. With minds reformed, then their eyes could be opened and the right conclusions could be drawn. 'Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! 

They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24.31-32)

Having Jesus explain the Scriptures to us, as we regularly reflect on what we read, is what will keep our hearts on fire with love for him, and our will toughened to serve him whatever the setting we find ourselves in. Then we shall see clearly! And that is what I know I need daily.
Best wishes,

Richard

Progress Divides

HS2 is coming - one day!

While the communities in the leafy lanes of Buckinghamshire will be doing all they can to hinder progress, those most likely to benefit from improved transport links will be starting to plan for the future. But thus it always is when plans for the future are made. Some are for change, while others are for resistance to change. Managing change effectively, so that benefits are maximised for as many as possible, is a much studied art that masquerades as a skill.

Jesus was very aware that his coming was going to bring change, and he challenged people to get ready for the future. ' “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 1.15) 

This required repentance - a complete change in direction and destination - is not something we can manage on our own. Having Jesus alongside us, from the start, enables us to become the people he wants us to be. 'One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them,“Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.' (Mark 1.16-18)

Not everyone was happy with this new movement, and they challenged Jesus and his followers because they didn't do things in the 'old ways'. Jesus had to explain that real change will only happen when we are ready to leave behind the old ways. ' “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.” (Mark 2.22)

As we face all the challenges brought about by the new life of Jesus in us, we can both appreciate that not everyone will be happy that we are choosing to go with Jesus, and that He will help us to become the changes we long to see.

Best wishes,

Richard

'Rubbish!'

'What do you think of it so far?'

'Rubbish!'

You may recall the repeated dialogue between Ernie Wise and Eric Morecambe.

These days, people might say, 'It sucks!', whatever it is.

Life is like that for many people for much of the time.

We may complain about the weather or the traffic, or trouble on the trains, and tell others that we have had a 'rubbish' day.

But I was hearing news from Syria, and the extensive deployment of barrel bombs, killing large numbers of civilians indiscriminately. That really is something to complain about.

And yet the international community is unable to take united action because on many key matters they are not united. The problems in Ukraine reveal how bad our relations with Russia are. So rubbish relationships mean that further rubbish actions are committed all over the place.

As usual, if we don't find a way to sort out the rubbish in our lives, the rubbish turns really poisonous, and the damage is multiplied.

All this highlights the astonishing nature of the Good News that Christians celebrate and share. St. Paul, giving the earliest record of the resurrection, sets out the simple facts.

'I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him.' (1 Corinthians 15.3-8)

Paul's brief summary tells us that Jesus has dealt with the rubbish that we have all generated - 'Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said'. As the story of the crucifixion story makes plain, Jesus died for the wounded, the weak and the wicked - and that includes all of us. But by dealing with our own rubbish, and taking it away, he gives us a fresh start and the opportunity to make the future better than the past. The resurrection appearances tell us, without a shadow of a doubt, that this living, death-destroying Jesus can help us to apply his solutions to all of our rubbish-related problems. And that can change the world for us and those around us. And our broken world needs this sort of hope and help.

Best wishes,

Richard

What's that smell?

While out walking yesterday, we found ourselves encountering many springtime smells. I kept asking Betty, What's that smell?'

The wisteria was wafting its glorious aroma, as was the clematis montana varieties and the lilacs. There were many smells to detect, from the hawthorn and gorse, the bluebells and the heady mixture from springtime growth in the woods.

And then the distinctive smells from the nearby fields, including evidence of crop spraying and boggy ground and stagnant pools and ditches.

St. Paul makes reference to the different ways our lives may affect those around us, either as a beautiful life-giving aroma or as a messenger of bad news.

Now God uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume.' (2 Corinthians 2.14-16)

We might be surprised by this stark difference in the reactions that people have towards us and the message that we carry with us. But many of us know the experience of being (deliberately?) misunderstood by those to whom we have been hoping to bring a word of hope and encouragement.

It is wonderful, on the other hand, that the God who made the universe and who sent Jesus into our world can use us to bring life-giving perfume to the people around us, as we increasingly become a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.

So, which sort of smell are you today?

Best wishes,

Richard

Conclusive Evidence

After several weeks of noticing that lead was being stripped from our Church roof, from December to February, a large quantity of lead was found in a Goldsworth Park garden shed. Three lads were arrested, and admitted to being on the roof on one occasion. However, the quantity of lead is such that it matches all that which was stripped. In my mind, at least, this evidence is conclusive that they took it all.

When the tomb was found to be empty by investigating disciples on Easter Day, apart from the remaining grave clothes, it left them puzzled. So the women rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.' (Luke 24.9-12)

But when Jesus appeared in locked rooms, and enjoyed eating food with them, the evidence was conclusive. 'Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!

“Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet. 

Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched.' (Luke 24.35-43)

I am so grateful that the stories we have about Jesus being raised to new life have conclusive evidence that demonstrates beyond reasonable doubt that Jesus is alive. That means that I may live today trusting him to 'walk with me and talk with me along life's narrow way' (as the old song goes!).

And with the living Jesus with me, many things become possible which would not be if I were on my own. That will then produce more evidence that Jesus is alive!

Best wishes,

Richard

Seen and Heard

Yesterday, while out walking on Chobham Common, we heard the distinctive call of the cuckoo. Fortunately, I had remembered to take my binoculars, so with careful scanning of the trees to our left, we could see the bird as well. We were also able to continue our walk, and came much closer, and see its long tail, which confirmed that what we were seeing was not a collard dove. It was indeed a cuckoo!

For both of us, this was the first cuckoo for many years - both heard and seen. They are much easier to hear than to see. Together, the evidence was compelling.

The Gospel accounts of the resurrection of Jesus tell of what the women heard and saw. Again, the combination of hearing and seeing is compelling.

In Matthew's account, there is an earthquake, reminding us of the loud thunder clap we all heard on Easter Sunday at St. Andrew's, as Daniel Natnael was recounting the story. 'Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.' (Matthew 28.2)

All the Gospels have the women hearing words from angels, before they see the risen Jesus. 'So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. 

The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! " (Luke 24.3-6a)

Following the instructions they had heard, later we read of Jesus appearing to disciples, so they had also seen him. 'Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said.' (Luke 24.35-36)

In our own experience of meeting the risen Jesus, I guess that we all heard the story, from someone else, and maybe we all saw the life of Jesus in those who spoke to us. That combination of a convincing story to hear, and a life transformed by the life of Jesus is compelling. This means that this week, and every week, we can pray that Jesus would be heard and seen in the people like us who know Him and follow him. Then more people will be changed, and story will pass on.

And how good that will be.

Best wishes,

Richard

The Signs of the Times

Things are changing! The signs of the times give plenty of reasons to make people worry.

Tesco is no longer taking more market share from its rivals and their like for like sales have dropped. Something else is happening out there.

More worryingly, there are signs that Russia is playing a dangerous game of destabilising Ukraine. And of course, the Middle East is in turmoil, and the Indian elections have yet to reveal who will lead that nation. The same could be said for Afghanistan as well. 

The old order of Western domination is changing, and we don't know how the future might look. That is significantly scary for plenty of people.

Jesus spoke about the signs of the times to his disciples. '“Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.' (Luke 21.10-11)

He also used an illustration that is very appropriate for this time of year, as we see trees producing leaves and flowers. 'Then he gave them this illustration: “Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near.' (Luke 21.29-31)

Jesus encourages us to take note of what is taking place around us, and instead of being terrified by what we see, he tells us to trust that God is in control, and that his Kingdom rule is becoming more obvious.

In the context of this particular week, when we watch Jesus being betrayed, arrested, denied, tried and executed, we also recall that the crowned King rules from his cross. 'Hallelujah! What a Saviour!'

Best wishes,

Richard

"It's the economy, stupid!"

Bill Clinton's famous dictum about elections will be trotted out relentlessly, whatever the election - local, European, Scottish independence, or next year's General Election. 

Apparently, as the wily statesman from Little Rock knew only too well, everyone is more interested in money and how to make it, spend it or save it than anything else.

It was the same in Jesus' day.

During the week following his donkey ride to Jerusalem, he was challenged about paying taxes. ' Now tell us—is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 

He saw through their trickery and said, “Show me a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” 

“Caesar’s,” they replied. 

“Well then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” (Luke 20.23-25)

Jesus spoke more about the power of money, the appeal of possessions and the corroding effect of greed on our lives than almost anything else. And in this little exchange with those trying to trick him into some inflammatory remarks, he reminds us all that we are all people stamped with the picture or image of God. It is as though God's name is imprinted on our very nature.

We belong to God by virtue of our creation and even more so, because Jesus paid a high price for us. St. Peter reminded his readers, perhaps with his own recollection of watching the crucifixion at first hand, 'For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.' (1 Peter 1. 18-19) 

Therefore, today and every day, I am called to give to God what belongs to God, which includes the 'what', 'why' and 'how' of everything that makes up my life. 

And of course, that is what 'economy' properly means. 

Best wishes,

Richard 

Holidays

Spring sunshine and school holidays, and with the long Easter Weekend approaching, many are in holiday mood.

Of course the word derives from the more ancient phrase 'holy day', when Christian people in Europe remembered some particular festival or feast day.

In the time of Jesus, the week before the Festival of Passover was a special period of holy days. Most people were engaged in agriculture and were able, in early spring, to leave their work, and travel to Jerusalem, to recall the defining events of their national life. 

