The challenge to change ourselves

"When we are no longer able to change a situation - we are challenged to change ourselves." - Viktor E. Frankl

These words leave us with a big challenge. Frankl was writing this reflection after he had lived through the horrors of the concentration camps. I can only imagine that this would have been incredibly difficult to put into practice. 

As I was reading his words, I thought about the 2 criminals who were crucified alongside Jesus. Both of them found themselves in situations they would never be able to change. One thief remained bitter and angry; the other thief, allowed his heart to be changed and acknowledged Jesus as his Saviour.

How do you deal with difficult situations?

Living in Grace

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Two responses to Jesus

We are accustomed to the striking image of 3 crosses standing on Golgotha on the fateful day known as Good Friday. We picture the scene with Jesus hanging on his cross between the two criminals, one on his left and one on his right hand side. This moment presents a unique platform for us to contemplate our own response to Jesus. 

The two thieves share the spectrum of humanity's collective response to the Messiah. Some of us refuse to acknowledge Christ as our Saviour and even if Jesus did a whole bunch of miracles for us, we would still remain stubborn of heart. On the other hand, there will be a few people who will recognise Jesus' true nature and we will call out to him for mercy. His response to the penitent thief is also his invitation to all of us.

"One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” - Luke 23: 39-43

What is your response to Jesus?

Living in Grace

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Remote jammers

Today I popped out to the shops to pick up a few things. I wasn't in a rush, which was probably just as well, because as I clicked my car remote I noticed something strange - it didn't sound the same as it usually does. I turned around and unlocked the car and locked it again - this time I checked that the doors were shut.

At the same time the guy parked nearby saw me and commented that he was having the same problem with his car. Together we realised that someone had just jammed our cars, so we stood around and watched the cars around us. Suddenly a car with 3 youngsters pulled off near us - they knew we had seen them. I guess we got off lightly in the end.

This incident made me think about how often we don't hear the message from God because there are other signals blocking the message. These 'signal jammers' could be a whole lot of things, ranging from stress, fear, anxiety, anger, sin, selfishness, pride, busyness and so on.

Let's resolve to pay attention to the voice of the Spirit. The message that the Spirit wants to convey is filled with LIFE - it does not want to rob us of anything.

Titus 1:9 - "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it."

Living in Grace
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