Mid-week reflection

I'M OFF ON HOLS TO PORTUGAL FOR 2 WEEKS SO I REGRET THAT MY NEXT MID WEEK BLOG WILL NOT BE UNTIL WED. 13 JULY.
TAKE CARE AND EVERY BLESSING
JOHN

Mid-week reflection

Scripture Union

22 July, Day 290

John chapter 11

A matter of life and death.

Consider

Jesus is fully God and fully human. This great and beautiful mystery is at the foundation of our faith and is encapsulated in the story of the death and rising of Lazarus in chapter 11 of John’s gospel. We see Jesus’ godliness in the power he has to restore life to Lazarus, who has been dead for four days. In his other miracles, too, and through his teaching we know that Jesus is indeed the creator God who existed before time began and who possesses “all power and authority in heaven and on earth.” Yet who can doubt his humanity. Jesus was, “deeply moved at the death of his great friend Lazarus and at the grief of his sisters. We are told, “Jesus wept” [35], the shortest sentence in the bible, but surely one of the most revealing. Jesus, like you and me needs friends and tastes grief at the loss of a loved one and was fully, 100% human!!

Reflect

So often we read of a new miracle drug that will save thousands of lives. Research and development into new products to ease suffering is clearly a good thing and here in the West at least we are blessed with benefits of modern medicines and other treatments that enhance the quality of life but do they really save lives or just postpone the inevitability of death? Contrast the immortality, which the world seeks, with the resurrection which Jesus offers. We know our loved ones will not return in the way Lazarus did, but we place them in the loving embrace of the Father and trust that when his plan for humanity is fulfilled, they will be transformed into new life. A life of companionship with God, who will “wipe away every tear from their eyes” and in which “death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more.” [Rev. 21]

Pray

Risen Lord, who conquered death and restored life.

The resurrection is beyond the capability of even my wildest imagination and I cannot grasp what it means for myself or those I have loved.

But when my turn comes to leave this world may I trust my body to your loving care and enter into your unimaginable glory.

Amen

Mid-week reflection

 15 June 2011

Sorry folkes, I got out of sequence and somehow got a week in front of myself!!! This week [day283] I go back to John chapter 6.

Mid-week reflection

Based on Scripture Union, "The Bible in a Year." Day 283

John chapter 6

Consider

Who could forget a picnic organised by Jesus?
The opening verses of chapter 6 of John's gospel describe the feeding of the 5000, the only miracle to be recorded in all four gospels. A crowd of people follow Jesus because they had seen "the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick," [verse 2]. They are further convinced that someone great is in their midst when they are all fed "as much as they wanted" [11] from the snack box of a boy. Why, you may ask, does God not perform more miracles? Surely that would generate more devout Christians!!
Not so! This episode demonstrates how fickle faith can be that is based on miraculous deeds alone. The crowd were impressed with Jesus' power and had personally benefited from it. Next they want to apply it to further their own ends and "make him king by force," so that he would use his great power to overthrow the Romans. But Jesus has no intention to rule over an earthly kingdom. He wants our loyalty for reasons other than his ability to improve our well being with his amazing deeds.
Notice toward the end of the chapter how shallow is the loyalty of some of the crowd when "many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." [verse 66]. Perhaps this explains why Jesus used miracles so sparingly and why he often instructed those who had been direct beneficiaries oh his power to keep it to themselves.
What counts in the end, is a relationship with Jesus based on trust, forgiveness and especially love. It is the words of Jesus rather than his wonders that demand devotion, so that with Peter, in verse 68, we can say, "Lord, you have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." 

Reflect

• On those times when you wanted God to do something for you. Perhaps you have prayed for God to intervene in quite a desperate situation but feel that your prayers have gone unanswered.
• On the words of Jesus which spaek of eternal life and promise that in the end all will be well

Pray

• That in the business of life that you find time to hear the words of Jesus.
• For the ability to listen without distraction to the words of Jesus. 
• To allow those words to echo in your mind, to wash over you and change your life.

