Daily Devotions

Because so many of Jesus's meetings were with tax collectors and other "sinners," he quickly became at odds with other religious teachers. Matthew's invitation to discipleship is followed by Jesus conversing with people at mealtimes that no respectable rabbi would ever engage in conversation.

In chapter Matthew chapter 9 we read, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous but sinners.

It was unusual for a rabbi or religious person to dine with sinners or the poor. It was also difficult for some religious people to believe that Jesus went among people everyone else thought were sinners. Jesus had no such problem. He went to Matthew’s house, and both enjoyed his host’s company and ate with his guests. All he wanted was that the very good religious people would know their need of his healing and mercy too. He was aware that unless they knew their own weakness, they would never know the love of the Father. He tried a homely example that you don’t go to the doctor unless you are sick, nor to any health-care person unless you need help. We are all like that - people in need.

As I move through this day, may I quietly consider how Jesus wants to call all those around me. If I do not understand why, is it because I do not see what Jesus sees.

Dear Lord, thank you for the invitation to join you at your table. Thank you for reaching through the ages, through the crowds, to notice a sinner like me, call me by name, and invite me to follow. Thank you for willingness, fleeting and fickle though it be. In Jesus' name. Amen

Daily Devotions

Some of the conversations Jesus had were in difficult circumstances.  In Mark 5:1-20 we come across one such incident where Jesus confronts the man many nicknamed Legion; one possessed by many demons. Following the miracle where Jesus drives out the evil that possesses this maniac we come across a wonderful phrase, “When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had once been full of demons. He was sitting there with his clothes on and in his right mind…”

It is from this point that the real conversation takes place between Jesus and healed man. We can picture Jesus speaking with compassion to the man who had been healed. But at first the man wants nothing more than to go with Jesus and the twelve. Instead Jesus sends him among his friends with a mission to speak of God’s goodness. 

What the man discovers is that there are different ways of serving Jesus. As he listens, the man realises that what appealed to him was not what Jesus wanted.  The lesson to learn here is that we need to bring our desires before Jesus to hear what he has to say and we must be ready to change my plans. We would do well to  ask that we may do this too in the way that serves Jesus best.

God often answers prayer in a different way than we had in mind. I heard one time about a dad who heard his young son praying by his bed one night. The dad stopped at the door and heard the boy praying intensely, over and over again, “Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo.” The next day, the dad asked his son what he was praying about and the boy said, “I put the wrong answer on my geography test yesterday --- so I’m praying for God to please make Tokyo the capital of Mexico!”

Too often we expect God to adjust to US rather than for us to adjust to HIM. Sometimes … kind of like that little boy . . . our prayers miss the mark. We need to remember that God’s ways are not our ways.

Dear God, I come to You because I ask You for the patience to keep myself from making rash decisions. Give me the calmness and composure for every decision in my life, big or small. God, grant me patience even if the road seems long, and stop me from rushing my choices. Amen.

Daily Devotions

Perhaps one of the most well known conversations found in the New Testament is between Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler found in Matthew 19:16-30. Sit quietly and read the passage through. 

The young man who approached Jesus had many things to ask, but his questions seemed to be ways of keeping God's message at a distance. What he did discover through meeting Jesus was that happiness is found not in keeping commandments but in giving away possessions. The attachment he had to his possession gave him grief, and kept him from the freedom of enjoying life. We may well ask, what holds us back from living life to the full?

Jesus finally said to the young man what he may already knew; following God means not just a change of mind but leads to a change of heart. 

To follow Jesus we need to shake off anything that binds us or any shackles that imprison us in a dependency on wealth, esteem, comfort. Any ‘wealth’ which takes first place in life – even a person – can be a block to freedom in following the Lord. 

The wealth of this man following his conversation with Jesus, made him sad – a sure sign that his possessions were possessing and imprisoning him. Wealth, friends, success and all we often desire in life can bring us close to or distant from  God and our true self.

