Love truly transforms lives, not fear!

One of the reasons I began to explore writing a blog (18 years ago) was because I realized that I couldn't "fit" all my thoughts and research into a 20-minute timeframe on a Sunday. I also wanted to allow the scripture passages to live with me longer than one day. And so, what I started out doing was drip-feeding my soul with scriptures, quotes and ideas that I hoped would help me to digest the essence of the Sunday theme.

I have not always followed this initial vision, but I would like to do more of that this week. I have really enjoyed taking time to ponder the story of the Samaritan woman (John 4) and it amazes me how much we still need to learn from this story, especially focusing on the actions of Jesus.

In an age of blatant hatred, unkindness, sectarianism, racism and all sorts of division, Jesus shows us what His Kingdom is truly about. Jesus crosses multiple barriers to share God's love and grace with a woman who was ostracized and written off by many. It is little wonder that she was astonished at his kindness and willingness to engage with her.

25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

Thought: The woman was not oblivious to what names people were calling her. She expected Jesus to treat her in the same way, but he did not. In order to bring her back to God, Jesus didn't need to shame her - he only needed to show her that she was 'seen and loved.' This was the catalyst to her conversion. 

Ø  Isaiah 55:1–3 — “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters…”

Living in Grace

D3LM3

King at 8 years of age!

Can you remember being 8 years of age? I can't really remember that age exactly, but I do remember being a child and how simple life seemed to be. So, can you imagine being asked to be a sovereign ruler at just 8 years young? I couldn't think of anything worse - the sheer weight of that responsibility must be crippling. 

One of Jesus' ancestors, King Josiah, was made King when he was just 8, succeeding his father Amon, who had been assassinated. Josiah was an influential King - for all the right reasons. 2 Kings 2 describes his reign in this way: “And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.” (v.22)

Another of the highlights of his reign was that ordered the restoration of the temple, and it was during this rebuilding process that the book of the Law was rediscovered. He then instituted a campaign of reformation and returning to the Lord:

“The king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people joined in the covenant” (2 Kings 23:3).

Advent is a time when we should rediscover the ancient story of God's love for us, and then as we retell the Gospel stories, we should recommit our ways to God. I find that the Nativity never gets stale or boring for me - I love being reminded of the child, who was born a King! 

Jesus didn't have to wait until he was 8 before he was anointed as King - we honour him as the One born to rule!

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Celebrating the King

As we celebrate Palm Sunday, let us read some words from Zephaniah who shares a remarkable prophecy of the coming of the Messiah. As you read his words cast your mind on the image of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey. Hosanna in the highest - praise the Lord of lords.

¹⁴ Sing, Daughter Zion;
    shout aloud, Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
    Daughter Jerusalem!
¹⁵ The Lord has taken away your punishment,
    he has turned back your enemy.
The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you;
    never again will you fear any harm.
¹⁶ On that day
    they will say to Jerusalem,
“Do not fear, Zion;
    do not let your hands hang limp.
¹⁷ The Lord your God is with you,
    the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,    but will rejoice over you with singing.” - Zephaniah 3:14-17

For all of the reasons mentioned by Zephaniah, Jesus comes into our lives this week and invites us to kneel before his throne. What will our response be?

Living in Grace
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The Breaker

 

"The One who breaks open the way will go up before them;
    they will break through the gate and go out.
Their King will pass through before them,
    the Lord at their head." - Micah 2:13

The image of the Lord breaking open a way for us to be set free is so powerful. Micah pictures the Saviour breaking through the gates and leading the people to their freedom. 

Advent is period of waiting where we know that in the end Jesus Christ will 'Break Open' the gates of heaven and will become one with us. The Word made flesh (the Incarnation of Christ) is arguably the most profound evidence of God breaking through for us.

What is making you feel trapped today? What walls have you built around your heart? Will you allow the Messiah to break open a way for you today?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The gift of a Star!

 

When were you ever given a Star?
I am not speaking about a gold or silver star in pre-school - I am talking about an actual Star!? A star like Andromeda, Orion, Sirius, Polaris?
I guess all of us have answered my weird question with a resounding, "Well, NEVER, of course! We have never been given an actual Star!"

In Revelation, the word of God goes out to the church to encourage her to persevere and to hang on until Jesus returns. John's words then suggest that God will actually give us a Star - not just any Star, but the Morning Star.

^"I will also give that one the morning star." - Revelation 2:28

The symbolism is important for us in this message, because the 'Morning Star' refers to the Messiah. This comes through clearly towards the end of Revelation, where John writes:

Revelation 22:16 - “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

So the next time you are awake early in the morning look out for the morning star. It is a daily reminder that God has given us the greatest star of them all - His Son - the Morning Star.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Messiah in the Mess

 

As we got to reflect on the deeper meaning of Christmas this year, I was reminded again of how God came into the middle of our world - into the brokenness of humanity to offer us hope and peace. It is such Good News to hold onto the promise of the MESSIAH being with us in the 'mess' of things. God didn't run away from the chaos, but chose to reveal himself in the midst of all our trouble.

May these words offer you hope and grace this Christmas season. Immanuel is with us.

Messiah in the Mess

Christ in the Chaos

Jesus in the Jumble

Baby in the Bedlam

Child in the Confusion

Saviour in the Shambles

Redeemer in the Wreck

John 1:14 -  So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

Living in Grace

D3LM3