What were you doing on that day?

Today is the 24th June - cast your minds back to 1995 and can you remember what you were doing in the afternoon of the 24th June? Do you remember? I was watching the World Cup Rugby final with a whole bunch of friends. I remember the feelings of joy and euphoria as Franscois Pienaar lifted the trophy, with Nelson Mandela standing alongside him, also in his No.6 jersey. That day will live long in our memories.

But, what I am challenged by today - the 24th June 2009, is these two questions:
'What is different about my country, 14 years later?'
'What is different about me, 14 years later?'

Without going into too much detail, I would have to say that a simple answer to both questions is this: 'Lots has changed, but plenty has stayed the same!'
In our country, we are still battling racism, sexism, poverty, crime, unemployment, corruption, abuse etc. So, even a change in government and 2 World Cup Rugby wins has brought zero change to the lives of some people. '14 years later' may as well be 'yesterday' for them.

However, all is not doom and gloom. As Christ-followers we remember a significant event that took place around 30AD. There were no medals handed out that day, although there were lots of people in the crowd cheering and shouting. Jesus death on the cross and his subsequent Resurrection left an indellible mark on the world. For those of us who believe, we are changed - we cannot be the same anymore. Sadly, there will be many who will be unmoved through Jesus' sacrifice.

The Bible tells us that Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever. This speaks of his faithfulness, his consistency, his security. But, God calls us to renewed daily - changed on an ongoing basis. We are challenged not to remain the same (in some ways) - to made more into the image of Jesus Christ. That's a huge challenge for me. How about you? Are you different 14 years later?!

Only by Grace,
D3LM3