Mid-week reflection

Based on Scripture Union, "The Bible in a Year." Day 283

John chapter 6

Consider

Who could forget a picnic organised by Jesus?
The opening verses of chapter 6 of John's gospel describe the feeding of the 5000, the only miracle to be recorded in all four gospels. A crowd of people follow Jesus because they had seen "the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick," [verse 2]. They are further convinced that someone great is in their midst when they are all fed "as much as they wanted" [11] from the snack box of a boy. Why, you may ask, does God not perform more miracles? Surely that would generate more devout Christians!!
Not so! This episode demonstrates how fickle faith can be that is based on miraculous deeds alone. The crowd were impressed with Jesus' power and had personally benefited from it. Next they want to apply it to further their own ends and "make him king by force," so that he would use his great power to overthrow the Romans. But Jesus has no intention to rule over an earthly kingdom. He wants our loyalty for reasons other than his ability to improve our well being with his amazing deeds.
Notice toward the end of the chapter how shallow is the loyalty of some of the crowd when "many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." [verse 66]. Perhaps this explains why Jesus used miracles so sparingly and why he often instructed those who had been direct beneficiaries oh his power to keep it to themselves.
What counts in the end, is a relationship with Jesus based on trust, forgiveness and especially love. It is the words of Jesus rather than his wonders that demand devotion, so that with Peter, in verse 68, we can say, "Lord, you have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." 

Reflect

• On those times when you wanted God to do something for you. Perhaps you have prayed for God to intervene in quite a desperate situation but feel that your prayers have gone unanswered.
• On the words of Jesus which spaek of eternal life and promise that in the end all will be well

Pray

• That in the business of life that you find time to hear the words of Jesus.
• For the ability to listen without distraction to the words of Jesus. 
• To allow those words to echo in your mind, to wash over you and change your life.

Mid-week reflection

Based on Scripture Union, "The Bible in a Year"

25 May. day 262

Consider

Throughout May [and continuing into June] at our Sunday evening services we have been looking at the Bible as “The Word of God”. We’ve learned for example that the Bible is “God Breathed” [2 Tim. 3: 16]. That is to say that each of the forty or so individual human authors was directly inspired by God so that, although it was complied over a period of a thousand years, it is amazingly consistent. It’s an awesome thought that the book that you are hold in your hand is actually backed by the power of the Creator of the universe and it’s just as relevant to YOU right NOW as it ever has been to anyone else in history.

In this week’s mid-week reflection the unknown author of Hebrews compares God’s word to a sword that penetrates to the marrow and pierces the innermost secrets of our heart.

As you read the Bible, either in private study or in the fellowship of a home group, you’ll discover that it can cut like a scalpel into your very soul. Sometimes you’ll find out more about yourself than you’d like to. You might even be tempted to stop reading because living in the glare of God’s truth seems too much to bare. But stick to the task and read on! Open up your wounds to God. Show him who you really are and act on what you discover about yourself and about God. It will not be easy but the rewards are immeasurable.

Re read Hebrews 4: 12-13.

Reflect on....

·         God’s word is not just something from the ancient past but “living and active” [v12]. What particular situations do you find yourself in now where the bible can guide or help?

·         What is it like to live where, “nothing is hidden from God’s sight” and “everything is laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” [v.13]? How does this reality change your priorities? How does it affect your relationships with others? Especially what impact does it have on decisions you are about to take today?

·         If you are not all ready in one, will joining a house group enhance your understanding of what God has to say to you through the bible? If so speak with me, Mark or Sheila

Pray

For the word of God to be alive in you and for the courage to let it change your life.

Mid-week reflection

Based on Scripture Union

Day 255. Wenesday 18 May 2011

Titus, Chapter 3

Reflect....

Titus is one of the three so-called pastoral letters offering practical advice on church affairs. The letter is addressed to Titus who has been assigned to the church in Crete. Read on....

Members of the newly found church in Crete presented quite a challenge: even one of their own leaders described them “as always liars, evil brutes and lazy gluttons.” [1; 12] To sort things out, Paul sends in Titus, a Gentile convert to Christianity and one of his toughest and most trustworthy helpers. Titus has a reputation for plain speaking so is ideally suited for his brief which is to “rebuke them sharply” [1:13].

It is all too easy to be trapped by our Anglican niceness and for us to be economical with the truth even when confronted by behaviour that is abhorrent to God.  It is refreshing that in chapter 3 Paul instructs Titus to clearly remind people of their duty to be good citizens, recalling that those who are now Christians were once guilty of the same indulgent behaviour as the Cretans. Believers have an obligation to work for the common good. They should waste time in fruitless theological arguments and anyone who persists in maintaining false teaching is to be left to their own devices.

