“A New Heaven and A New Earth” 

by Rev’d Paul Collings

Faith in times of crisis 4 by Dr J P Hunter

 1 Peter 4: 12,13.

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial that you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.¹³ But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 5: 10,11

¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.¹¹ To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 2:4 A new heaven and a new earth

⁴ ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’^[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 

Meditation

When we are suffering, we often feel as though our pain will never end. However, in comparison with eternity, our suffering lasts “only a little while”. All of Christ’s faithful followers are assured of eternal life with Him, where there will be no more suffering. While here on earth, we are given the strength to endure, to hold on. 

Singing the Faith 556 – Charlotte Elliott

Just as I am without one plea

but that you died to set me free,

and at your bidding, “Come to me!”

O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am, though tossed about

with many a conflict, many a doubt

fightings within and fears without

O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am, of that free love

the breadth, length, depth and height to prove,

here for a time and then above,

O Lamb of God, I come!

I am the Resurrection and the Life

Day 5 The I AM sayings of Jesus

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; John 11:25

Risen Lord, giver of life, I search this day for your living presence. Surprise me with the joy of knowing afresh power of your Easter Rising. May the stone be rolled away from my dark caves of my life and sepulchre of my heart fill with your radiance divine. Amen 

The tomb was closed, 

death’s lot now sealed

As their dear kinsman’s

Life ends his span.

‘Neath mourning hood.

What now, how could

Such tearful doubts 

Refresh their drought.

Where, where was he

Where could he be

The one true light

Who’d put things right.

But now too late

No need to wait;

For death has spoken

 Life is broken.

“Roll back the stone

Let truth be known.

Come forth, Come out

Come here stand stout.”

And there they found 

Their Kinsman bound.

“Loose him, free him

Slack limb from limb.”

So there he’s stands

And free his hands

Defying death

With Ev’ry breath.

So truth is found

And Life is crowned

In Christ alone

Life, Life is known.

I am the Light of the World

Day 4 The I AM Sayings of Jesus

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Lord of Light and Life help me this day to follow you out of the darkness into your glorious life giving light. Illumine my path and my person with your radiance so  that I may reflect your love upon the lives of others and in doing this see you in every encounter. Amen  

Let there be light, let night be day

And with that word came golden ray

As Sunlight warmed creations frame

And glory shone by sacred name.

And to a man, no blind from birth

You spoke new words of equal worth.

You touched his eyes and let him see

Your face, your beauty and mercy.

Light of the world, I too would come

To hear your word, your touch welcome

And see with eyes the glorious vision

Of life renewed and sins forgiven.

To us you pass the daunting task

To light the world, your truth unmask

Reflecting light to all the earth

Proclaiming news, your gift, rebirth

I am the Good Shepherd

Day 3 The I AM sayings of Jesus

John 10: 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Good Shepherd Lord, I come to you this day  as so I often stray and even loose my way. In my foolishness you know how I can make mistakes and how my choices tend to cause harm to me and others. I ask for your reassurance and guidance as I find my place within your flock and in the serenity  of the fold find your lasting peace. Amen     

Good Shepherd friend, when shall I know

Your guiding hand, still waters flow

And there lie down,  secure and rest

By table spread, by heaven blessed.

Am I the one, you had in mind

The one who strayed, you sought to find

To bring me back into your fold

As if I were some previous gold.

Good Shepherd friend, you know me well,

E’en love me still, though I rebel.

Your rescue me, You put me right

As in your arms, I find delight.

To you I lift my heart in praise

Your Goodness now and all my days

Your ever present mercy prove,

As onward to your fold I move.

Good Shepherd friend, Dear Lamb of God

Your sacrificial your presence, awed

Within the core of my poor heart

Lord keep me safe, less I depart.

I am the Gate of the Sheep

Day 2 The I AM sayings of Jesus

“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.” John 10:9

Lord, of gate and open door I come to you today seeking entrance into your living presence. May each door I open this day be the place where I find your will and intention, your love and your direction and in that journeying find opportunities to encourage others along your way. Amen

The fold enclosed. the entrance there

To pastures near,  a place to wend

Where we like sheep could go and stare,

Watched by our loving shepherd friend.

Protecting, guiding, sentry nigh

Across the entrance gate he lie

With careful watch, and eagle eye

Protecting, guiding all the while

With body on the ground he kneels

As entrance gate set there to bar

Each thief, each foe set out to steal

Within our fold our peace to scar.

Yet to the sheep within his care

He lovingly affords, allows,

Each one a time to go and share

In pastural lea beneath leafs bows.

O Gate divine, O Entrance rare

None can we find, with none compare

The safety and your selfless gift

You give to us, our lives to lift.

I am the Bread of Life

Day 1 The Seven Sayings of Jesus

"I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35 

 Lord, of our daily bread, you bring sustenance each day and by your promise you feed  us with the Bread of Life. Give me strength to share this heavenly manna at each table I share and in sharing find you there. Amen

Where is the bread the crowd to feed?

Where the succour they now need?

What have you here to give them now?

Where is the food; you know not how?

Those burning words shot through my heart

I did not know just where to start

Until this lad beside me stood

And offered bread and fish, his food.

The Master smiled, and took the meal

And looking up in love appeals

That through this blesséd paltry gift

A multitude be fed and live.

Yet manna too, another kind

He shares on earth for us to find.

Sweet food of heaven, sacred bread

On him we feast, by him we’re fed.

O heavenly Bread of life come down

Refresh our souls, prepare the ground

Where by we share this daily bread

Refreshing others in your stead.

And as we share this paschal feast

We bring our thanks, our great High Priest,

To your own table, now complete
And there in sweet communion meet.

Symbols of The Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Day 7

Artwork and Verse by Rev’d Paul Collings

In Memoriam

The gravestone carved,

memorial read 

to Rest in Peace 

lies one here - dead.

And so I mused as 

there I walked 

across the springtime’s 

old church yard.

What moved the stone 

upon that day 

when in the tomb 

the Master lay

His broken body 

lifeless, still.

How to remember 

how to tell.

Then from some recess 

in my mind

that evening see 

the past rewind 

and see the master 

girthed and towelled 

kneel at my feet to 

wash, I scowled

This memory now

I dearly hold 

of Servant King 

of nobler fold; 

who unlike those 

‘neath earth’s grand crypts, 

washes my feet 

and with me sits.

He broke fresh bread 

and wine he poured;

His body blood 

and life assured; 

that with this supper 

we secure, 

not memory 

but presence sure.

Jesus present,

Risen Lord, 

gird me with towel 

so to afford 

a servant heart, 

my life outpour 

and with this memory

You Adore.