Having been slaves in Egypt, recalling the events of the Passover took them back to their origins. 'While the Israelites were still in the land of Egypt, the Lord gave the following instructions to Moses and Aaron: “From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you. Announce to the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each family must choose a lamb or a young goat for a sacrifice, one animal for each household.' (Exodus 12.1-3)

The events of Passover would mark the sharp distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians. The blood of the Passover lambs, daubed on the door frames, would mean safety and survival for all within that household. 'On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every first-born son and first-born male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgement against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord! But the blood on your door posts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt. 

“This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the Lord. This is a law for all time.' (Exodus 12.12-14)

Jesus and his disciples were on their way to Jerusalem, in order to be part of this great national event. It was a time of recalling God's faithfulness to his people, and of the great deliverance that was enjoyed by all who trusted him.

As we shall the see, during this week the focus changed from looking back, to looking forward. 

I pray that we may learn to trust God for our own deliverance.

Best wishes,

Richard

Going Up or Going Down?

As we get closer to the end of the football season, it is becoming clearer which clubs may be set for promotion or relegation. There is no doubt which is the preferred option.

The same can be said about political fortunes, particularly in the wake of the Maria Miller resignation. 

And businesses and companies are endlessly checking which way they are going. It doesn't look good for the Co-op Bank and the rest of that worthy organisation.

Jesus faced the same issues. 

He relentlessly told his followers what to expect. 'Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus said, “Listen, we’re going up to Jerusalem, where all the predictions of the prophets concerning the Son of Man will come true. He will be handed over to the Romans, and he will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit upon. They will flog him with a whip and kill him, but on the third day he will rise again.” (Luke 18.31-33)

While the journey to Jerusalem was definitely 'Going Up', because Jerusalem was built on the top of a hill, for Jesus, it looked to all observers as though his journey was 'Going Down'. What they were  going to see was Jesus handed over to the Romans, and he will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit upon. They will flog him with a whip and kill him.

The disciples didn't get what was being said. 'But they didn’t understand any of this. The significance of his words was hidden from them, and they failed to grasp what he was talking about.' (Luke 18.34)

Indeed, for the rest of the story, until the end of Chapter 24, the disciples were largely in the dark.

But Jesus had also said, 'but on the third day he will rise again.”

It is good for us to take time to reflect on this journey because for much of our lives, it may appear as though things are going down. We all face troubles and struggles, which often feel terminal. But we follow the One who has plumbed the depths for us, and who has overcome. Hence, we may know His peace and victory in the midst of whatever comes along today.

As the old hymn says, 'Hallelujah, what a Saviour!'

Best wishes,

Richard

Blind?

There are many in public life who appear to be blind. 

The continuing discussions around Maria Miller's past, present and future illustrate how hard it is for people to see clearly. And this story could be multiplied from many other walks of life. 

Having self-awareness and seeing ourselves as others see us seem to be essential qualities if we are be able to play our part effectively in a complex social context. In a politician or someone else with a public role, such blindness can be seriously damaging.

In the last week or two of his public ministry, Jesus encountered many people who were blind. Some he healed of their physical blindness, but others were much more difficult to help.

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. 36 When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18.37-39)

This man knew he was blind and wanted Jesus to help him. ' When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him,  “What do you want me to do for you?” 

“Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” 

And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.' (Luke 18.40-43)

I pray that Jesus will heal my blindness, so that I to may follow Jesus full of joy and thankfulness.

When I am stuck in obstinate blindness, caused by my own refusal to see what is as plain as a pikestaff, I will be unable to follow Jesus well. As in many of these issues, the choice is mine. In those times, I often need helpful friends who can point out where and why I am being blind.

My prayer is 'Lord, I want to see!'

What is yours?

Best wishes,

Richard

Who Rules?

After the Afghanistan Vote, with more than 7 million adults choosing their next president, now nearly 800 million Indians will be voting to choose their next Government.

As we know, even at the best of times, politics is riddled with problems. 

We all have too much evidence that, even with the best of intentions, politicians struggle to live up to the high trust placed in them. And then there is deliberate corruption and wickedness, which shows itself too often.

St. Paul has a view of political authority which comes as a shock to us, when we realise that he is living in the times of the increasingly mad Caesar Nero. 'Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.' (Romans 13.1)

Paul's understanding of the sovereignty of our Creator God underlies his conviction that over everything is God's authority. Nothing happens on this earth that does not have the permission of God. 

However, Paul is also aware that we live in a world in rebellion against the will of God, where people deliberately set out to thwart the will of God. 'For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.' (Ephesians 6.12)

In this spiritual battle, all of us are caught up in the struggle for dominance between good and evil, and that includes every politician on the planet.

