Fracking NIMBY?

Should fracking take place in Sussex? Some say 'No!'

It would be OK if no one lived there - and Lord Howell seems to believe there are wide open desolate spaces in the North East of England like that! So fracking might be OK there - but not in beautiful Sussex where loads of rich and beautiful people live, including Bianca Jagger!

NIMBY reactions are widespread. 

'Not In My Back Yard' is how most of us feel about something unpleasant. So we don't want a Waste Incinerator, electricity pylon, quarry, motorway, HS2 railway line and much else near where WE live. 

What is obvious is that we don't mind if we use petrol drilled in Nigeria, where Shell and others have blighted the lives of millions by the pollution that has resulted. 

We don't mind using palm oil products - which includes many things which we have grown to like - even though vast swathes of virgin rain forest are cleared to make way for palm oil plantations.

Are these selective examples evidence that we are easily selectively selfish and greedy? I think so.

Our culture is wedded to the idea that growth and progress are desirable - so long as I only receive the benefits and pay none of the costs.

We like cheap food, but don't want to pay a fair price to poor farmers in the struggling economies of Africa or South America.

James has some very strong words to say to people who are selective in their view of what is OK. You may never have read these startling words, so take care!

Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. Your gold and silver have become worthless. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This treasure you have accumulated will stand as evidence against you on the day of judgement. For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The wages you held back cry out against you. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. You have spent your years on earth in luxury, satisfying your every desire. You have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter. You have condemned and killed innocent people, who do not resist you.' (James 5.1-6)

In our complex world, where everything we do has an impact somewhere else, we need to have joined up thinking in our own lives. We cannot pretend that we are acting in ignorance about the consequences of our actions. James gives us a wake up call. Being ostrich-like, with our head in the sand, will be no excuse when we face our Maker!

Best wishes,

Richard

Getting there!

'Getting there!' is a response to questions like 'How are you?', 'Any progress with the . . . . (problem), or 'How's is your mother?'.

'Getting there!' indicates that some hopeful progress is being made, whatever the situation. 

Of course the response assumes that we all agree where the 'there' is, and that it is a desirable destination.

But the 'Getting there!' response might also be applied to major problems in the world, if a destination and direction could first be agreed.

It would be wonderful if Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, after their preliminary talks, could say, 'Getting there!', if that meant peace and justice for all concerned.

As followers of Jesus, we too should be able to say 'Getting there!' about our own discipleship. 

The writer to the Hebrews encouraged his friends to keep making progress. 'So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding.' (Hebrews 6.1) Instead of going round and round, and never making progress, all of us should have a sense of direction and destination in our Christian lives. We should all be able to answer 'Getting there!' , if asked about our own following of Jesus.

Later, the writer tells us how we can make this progress. 'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.' (Hebrews 12.1-2)

If we are serious about 'Getting there!' in our Christian lives, we must take action to ensure progress is possible. Like athletes who train hard and then strip off before competing, we need to take care that all we do helps us focus on Jesus, so that we are not distracted or diverted. He is the One who will ensure that really are 'Getting there!' 

Best wishes,

Richard

Care Crisis

How many more reports will there be about the struggles in the NHS?

Today, MPs warn of looming disasters in the A&E departments this coming winter. Last week, there were reports of the worst 14 Hospital Trusts. 

And yet most of us are dependent on local health provision, whether that is our GP surgery or local hospital. 

What can we do? 

The best advice seems to be to stay well and don't grow old. That is not much help for increasing numbers.

Of course in Jesus' day, there was no health provision that we might recognise. So it is no surprise that his healing ministry, and care for the destitute and marginalised, marked him out as different, and worth following. The story of his healing those affected by leprosy speaks volumes. 'In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.' (Luke 5.12-13)

Our days are very different from Jesus' day, but we are still surrounded by people with needs which are not being met by statutory provisions. As Social Service departments have their budgets cut, and as government moves to cut the benefit budget, there are more more people needing help from Food Banks, and other forms of support. 

And deeper than all of this is the need we all have to be connected to the God who made us and knows us intimately. Just as Jesus was both willing and able to help meet the man's need, we too have opportunities to touch the lives of those around us, who face a care crisis. 'Jesus reached out and touched him.' Whose life will we reach out and touch today?

Best wishes,

Richard

Good News

The arrival of the royal baby has sparked a great flutter of media attention, and behind all the froth and bubble are parents glad that they have a son. Apparently, the Good News of this royal birth will have a positive impact on UK exports and tourism, as people around the world think more about the UK!

But the Prince of Cambridge was one of over 2000 babies born yesterday, so there are plenty other families rejoicing in their good news.