However, in taking a stand, Titus will have an awesome ally in God and it is by his mercy rather than our own merit that we will be baptised and reborn as people of God.

Re-read 3:3-7 and consider....

A child sits alone in an orphanage. She has no connection to the outside world; the only thing that awaits her is a life of poverty and isolation. One day two visitors arrive with the financial and emotional resources to provide a loving home and they welcome the child as their daughter.

What did the orphan do to deserve this transformation in her life? Nothing. Why did the couple choose her? We don’t know. But they did, and it had nothing to do with actions on her part. They simply had love to give and set their heart on this child.

Do you know how God feels about you? Like the lonely child, God comes to you today with the invitation to live with him and enjoy his gifts. That’s what these verses mean when they say you can become God’s “heir.” You can be adopted into God’s family by being reborn through the power of the Holy Spirit.

God opens his arms and his home and says, “Come to me.”

Why not accept his invitation today?

Pray

·         For the courage to confront in love those who offend God.

·         For the even greater courage to listen to church leaders who challenge your behaviour and life style.

·         Especially for the courage to reach out and accept the hand of God who invites you into his loving home.

Mid-week reflection

Based on,Scripture Union, Year of the Bible
11 May. Day 248.

2 Timothy 2

Consider

I’ve heard it said that the only person to welcome change is a baby with a wet nappy! Not quite true perhaps but it does indicate that many of us are fearful of change and that it’s what we remove from our life that leads to contentment.

In today’s reflection Paul reminds us that in order to be “a good soldier of Christ,” [v3] we must stay focussed on the military campaign before us and avoid getting involved in civilian affairs. We are warned not to get sidetracked with “quarrelling about words” [14] or “godless chatter” [16]. As the Lord’s servants we should beware of being distracted by “foolish and stupid arguments” [23] that only produce quarrels. Such things might start off in a trivial way but they can end up being a “trap of the devil” [26] and difficult to break free from.

Our mission is to be a workman or a soldier of Christ who is not ashamed to speak the truth plainly.

Our goal is “eternal glory” [10] and anything that distracts from this is to be eliminated from our lives so God can use us for “any good work” [21].

Reflect on verses 21 & 22.

Paul uses common household imagery to illustrate that we have the choice to be available to God.

If you’ve decided to be a soldier of God are you ready to do your duty and let him use you for anything? If not you can’t be placed in the gold and silver category. Let go of the things in your life that you know aren’t in line with God’s design. When you surrender these things to God, even though in the short term it may create hardship, he’ll have the freedom to work in you for much higher purposes than you’ve ever imagined.

Pray

For release from those things, large or small, that hold you back in your relationship with God or which distract you from your goal “eternal glory.”

 Timothy 2

Mid-week reflection

Based on Scripture Union, The Bible in a Year
Day, 24I, 1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3

Consider

In this letter Paul is writing to Timothy, his protégé and leader of the house church movement in Ephesus, with advice on church governance. In chapter 3, he specifically addresses the issue of leadership. The church is growing and there is an increasing need for more ministers to continue the work of the apostles. However, despite the need for more “overseers” [bishops or superintendents to use various other English translations] and “deacons”, quality is not to be compromised and Paul expects such people to be vetted to ensure they are of exemplary conduct and character and to be strong in faith.

In our modern “compartmentalised” culture it is increasingly acceptable to lead one life in private and another in public. Infidelity in marriage by those in public office, for example, is considered a private affair and not a matter for public concern.  “Not so!” says Paul. The way we conduct our family and private life defines who we are and has a direct bearing on the way we carry out our church responsibilities.

Its food for thought, too, that Paul’s prime concern is the character of leaders not the functionality of leadership.  The world may be full of good managers and good administrators and these are commendable attributes but something more is required of those in positions of influence in the church. They must be of “excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” [v13].

The Royal wedding was a wonderful spectacle full of pomp, colour and ceremony and was brilliantly organised down to the last detail. But what made it so special and so memorable was the feeling that at the heart of it was the character of a young couple who are decent and kind and deeply in love.

In the prayer written by William and Catherine for their wedding they say, “In the business of each day keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy. Strengthened by our union help us to serve and comfort those who suffer.”

I think Paul would approve of the prayer. It is consistent with the idea that Christian character is the foundation of church leadership at whatever level.

