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