Other glimpses of Good News come from many other directions, depending on your point of view. Last night's rain was welcomed by many.

The Prophet Isaiah is the first to mention 'Good News' as a distinctive category of messages. 'How beautiful on the mountains
    are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,
the good news of peace and salvation,
    the news that the God of Israel reigns!The watchmen shout and sing with joy,
    for before their very eyes
    they see the Lord returning to Jerusalem.Let the ruins of Jerusalem break into joyful song,
    for the Lord has comforted his people.
    He has redeemed Jerusalem.The Lord has demonstrated his holy power
    before the eyes of all the nations.
All the ends of the earth will see
    the victory of our God.' (Isaiah 52.7-10)

This Good News followed on years of bad news, as the people of Judah and Jerusalem had endured the experience of defeat and exile. But the prophet brings Good News, because the years of exile are to be ended, and the people will return to Jerusalem.

Most of the people I encounter daily are experiencing what looks like exile, in one way or another. Most have little idea that they matter to God, and people are often in broken and distant relationships with the people around them. To know that God has acted to bring exiles home is the Good News we carry. The Good News of relationship with God, and a purpose to live for is something quite startling to be able to share.

In one way or another we can have those beautiful feet that Isaiah speaks about. That is Good News in itself.

Best wishes,

Richard

Surviving Heat

The British love to talk about the weather.

Our present dry spell, with the clear blue skies and heat, has produced its usual crop of news events.

Having saved 3 barrels of rainwater from those days when it rained, in order to water assorted plants, we are down to the last few bucketfuls. 

What will we do next?

Some plants, roses in particular, have very deep roots, so they have been fine. Others are shallow rooted, and look thoroughly dead. But once it rains again, we shall see what copes best.

The Bible was collected in a region much more used to this sort of weather, when drought and famine were regular.

The famous conflict between Elijah and King Ahab (and his terrible wife, Jezebel) took place in this context. 'Later on, in the third year of the drought, the Lordsaid to Elijah, “Go and present yourself to King Ahab. Tell him that I will soon send rain!” (1 Kings 18.1)

The prophet Jeremiah, who lived through times when faithful spiritual living was under great pressure, used drought as a metaphor. 'This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans,     who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.

They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future.

They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land. 

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord 

and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. 

They are like trees planted along a riverbank, 

with roots that reach deep into the water. 

Such trees are not bothered by the heat 

or worried by long months of drought. 

Their leaves stay green, 

and they never stop producing fruit.' (Jeremiah 17.5-8)

I am challenged by these words to reflect on my own spiritual life. 

What provides the nourishment that I need in my own life? 

Do I have deep roots in the Lord, or am I too dependent on everything going well around me to feel OK? 

Am I taking care to keep rooted in the Lord, or will I be lazy and go with the flow? 

Am I taking time to read the Bible, reflect, pray and resolve to act in the light of these spiritual disciplines?

I pray that we will all address these important issues. 

Best wishes,

Richard

Dying of Thirst

In this long spell of uncommonly hot weather, we are all encouraged to keep drinking.

The tragic deaths of the two TA soldiers over the weekend, in the Brecon Beacons, was almost certainly because they had not been drinking enough. 

Without water, we die quite quickly.

The recent controversy over the 'Liverpool Pathway' for the care of the terminally ill has focused in recent days on the fact that water is refused to those in their last days. As some have observed, people are dying of thirst.

The Bible is full of reminders that we are wired up to be thirsty for a deep experience of the living God. 

In the Psalms, we read, 'As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.  I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?' (Psalm 42.1-2)

The Prophet Isaiah presents a glorious invitation from the Living God to all who would listen. '“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free!' (Isaiah 55.1)

Jesus himself makes startling promises about His capacity to refresh and renew us, as we come to Him in trusting acceptance of His offer. 'On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds,“Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)' (John 7.37-39)

Today, all of us need to drink deeply from Jesus, so that His Spirit may flow through us to bring life to others, who are dying of thirst.

What a privilege.

Best wishes,

Richard

Cheating

Is Chris Froome cheating in the Tour de France? Some people think so.

He and his Sky team boss insist that they have not taken drugs to improve their performances. I hope they are proved to be telling the truth, as cycling has had far too many cheats in the 'sport'.

But Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell, two of the fastest sprinters in the world, have been taking performance enhancing drugs. It appears that the evidence against them is robust. They take drugs to be able to improve their performance.

What has this to do with people wanting to follow Jesus?

Just as elite sports stars are under pressure to be good and better than the rest, so many people I encounter feel they must try to appear better than they are. 