Reflect

·         We are all leaders in some form or another.

·         What is that appeals to you about leadership?

·         What do you give to it?

·         What do you take out of it?

Re read & Pray

Re-read chapter 3 and reflect consider the qualities identified by Paul of effective church leadership.

What are the two or three key areas where you can become a better Christian leader?

Mid-week Reflection

2 Thessalonians, chapter 1

Consider

We have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that those who turn their back on God will be “punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord” [v.9]. The good news is that those who persevere in faith, even when the going gets tough, will be “counted worthy of the Kingdom of God,” [v.5].

In his second letter to the Thessalonians Paul confirms that we worship a God of grace and of peace but he is also a God of judgement who will not turn a blind eye to our wrong doings. “God is just” and he “will pay back” all those who offend him, especially those who cause his followers to suffer.

Decisions over career, finance, children' education, where to live and so on are important but they are insignificant in the context of our citizenship of the Kingdom of God. According to the Bible, the most important decision you make in life is whether to follow or reject God. Choosing to turn your back on God and trying to lead your life without him has the gravest of consequences.

The choice is ours.

The door to God is open, we can step through it and enjoy his companionship for eternity or we can slam it in his face and remain in solitary confinement – forever.

Pray

·         For the wisdom to see the big picture and not be so consumed by the affairs that you take your eyes off eternity.

·         For the strength to “persevere in faith” even when you feel surrounded by those who go out of their way to “trouble you.”

·         To make “kingdom choices”: those choices that ensure that you are not “shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power.”

Mid-week Reflection

Scripture Union, "Bible in a Year"
20th April 2011. Day 227

1 Thessalonians, chapter1

Consider

 Wherever Paul went, he seems to have caused quite a stir. In Thessalonica, for example, he caused a riot and “the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil.” [See Acts, chapter 17 verses 5-10]. It’s a wonderful privilege to be able to spend quiet time with Jesus but we are not to keep him to ourselves. We are all called to share him with non Christians and when we do, we take a risk that things can get out of hand. The message of Jesus should never be thought of as “safe.” It changes lives and turns worlds upside down. The people of Thessalonica understood the radical nature of what it meant to be a follower of Jesus. Those who accepted him were transformed – those who didn’t turned hostile.

In this week’s reflection, based on 1 Thessalonians chapter 1, Paul is writing to encourage and reassure believers to remain strong in the midst of cultural opposition. In verses  9 & 10 he outlines three marks of true faith;

·         Turning from idols

·         Serving God

·         Waiting for the return of Christ.

What does the first of these three, turning from idols, mean? If worshipping an object of wood or stone is the definition of idolatry, then I guess most of us wouldn’t consider ourselves as idolaters. But worship isn’t just a matter of bowing down in a temple in front of the image of a false god. Idolatry is letting something other than God be the main focus of our lives. For example, money, alcohol, sex, career, status, even another person, anything other than God that we allow to dominate our lives can be considered as idols. Just as the Thessalonians had to turn from their idols and serve God, so must we.

Unlike an idol, the “living true God” referred to in verse 9 wants to have a relationship with us. He wants us dedicate our lives to his service and to await the fulfilment of his promise that he will come again to fully restore His kingdom, a world order based on justice and love. A place of everlasting praise!

Ask yourself

·         Do you want to be part of this new world, God’s world?

·         Will you turn from the idols in your life to put your trust in God?

Pray

·         For the wisdom to discern the idols in your life

·         For the strength to turn your back on them.

·         Foe the courage to be counter cultural and put your faith in God

Mid-week Reflection, 13 April

I’m off to Spring Harvest, so I am posting this week’s reflection early. Please feel free to let me know if you find this blog helpful ----or not!!

God bless,

John

Mid-week reflection; Philippians Chapter 4

Scripture Union, “The Bible in a Year”.

Wednesday 13 April, Day 220.

CONSIDER

Paul ends his letter to the Philippians by talking of the strength and joy that he has gained from his relationship with Jesus. As a prisoner in Rome, he has enough on his plate to worry about but despite this he feels a profound sense of peace and closeness to God. Paul wants his readers to feel the same and chapter 4; verses 4 to 9 are as applicable to us today as they were to the Philippians.

Paul explains how we, too, can experience such peace and joy.

