Week beginning Monday 17th November 2008

Matthew 1 & 2

Beginning the first Gospel of the New Testament – I love starting a new book. Particularly the Gospels. It is an opportunity to come afresh to the story of Jesus. Matthew’s Gospel makes the links with the Old Testament, showing that this ‘new’ thing that God is doing in Jesus Christ is part of a patient, eternal and wonderful plan. This in fact is what jumped out at me from the first two chapters – the contrast between God’s way and Human’s way. God is patient, eternal, empowering and limitless while man’s plans are fleeting, immediate, power protecting and limited. Herod thinks he can manipulate God’s intention but all he does is inflict suffering and his plan dies when he dies. God’s plan endures forever.

My reflection and self-challenge is to try and see/participate in God’s unfolding plan – for my part is so small but in God it becomes part of something so huge. The three wisemen had such a small part, in one sense, but they have shown us what participation in God’s plan looks like – they looked – they followed – they listened – they obeyed. This is a good way for us to join in with God’s BIG plans – search for God – follow God’s way – listen to God’s whispers and dreams and then obey. [Prayer - LORD may I be wise as were the wisemen. AMEN]

Week beginning Monday 11 November

John 21

This would have to be one off my favourite chapters in the Gospels – It has everything that connects with me at a very personal level. The disciples doing what they know when confronted with a situation that don’t know how to deal with – they go fishing. How real is that! Jesus comes to them in their escapism and invites them to a miracle meal. He shows them compassion and meets them exactly where they are at. Jesus then reconciles the disciple Peter back to himself – redeeming his denials by inviting him to name his love and to participate in Jesus’ very own mission. The call to ‘follow’ Jesus is heard again and is re-instated as the force that gives life and hope and direction to Peter and the other disciples. Peter is personally called by Jesus and told something of lies ahead of him. And typical of Peter he says ‘what about the other bloke (the beloved disciple) and Jesus gently but clearly says, ‘it is not for you to worry about’ – in other words ‘Peter don’t be distracted…focus on your call and on your relationship with me (Jesus).

I guess over the years I have let this passage be one that ‘reads’ me and my life. I too, am easily distracted by all manner of things, but Jesus persistently and lovingly calls me to His purposes and to relationship with Him first and foremost. Jesus does meet me where I am at and feeds me and reconciles me and sends me to the greatest mission there is – ‘feed my lambs…feed my sheep’ A fisherman becomes a shepherd…who would have thought? [Prayer - LORD you know I love you. Amen]