Many seem hooked on an addiction to performance-related affirmation. Unless such people get lots of 'well done' and praise, they feel unacceptable. So appearances and affirmation shape they way they live. It is like being on drugs.

Then the temptation is to assume we can live a followers of Jesus by keeping up appearances, rather than focusing on our deepening relationship with Jesus.

So I am reminded - again -  of the words of Jesus. 'Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.' (John 15.4,5)

We need to remember that there are no performance enhancing gimmicks or courses or techniques, so that we can suddenly seem more spiritual or godly than we are. 

The only thing that matters is whether we are staying connected to Jesus. 

Do that, and everything else will sort itself.

Don't trust me! Trust Him!

Best wishes,

Richard

Unite!

What's in a name?

The Unite Union and the issue of financial contributions look like forcing a split in the Labour Party. That seems to me somewhat ironic.

Getting people to unite is a constant struggle. 

We see this being played out within nations - think of Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland and many other places. 

It is also a struggle as different nations seek to agree over common causes - education for girls and boys, addressing the issues of female genital mutilation, climate change matters and much else.

We can all unite with those others who share all of our views, who are like us and share our background. But to get people from diverse backgrounds and cultures to unite seems well nigh impossible.

But that is what the Christian community is called to do. 

Jesus called a mixed bunch of disciples - all Jewish, and all men, admittedly - to be a band of brothers. They had their struggles, but Jesus worked with them, for change. 'After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?” But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” 

Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” (Mark 9.33-38)

St. Paul pressed this principle to its limit when writing to the deeply divided community of Christians from different backgrounds in Rome. 'May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.' (Romans 15.5-7)

This last weekend, at St. Andrew's, has been a great time, as we have enjoyed wonderful weather, and the chance to work together for the glory of God and the good of other people. 

Both our Jubilee Fair and our Outdoor Church were notable for the quality of cooperation and teamwork seen on all sides. I am so thankful to the Lord for this active demonstration of Jesus' followers seeking to live transformed lives. May we continue this good work. as we unite more deeply in our shared lives.

Best wishes,

Richard

What Lies Beneath?

Today, the first Friday in Ramadan, will provide both sides in Egypt the opportunity to get their supporters onto the streets. These demonstrations will reveal something of what lies beneath their two views of the future.

It will prove to be a numbers game, as both sides will want to demonstrate the level of support for their views about the way the Egyptian revolution should proceed.

For some, their vision is of a more inclusive and secular state, in which minorities are valued, and for the others, their desire is to see their particular brand of Islam dominant.

What lies beneath is a battle for hearts and minds.

But the same could be said about discussions in this country about school meal - the free choice (unhealthy!) option, or compulsory (healthy!) school meals. The discussions within the Labour Party over funding can also be seen in the same light. It is important to see what lies beneath.

The same goes for the St. Andrew's Jubilee Fair tomorrow and our Outdoor Church on Sunday. What lies beneath our activity?

To some, it may appear that we are just wanting to raise our public profile, and enjoy the good weather. But a deeper concern is to be true to our founding principles of being the church for Goldsworth Park.

What can we learn from the way Jesus sent out his followers? 'The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. "Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’  Then he said to the disciples, “Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me. And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me. And anyone who rejects me is rejecting God, who sent me.” (Luke 10.1,3,9,16)

While we are outside, whether it is on Saturday or Sunday, we need to recall that we are in the public sphere as followers of Jesus, and not everyone will think we are doing a worthwhile job. No-one needs to ask what happens to lambs among wolves! But while we are vulnerable to attack, we are also bearers of the only Good News that bring hope to a dying culture. What we are and what we say should reflect the fact that we are Jesus-sent people. What lies beneath is that deeper relationship which has eternal consequences for us and those amongst whom we serve. So please pray that we will be faithful and effective in bringing Good News to our community.

Best wishes,

Richard

Living with Hope

People all around the world are hoping for something better. 

It is hope that motivates many who work for peace and justice, for the overthrow of tyranny and the establishment of good government. 

What started as the Arab Spring over 2 years ago seemed to be full of hope, even if recent events in Egypt, Syria and Turkey have challenged simplistic views of observers. 

Some may be wondering whether things can get better. Can paradise be regained?

The Bible is full of strong reasons why we can be people who live with hope. We can read of visions, set out in poetic language, of a new heaven and new earth. From the Old Testament, we read of nature being transformed. 