We are to replace our worry with prayer [verse 6]. We may feel burnt out by stresses at home or at work. Our anxiety levels rise to breaking point with financial difficulties or health concerns.

When we surrender our anxiety to God through prayer, however, our focus shifts from our own sense of helplessness to God’s provision.

Paul tells us that when we present our requests to God, we will experience “a peace, which transcends all understanding.” [verse7]. This is not a superficial peace resulting from improved physical circumstances, but a deep sense of calm that comes from knowing that God knows and loves us and that in the end all will be well.

PRAY

If you are striving with anxiety right now, spend time with God. Talk to him about your difficulties. While he may not remove immediately, he wants you to depend on his provision so that you can find the same peace that Paul experienced.

REMEMBER

“REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS; AGAIN I WILL SAY: REJOICE! [verse 4]

Mid-week Reflection, Luke Chapter 23

Scripture Union, "The Bible in a Year"

Wednesday, 6th. April. Day 213

Consider

Jesus is led out to the “place of the Skull” to be crucified between two bandits. Even by the standards of the day Crucifixion was regarded as the most horrific way to die and was reserved for political rebels and slaves. It is impossible for us to enter into this scene and come to terms with the sheer agony and brutality of it all. Even the gospel writers can only bring themselves to record the bare facts and make no attempt to describe its harrowing barbarism. Luke mentions that Jesus’ executioners divided up his clothes and cast lots for them indicating that he was naked, something deeply shameful in Jewish thought and adding ignominy to excruciating pain.

Contemplate the two men on either side of our Lord; his companions in the last agonising hours of his earthly life. Are they hardened criminals? Freedom fighters? Or maybe they had been decent people driven to steal to feed their family in the only way they could.

Neither criminal claims to be innocent. One is defiant to the end; the other senses something mysterious and asks, “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Reflect on life with God.

Are religious rituals or good works a necessary part of salvation?

No! The criminal suffering next to Jesus simply asks to be remembered by him when he enters his heavenly kingdom. He has no time to take part in any rituals and no opportunity for good deeds. All he can do is ask for mercy and that is what Christ promises him. When all hope seems gone, he earnestly seeks God and finds eternal life!

Pray

Thank God that it is never too late and that there is always hope.

Repeat over and over, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

Mid-week Reflection; Luke chapter18

Scripture Union, The Bible in a Year Programme

Wednesday 30 March; Day 206

Consider

In chapter 18, we see three examples of Luke’s emphasis on prayer:

·         In the opening verses “a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men,” finally gives into a widow who keeps coming to him and saying, “Grant me justice against my adversary.” The judge worn down by her persistence grudgingly grants her request – so how much more will God hear the cry of his people when they pray.

·         The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector praying in the temple describes the upside down values of the kingdom of God where “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Respectable religious observers may try to rely on prayers and fasting but our loving Father answers the simple prayer of the tax collector “who beat his breast and said, God have mercy on me, a sinner.”

·         In the final verses, a blind beggar, cries out from the gutter, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” The crowd rebuke him but still he calls, “have mercy on me.” Blind to the physical world he senses spiritual reality very clearly. The beggar is an example of faith and his repeated appeal for mercy reflects the persistence of the widow. His humble cry for mercy echoes with the humility of the tax collector. Jesus breaks his journey and orders the beggar brought forward and asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?”  From the depths of his heart, the man answers for all lost and desperate people, “Lord, I want to see.” Jesus gives him what he asks and explains the reason why; “Receive your sight; you faith has healed you.” There is a double meaning: the man is both physically and spiritually healed and upon release from his darkness he immediately “followed Jesus praising God.”

The Jesus Prayer; “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.”

From the earliest times Christians have practised taking a phrase from the Gospels or Psalms and repeating it in prayer as a method of calming the restlessness of their minds and hearts so that they could focus on God. The most famous of these short texts, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me,” has become known as the “Jesus Prayer” and it takes its biblical roots in part from phrases in Luke chapter 18. The tax collector’s words, “God be merciful to me a sinner” [13] was the only way he could express his deep sense of emptiness. And the blind beggars repeated cry, “Jesus, have mercy on me,” was the only way he could express his longing to be healed.

When words fail, deep, loving praise or deep yearning can find expression in these phrases repeated in the presence of God.

Try it out!

·         Find a quit place

·         At first practice for 15 minutes or so.

