New Ideas

New ideas are coming to the surface in the Middle East, and this is causing a great deal of upset..
Following the departure of the long-standing President  of Tunisia, the ripples are spreading to other countries, most notably Egypt and Yemen. The hopelessness, and poverty of so many, coupled with the repression and widespread corruption within the governing elites have led to calls for change. But it doesn't look as though peaceful change will be possible. Many will be looking on with concern and fear.
Jesus spoke about how difficult it is for new ideas to take their place without causing a major upset in the status quo. “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.  “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 2.21-22)
This obviously applied in his day to the inability of the Jewish religious system to accommodate the freedom-bringing challenge and call of Jesus. But all of us find applying new ideas into our lives difficult too. Proof of this is found in the need for slimming clubs and exercise routines. We can all believe that it would be better if we did certain things - but doing them is altogether more testing. But the call of Jesus doesn't come without his offer of support and help. 'Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11.28-30)
I am so grateful to have seen how Jesus has helped friends of mine to accommodate change that brings glory to God and help to those around. It is often much harder to see change within ourselves. But all of us are called to take on the new ideas, where 'the glory of God is the focus of all we do', as one of our values states!
Best wishes,
Richard