'In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat.
The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all.
Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord.' (Isaiah 11.6, 9)In the final chapter in the Bible, we read of a glorious transformation. 'Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the centre of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.' (Revelation 22.1-2)This image tells us where true hope lies. The water is no ordinary water, as it comes from God himself, and it brings life, because Jesus has overcome death.  The tree of life again refers to the cross of Jesus, which is the great victory of God over sin and decay. This tree is powerful in its relentless healing effect, and it is the very nations that are so sick which will find their healing from this source alone.As I look out on the world, with all its brokenness and sorrow, its wickedness and pain, I pray that the healing power of Jesus will be at work.What is your prayer?
Best wishes,Richard

Roots and Fruit

Each morning, while this dry weather continues, I make sure that I water the pots containing my 4 blueberry bushes. Experience tells me that if I pay attention to the condition of the roots, then there is a chance that the fruit will grow to maturity.

Last week, the tree fellers had to take down a large horse chestnut tree in the front of our house, because the roots were rotten. So there won't be any conkers from that tree this year!

And we can all add other examples, no doubt!

It seems to me that Jesus was teaching the same lessons when he spoke to the 72 disciples who returned from their first mission experience.

'When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” 

“Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” (Luke 10.17-20)

The returning 72 were excited at the fruits of their mission activity. While Jesus confirms that significant spiritual victories were being won, he tells his disciples that much more significant is their relationship with God, which God alone has given in his mercy.

At our PCC meeting last evening, we looked again at this story. In pairs, we looked at recent encouragements that we had seen in the life of our church - and there is plenty of good evidence of God's mercy and blessing on us. But Jesus is quite clear that instead of focusing on the 'fruit' of our ministry, we need to keep looking to what God has been doing in us - the roots of our life in Him.

Today, it is vital that we attend to our roots - and then trust God with the fruit!

Best wishes,

Richard

From Failure to Victory

Seventy Seven years is a long time to wait.

From Fred Perry to Andy Murray, every British man who tried to win the Wimbledon tennis title failed. As Andy Murray has said, the burden of expectation was extraordinary.

But now he has won, and the long years of failure are conquered, and his victory was decisive. 

The manner of his victory was astonishing. He won in three straight sets, overwhelming the tough Djokovic, to reach the pinnacle of his present ambitions.

While the pundits will now wonder, at length, how many more time he may win major titles, this first Wimbledon victory may turn out to be the toughest. Endless failure was ended.

Faithful Jewish people from the time of King David, three thousand years ago, started looking for the King who would right all wrongs, and who would bring victory in place of successive failure. 

The Psalms and the Prophets tell us of these deep longings. 

 'He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them.He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them.He will redeem them from oppression and violence,     for their lives are precious to him.' (Psalm 72.12-14)

Faithful people were longing for someone who would be able to bring God-inspired deliverance and victory. But for 3000 years, they waited.

So when Jesus came on the scene, with widespread heightened expectations for God's Messiah to bring change, he had to be careful in managing people's expectations. Would the time of waiting be over?

St. Paul  makes an astonishing claim. 'This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.' (Romans 1.1-4)

The Good News that Paul preached and taught focuses on the unique victory over death that Jesus achieved.

The victory over death was the decisive moment that confirms Jesus as the only One in all history who can deliver us from our slavery to death and decay.

Today, while we may still be 'coming to terms' with Andy Murray's victory, let us also reflect on a much greater victory won for us by Jesus.

Best wishes,

Richard

TGI Friday?

The world will be watching what happens in Egypt today. Fridays in the Muslim world are days of heightened significance, and all sides will be hoping to make the most of today's opportunities. For many reasons, people in Egypt will be saying 'Thank God its Friday!' (=TGI Friday)

Ed Milliband has to face issues over his leadership and the Falkirk election muddle with unison. I am not sure that he will be saying 'TGI Friday!'

But why should we say 'Thank God its Friday'?

I can think of several reasons that various people might have.

For many people, Friday is a day to be thankful because it is the start of the weekend. It is therefore the gateway to being able to get away from work, to relax and enjoy some self-indulgence. With good weather looming, many will be taking the time to please themselves.

But Christians have often remembered that it was on a Friday that Jesus willingly gave his life for us. For this reason, some have chosen to make Friday a special day of devotion and sacrifice. Far from it being a day of exuberant indulgence, it is a day for sobriety and reflection.

What sort of Friday will you have?

St. Paul was not someone who made a special thing about any particular day, but he tells us how his life is changed every day by his reflections on the death of Jesus. 'My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.' (Galatians 2.20)

Each and every day, we can say 'Thank God its today!', because of what Jesus has done for us.

This particular Friday is the final day to see the One Way Experience exhibition at St. Andrew's. It is open until 2pm and then from 7pm to 10pm. Many have found it a great encouragement in their own life of trusting Jesus. 