·         Be still

·         Sit comfortably.

·         Relax every part of your body.

·         Calm down and breathe gently

·         As an option breathe in as you say the first half of the prayer and out as you say the second.

·         At first say the words out loud, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.”

·         Then, if it feels right, repeat the words silently, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God have mercy on me

Try it alone or try it with others in a homegroup

Mid-week reflection; Luke chapter 13

Scripture Union, The Bible in a Year Programme.

Wednesday 23 March, Day 199.

Luke chapter 13, taking verses 10-17, Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath.

Consider

It is the Sabbath and Jesus is teaching in the synagogue when he notices a woman bent double by a crippling disease, a condition she has endured for eighteen years. It’s what’s not said that makes this episode so heart-breaking. All the healing miracles start with great suffering. Sometimes a blind man calls from the roadside or a woman throws herself into the dust at Jesus’ feet or a crippled man is lowered through the ceiling by his friends. People driven by desperation, reaching out for Jesus. Unlike them, the lady in this story asks for nothing and expects nothing. Because of her misshapen body she wants to go unnoticed in the background.

Imagine her situation; hiding in the shadows. Ridiculed and living off hand outs. “It is more important that a donkey or an ox should get a drink than she is healed.” [v.15]. Her world is literally at her feet: starring day after day into the dust of the village street.

Then, out of the blue, three things happen: Jesus sees her, Jesus calls her, and Jesus touches her.

In an instant her world is transformed: she is straightened out and praises God [v.13]

A happy ending were it not for the synagogue ruler. What about the story from his perspective? He takes offence at Jesus flouting the rules and healing on the Sabbath. He’s a bit hasty in reaching for the rule book and his priorities are messed up but he’s the one with the responsibility for keeping things in order. Do we feel sympathy for him? Is there a bit of him in you and me? How would we feel if a stranger rolled into St Stephens with his hippy friends and started messing with our well ordered lives?

Who are you in the story?

·         Are you like the woman who craves healing but is afraid to leave the protection of the shadows?

·         Does it seem easier to look into the dust day after day than to step forward at the call of Jesus?

·         Are you like the synagogue ruler, quick with the rule book and good at keeping order but missing seeing God at work in the lives of people?

·         Probably, like me, there is a bit of both of these characters in your life.

Pray

·         For all those known to you with twisted lives, mentally, spiritually as well as physically.

·         For those like the woman in the story who are embarrassing to be with.

·         For people living day to day, staring into the dust and never seeing the horizon.

·         Ask for the courage to break the rules or your routine for them.

·         Like Christ call them forward into your life, your home, your church.

Mid-Week Reflection: Luke 8

Scripture Union, “The Bible in a Year Programme” Wednesday 16 March, Day 192.

[Apologies for being a day late but I was unwell yesterday]

Consider

Jesus has been described as hurrying but never hurried, a description that is fully in evidence in chapter 8 of Luke’s gospel. In the opening verses Jesus and the disciples are busy going “from one town and village to another”, their mission, “to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God.” This missionary task is not confined to the men and they are accompanied by “many” women with very different backgrounds. Viewed from our 21st century perspective, it is difficult for us to appreciate just how revolutionary the involvement of women is in the ministry of Jesus. Most of the men at that time believed that women were not even to be seen, much less heard and in their patriarchal culture it is men who provide and women, if they are lucky, who receive. By the standards of the day here is role reversal at its most inflammatory for the missionary work of Jesus is supported by the women “out of their own means” [v.3].

Re-read chapter 8 and enter into the scene. Become one of these men or women as they travel from place to place. Imagine the excitement as crowds gather round in village after village to hear Jesus: his promise of a new world order, which he calls the kingdom of God. Share in the amazement of the miracles. Finally become part of the greatest miracle of all, simply to be in the presence of Jesus as he hurries but is never hurried in the company of people he came to save.

Reflect

• On the sheer diversity of people in chapter 8: male and female, young and old, a local dignitary and a madman, rich and poor, family members of Jesus and strangers in the crowd. Can we do more to reach out to all sections of the community we serve?
• Like the women in verses 2 and 3, do you feel called to support the mission of the church “out of your own means”? This can be expressed in time, money, skills and prayer.
• On what this passage tells us about the role of women in the church today.

