What do you think he’s doing??

•November 16, 2010 • Leave a Comment

 

It seems strange to be looking at the crucifixion the week before Advent.

But such is life and faith and the meaning of what Jesus was all about – it comes full circle.

 

One of the criminals hanging on the cross next to Jesus challenges him, “Save yourself and us”.  That of course is what Jesus is doing.

The Colossians reading points us to the truth, that

Christ is the visible likeness of the invisible God

Jesus, the one whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, whose death we commemorate on Good Friday, whose resurrection we rejoice in on Easter morning, is God.

God wanted to show human beings how to live, so he sent his son.  Some sons have some of the characteristics of one or other of their parents, others don’t, but Jesus came into the world having “the full nature of God”.  He wasn’t just like God – he was God in human form.  He could point us to God, because he carried that within him.  What Jesus did, is what God would do.  What is said, is what God had to say.  His teachings were God’s words.

The world gets caught up in darkness, God wants to bring the world back to himself.

 

When Jesus died on the cross, that was what he was doing.  Bringing peace to the world, saving us, restoring the link between earth and heaven.

 

Jesus came to show us all that God is, and all that we could be.  He lived a human life to show that God understands.  And when we still couldn’t get it right, he did what he could to make it right.  He took the pain and cruelty of himself upon himself.

 

Who of us, if we see our children suffering, don’t want to carry that pain ourselves?  That’s what God did.  He carried that pain on the cross – he didn’t save himself, but he did save us.

 

 

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Be careful what you put your faith in

•November 9, 2010 • Leave a Comment

Beautiful and serene as this looks, as I stood and watched these paragliders with two feet firmly on the ground, I wondered whether I could be brave enough to do it.  Apart from the obvious disadvantage of having to get up the hill, the thought of just launching yourself off into the great expanse of sky seems rather scary! I understand the theory of thermals and parachutes (well perhaps understand is a bit strong, but I know they exist!) – but it’s putting your trust in them that gives the joy of paragliding.

 

What, or who, you put your faith in is the issue Jesus challenges his followers with in this reading.  Comment is made about how beautiful the Temple is.  People were always missing the point.  Their minds were focussed on the wrong things.

 

I remember times when I’ve been out preaching, and people have come up to me after the service and said, “We enjoyed the hymns – a good sing”, or “What a lovely dress you were wearing this morning”!  Thanks, lovely comments, but you missed the point of the service.  Did you hear the sermon?

Jesus is trying to teach them about life, death and resurrection, and they want to talk about the beautiful stones the Temple is built with!  The Temple, however beautiful and spectacular is not going to save you.  They need to discern between temporary concerns and permanent issues.  They need to hear what Jesus has to say to them.

 

He warns them not to be taken in by people claiming to be him, or to know when ‘the end is nigh’.  He knew it would happen, but they are not people to trust.  Our end may come today, but that end needs to be faced ready with God.  We should trust in him, not in people trying to force the issue.  He is the one to stand firm in, if we do that then it doesn’t matter when the end comes, we will be ready.

 

As Malachi warns, honouring God brings victory, and that is how we should live day by day – not just when we think the end is coming.

So things will happen – good, bad and indifferent.  Do we focus on trying to work them out, or on living God’s ways regardless?  Shall we gaze at what’s happening, or at Jesus who stands with us and gives us wisdom and salvation?

The day is coming, let’s not worry about when it is, but whether we’re ready.

Posted in faith, God, Lectionary, response
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The Beautiful Peak District

•November 7, 2010 • 2 Comments

In times of stress and busyness, we all need some space.  To take time to just be.

View from Mam Tor over Edale

To get life, it’s questions, decisions and difficulties into perspective.  To allow that still small voice to speak.

 

This has been reinforced recently by The Big Silence shown on BBC2.  That has shown both the purpose and the benefits of silence and space.  If you haven’t had chance to see it yet, I would encourage you to do so.

So yesterday, Mr Pamsperambulation wanted to go and climb a hill, a great family tradition.  It was great to get out into some fresh air and space.  I can’t climb hills, but I can stand at the bottom and admire the views.

View over the top of Winnats Pass

 

 

We miss no longer living near The Lake District, and Tarn Hows in particular, but we are now near the hills of our youth.  So we headed off to Mam Tor.  We used to live 17 miles from here, so it was a favourite childhood trip out.

 

Down in Castleton, the river was full and flowing.

 

We had to call in the wonderful Rose Cottage Cafe in Castleton and finished the day with cake in The Cafe on the Green in Baslow – both highly recommended!

 

 

View from Curbar Edge into the setting sun

On the way home, we came via Curbar Edge – at least a flat walk.  Amazing rocks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So we came home – cob webs blown away, perspective somewhat renewed and having enjoyed some beautiful scenery.

 

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Psalm 19:1

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