We still need people tomorrow to help take the exhibition down - from 9.30 onwards. Please let me know if you can help.

Best wishes,

Richard

Connected Living

My mobile phone is not very smart! And neither am I! But does that matter?

The adverts I see and hear suggest that the really smart phones can keep their owners connected, with world news, facebook, pictures from all round the world, friends who are texting, twitter, as well as keeping an eye on their diet, exercise, diary, meetings,latest film reviews, music and the rest of life.

That is astonishing!

But what puzzles me is whether people who are so connected can actually connect at a personal level to the people they may encounter in their daily lives. 

I guess we have all had the disappointing experience of talking with someone, when their attention appears to be somewhere else - either on their mobile phone's latest message, or by their looking around the room, or reading the paper or watch the TV.

Instead of being connected, we are too easily distracted!

St. Paul reminds us that as followers of Jesus, we have the privilege of being connected to the God who made us and loves us. 'But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.' (Ephesians 2.13, 17-18)

This is an astonishing gift. 

Because Jesus died for us, we may be re-connected to God himself, and because of that, we may be connected with one another. These restored relationships - both vertical and horizontal - bring us into an experience of life and wholeness, love and peace, which make us new from the inside out.

Instead of becoming less human, by our over-connectedness through mobile phones and other gadgets, we become more human when we can look real people in the eye, and know the real love and presence of Jesus in the depth of our being. We must choose which sort of connectedness we want. I know what I am choosing. Which is yours?

Best wishes,

Richard

Power to Choose

Events in Egypt are moving fast, though not fast enough for some.

President Morsi, originally sponsored by the Muslim Brotherhood, is deeply unpopular with the more secular and non-Islamic communities in Egypt, because he has not delivered on his promises to bring healing and change for all Egyptians. He wants more time to make the changes, and more powers to produce changes. But the protesters are deeply suspicious of the latter and do not want to allow him the former.

But this story is being reproduced in both Turkey and Brazil, and is an escalation of the experience of the British people most of the time. 

After an election, there is a time when many people imagine the new government will make things better. Quite soon, disillusion sets in, and we resent it when half-baked ideas become policy, and we begin to wonder what might happen after the next election.

We have the power to choose, but it doesn't produce the results we long for.

In one of Jesus' parables, he has a group of subjects complaining about their ruler. '“A nobleman was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return. Before he left, he called together ten of his servants and divided among them ten pounds of silver, saying, ‘Invest this for me while I am gone.’ But his people hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want him to be our king.’ (Luke 19.12-14)

That startling comment from 'his people who hated him' comes a shock even within the story. Jesus makes no further comment on the choice of the people to reject the rightful king. Clearly, people have the power to choose.

The prologue to John's Gospel picks up this theme, as he tells of the coming of the true light into God's world. 

We often hear this read around Christmas time (less than 6 months away!) 'He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.' (John 1.10-13)It is astonishing that God, in his mercy and love for us, has given us the power to choose - either to reject or accept the gift of Jesus. Our eternal destiny is determined by the choices we make. But that is how seriously our Creator God takes us.

Our privilege, as followers of Jesus, is to be able to play our part in helping others to use their power to choose to choose life.

Let's pray that we are effective and faithful in this ministry.

Best wishes,

Richard

Experiencing Life

Stories on the news, or in the papers give us information. 

Pictures from around the world show us what is happening. 

But experiencing it is another matter.

I have never been to the Glastonbury music festival, but I know people who have. Their excitement at what they have experienced is quite startling.

Watching protesters in Egypt, Brazil, and Turkey reveals a passion in their lives that shames our political apathy. Their experiences clearly drive them onwards.

St. John, writing to encourage first generation Christians who had never met Jesus, points to his own first-hand experiences of being with Jesus.

 'We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.' (1 John 1.1-4)

It is striking how many times he refers back to personal experiences - We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands (v.1) , and we have seen him (v.2), what we have actually seen and heard (v.3)

John's own experience of the life of Jesus and what that life communicated was the basis for his own life being transformed. To discover that Jesus brings us into relationship with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ is a miracle which is open to all of us. The shared experience of Jesus transforming our lives is what links us as Christians with our sisters and brother around the world and across the centuries.

In St. Andrew's Church this week, we are hosting the 'One Way Experience', which is an interactive exhibition on the life of Jesus. Many of us had a brief encounter yesterday, as part of our worship, and may wish to have more time to experience the life of Jesus in this way again. 

My prayer is that as children and adults take time to encounter Jesus this week, they too will be transformed.

Best wishes,

Richard