Pray

• For the ability to serve enthusiastically but not get stressed. Like Jesus to be hurrying but never hurried.
• For guidance and humility as the Anglican Church considers the appointment of women bishops.

Mi-dweek Reflection: Luke 3

Mid-week Reflection: Luke 3.

Scripture Union, “The Bible in a Year Programme” Wednesday 9 March, day 185

“A voice of one calling in the desert, “Prepare the way of the Lord”

Consider.

For John the Baptist, the desert is a quiet and productive place. It’s where he hears the word of God [v. 2] and it’s where crowds come to hear him preach the good news of the arrival of Jesus. But there is another desert, a wilderness that stretches further and goes deeper than the desert “country around the Jordan.” This desert exists in the hearts and minds of men and women. Consider the list of seven names at the beginning of chapter 3:

·         Tiberius Caesar, a ruthless dictator.

·         Pontius Pilate, a weak and manipulating politician, who in 3 years time will authorise Jesus’ crucifixion.

·         Herod Antipas ruler of Galilee who also plays his part in the crucifixion story and for the sake of his pride orders the execution of John.

·         Philip, Herod’s brother and puppet ruler of neighbouring territories.

·         Annas had been high priest and still really held power but in an act of nepotism had promoted his son-in-law, Caiaphas to be high priest. It was the manipulation and intrigues of these two that brought about the murder of Jesus.

Luke is not concerned to describe a geographical desert but a wilderness in the affairs of people. It’s a wilderness of human corruption: of broken relationships with God and between people. The real desert, then as now, is the world of deal-makers, power brokers, self-seeking and privilege. Only the voice of John is heard in this wilderness of cruelty and greed, exemplified by the names listed by Luke.

Reflect.

·         On who and how God calls people.

·         Is it the rich, the educated, the powerful?

·         Is it those, like John, who know that the wilderness is the place to hear the Word of God?

·         What is God saying to you in the silence in your wilderness moments?

Pray

·         What message does God want you to proclaim?

·         For the strength to be a “voice in the wilderness.”

Mid Week Reflection

Starting today, Wednesday, 2^nd March we will have a midweek reflection on a bible passage. This reflection will follow the pattern of Scripture union’s, The Bible in a Year programme which many of you have been working through. If you have been following the programme day by day, then this Wednesday is equivalent to day 178 and the reflection relates to Ephesians chapter 5.

 REFLECTION ON EPHESIANS 5

Consider

Throughout chapter 5 Paul emphasises the importance of unity and the need to lead a life free of “any kind of impurity” [3]. Towards the end of the chapter he turns his attention to practical domestic issues, his point being that, for the sake of credibility, church values of harmony and pure living must be reflected in the lives of church members.

The section opens at verse 22 with, “Wives submit to your husbands”, which in modern times, is one of the most controversial phrases in the bible. Some read this as a blueprint for the subjugation of women, yet with only a little context and closer examination it may be seen as a charter of genuine liberty.

In the ancient world women were held in disdain. A wife had no status and few legal rights; she was owned by her husband as a chattel and completely under his power. The idea of fidelity was non-existent so that “the whole atmosphere of the ancient world was adulterous.” [1]

Paul speaks into this darkness to tell of a new social order that reflects Jesus Christ who treated all people including women with courtesy and honour.

 In this radical society all Christians have a duty to “submit to one another” [v21]. Submissiveness is a universal Christian obligation. If, therefore, it is the wife’s duty to submit to her husband, it is also the husband’s duty, as a member of God’s new society, to submit to his wife.

The submission of the wife is founded on the love of the husband not his desire to control. Three times Paul stresses that the husband’s headship of the household is based on his capacity to love. “Husbands love your wives [v.25]; “husbands should love their wives” [v.28]; “let each one of you love his wife.” [v.33]. Moreover, this love is to be self-sacrificial for the husband is to love as “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” [v.25].

Re-read

·         Chapter Ephesians ch.5, at least from verse 22 to the end. To what extent to you think that the essence of Paul’s view on marriage is that, “Women submit, & husbands love”.

Reflect

·         What does it mean to submit?

·         What does it means to love?

·         Could it be that both mean, to give yourself over to somebody?

·         Are submission and love two sides of the same coin?

Pray

·         Irrespective of your marital status pray for you relationship with Jesus.

·         Is it based on submission and sacrificial love?

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[1] William Barclay