St. John, in his Revelation, sets out the battle in different terms. 'Then I saw a beast rising up out of the sea. It had seven heads and ten horns, with ten crowns on its horns. And written on each head were names that blasphemed God. This beast looked like a leopard, but it had the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion! And the dragon gave the beast his own power and throne and great authority.' (Revelation 13.1-2)

The beast represents Roman power and authority, that ruled the whole of the world known to New Testament writers. Clearly, John's audience are left in no doubt about that the beast derived its power from the dragon, who represents Satan.

But above and beyond the power-brokers and national leaders, the Bible tells us clearly that God is the Lord and King of all.

In our own lives, we face the same choices as politicians and leaders of every nation. Will I serve God or will I serve myself? Who rules?
Best wishes,

Richard

In Touch?

It is widely believed that our politicians are not 'in touch' with the lives that most of us live.

I didn't watch the 'Nick & Nigel Show', as Messrs. Clegg and Farage argued about Europe and our connections with its institutions. But Nigel Farage appears to be in touch with what lots of people believe about Europe.

But it is not only politicians who are often seen as disconnected and out of touch from ordinary life. Most of the public assume that 'the Church' (and all of us who represent that group) are disconnected and out of touch, and therefore we seem irrelevant.

How different was Jesus!

He spent his time mixing with ordinary people, and offended the religious hierarchy because he spent time in the wrong company. But even worse was that he broke almost all of their precious little rules! (My sort of guy!)

'A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. 

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!”Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.' (Mark 1.39-41)

Jesus was sufficiently 'in touch' with the lives of ordinary and marginalised people that he encountered this isolated man. Instead of his uncleanness infecting Jesus (which is what everyone believed would happen), the health and wholeness of Jesus was shared with the sick man.

That is what Jesus seemed to be doing throughout the Gospels, as he encountered paralysed, hungry, demon-possessed and sorry people. As Jesus said in a different context, 'My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.' (John 10.10)

This is of course what all of us are called to be doing. To follow Jesus in being 'in touch' both literally and in our actions and attitudes. Then we too can bring health and wholeness to those around us.

What a great privilege!

Best wishes,

Richard

The Cause

Today's air pollution has many causes.

High flying Saharan dust blown north, added to our own traffic pollution and assorted extras all combine to deliver a potentially deadly cocktail. Some vulnerable people may be adversely affected, and many of us may find our eyes stinging. In past generations, we might not have known what was the cause of such sore eyes. At least these days we may have a better idea.

As we look around us, we can see many complex situations, where it is difficult to discover the underlying causes for the changes we observe. 

Identifying underlying causes is difficult, and it is usually easier to blame someone else, whether they are politicians or head teachers or the person in the Post Office.

When we ask those questions of the positive changes we see in the lives of people who are learning to trust God, we may find a more obvious cause. The Prophet Isaiah throws light on the way God works. 

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens
    and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
    producing seed for the farmer
    and bread for the hungry.It is the same with my word.
    I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,    and it will prosper everywhere I send it.' (Isaiah 55.10-11)

As we watch new growth in the trees and flowers around us, we know perfectly well that unless there is water, there can be no growth. So it is with the way God works. Again and again, somehow God manages to get his Word and his words into people's lives, and we begin to trust what God says. People discover that they are loved and precious, and that God has good purposes for them, and life change starts to happen.

I am so thankful that ultimately, The Cause for all that is good and hopeful in my life comes from the God who made the Universe and who made me! He can be trusted with everything I am and have. Knowing that brings peace and purpose to all I am.

Best wishes,

Richard

Morning Mist

Driving through the fog this morning, and hearing the weather forecast, I recalled some words from the prophet Hosea. 

I guess he woke up one morning, in about 750 BC, with a dense morning fog around him. He knew that once the sun was up and the temperature rose, the mist would disappear. And something made him connect the way the mist disappears with what he observed in the people around him. '“O Israel and Judah, what should I do with you?” asks the Lord.
“For your love vanishes like the morning mist and disappears like dew in the sunlight.' (Hosea 6.4)

What is striking is that he doesn't comment on their religious duties and outward behaviour patterns. Instead, Hosea is looking at the heart of his people, and he notices, as the prophet of God, that their problems come from hearts that don't love God. 'I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.' (Hosea 6.6)

In the next few weeks we will be re-telling the story of Jesus' willing sacrifice of himself, and note the appalling pain and suffering that he endured. As many hymns and songs remind us, our heart's love for God is warmed and deepened (to mix my metaphors) as we take time to recall how much God loves us. As the old apostle, St. John, reminded his circle of followers and disciples, 'God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.' (1 John 4.9-10)

So as we later see the sun, with the morning mist having evaporated, I shall ask the Lord to keep reminding me of His love for me, so that I may love him more deeply and thankfully.

Best wishes,

Richard