Travel Arrangements

With our Silver Jubilee approaching - tomorrow is the actual 25th Anniversary of the Dedication of St. Andrew's Church - many people are finalising their travel arrangements. Inevitably, some plans are modified or amended, and previous ideas are adjusted.

But we are used to that level of flexibility. My own diary for today has been changed because of changing circumstances.

St. Paul found himself in the middle of a serious misunderstanding with the Christian communities in Corinth, when he changed his travel plans. There were some who were trying to belittle Paul in the eyes and hearts of the many in the church, because they believed that these changes of plan showed that Paul was not to be trusted. 

Paul's response is robust. 'You may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say “Yes” when they really mean “No”? As surely as God is faithful, our word to you does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” (2 Corinthians 1.17-18)

I am struck by Paul's assertion that he isn't fickle and happy to change with the weather. How important it is that Christian people are known to be trustworthy and reliable. Our faithfulness and reliability should be of the same order as God's. Paul is quite aware that people in the world do not live by that standard.

But he goes on to make an astonishing statement about Jesus. 'For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God’s ultimate “Yes,” he always does what he says. For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.' (2 Corinthians 1.19-20)

Paul sees a direct connection between what he preaches - Jesus - and the way he lives. And then he states that Jesus is the fulfilment of all the Old Testament and its promises for the future blessing of the people of the world. That is a staggering observation!

So, as followers of Jesus, our future destiny determined by Jesus, in whom all God's promises find their fulfilment.

But this has implications for the details of our ordinary lives too. That includes ordinary stuff like our travel arrangements, or the shopping, work, conversations and everything else we might be doing today.

Have a great day!

Best wishes,

Richard