Jesus, you pick up two false notes in the approach of this good young man. There seems to be a fawning, flattering note in his use of /good;/ and his question focusses on *doing good deeds.* You bring him back to the central issue: not so much to pile up good deeds, as to be a loving person, ready to express that love in any sacrifices God may ask of us. As you reveal to me what I must do, may I also be  given the strength to do it. Bend my heart to your will, O God. Amen

Daily Devotions

In John 5:1-15 we come across paralysed beggar who had an encounter with Jesus. 

No doubt this man was someone who was often ignored or at most had a cursory exchange with those who passed by. Yet, from the brief report of Jesus conversation with this man, we can learn much.

Here are a few pointers. The first part of the encounter is Jesus' question to the man, "Would you like to get well?"; and here we can see a question that may well  apply to us all. Is it a question of considering whether we accept less than God's best? The answer is found in the obedience of following Jesus' words, "Stand up, take your mat and walk". What a change in circumstances. After 38 years of paralysis everything changes; his way being, seeing, and acting. 

But here we we see something deeper than physical well being as there is a sense of spiritual health. This record of  of Jesus healing a man at the Pool of Bethesda is surely a reminder to fully appreciate the connection between physical and spiritual health. 

But there is more to this conversation, for there is a second and deeper encounter between Jesus and the man who was healed. His hostile interaction with the religious authorities who wanted to know who had healed the him left the man non-plussed.  He meets Jesus once more within the temple walls and Jesus says to him, “Take a look at your body; it has been made whole and strong. So avoid a life of sin, or else a calamity greater than any disability may befall you.” 

We then read that the man went immediately to tell the Jewish leaders that Jesus was the mysterious healer. 

This whole episode raises the question, do we want to be healed from whatever impediments limit our spiritual health and fulfilment? Are we settling for dysfunctional and unfruitful lives when Jesus calls us to get up and walk in the power of His Presence?

Lord Jesus, I am like so many others, lying by the pool of Bethesda, waiting to be healed; trying various ways and means, hoping somebody will help. I have not yet listened to that wonderful voice that says to me in the inner heart, “Rise, take up your bed, and walk.” Grant that I will do so from this moment forward. Amen

Daily Devotions

Today we start on a series about conversations. Not any conversations, but of those that we find in the bible; particularly with people Jesus encountered.

We start with the moment when Jesus met the Samaritan women. Why not stop for a moment and read the whole incident in John 4:7-42.

Several times, the Samaritan woman seems to resist Jesus words; perhaps she has developed a defensive self-protecting habit. And maybe we should ask God to help us to be open to receive good news from any source through which God may send it to us.

A key turning point in the conversation is when Jesus says, “If only you knew what God is offering.” On reflection, is Jesus yearning for us to become aware of the goodness God has in mind for us? We often view this narrative of the women at the well, but today I am drawn to the perceptive listening Jesus; the way he interacted with this women. 

There is an old saying, “People do not care how much we know until they know how much we care.”   When we take the time to get to know our neighbours, we are showing them Christ’s love put into action.   It is then that God presents an opportunity for us to share our love for Jesus with our neighbours; either in words, through our actions, or both.    You see, it all begins with us taking an interest in the lives of the people that we interact with every day. 

After all, how can we love our neighbours if we do not know them? 

When Jesus was on Earth, He did not isolate Himself.   He was out among the people, in their homes, and involved in their lives and listened to their needs. 

Openness is essentially the willingness to grow, to develop a distaste for ruts, and eagerly stand on top-toe for a better view of what tomorrow brings. A man once bought a new radio, brought it home, placed it on the refrigerator, plugged it in, turned it to his favourite station, and then pulled all the knobs off! He had already tuned in all he ever wanted or expected to hear.

In today’s world, it can is easy to isolate ourselves and live in our own little bubbles.   With advances in technology, we can easily confine ourselves to our own homes and live our own lives without ever getting to know the people in our community. 

We pray that we may open our hearts to express our need and humbly receives the blessings of God. Lord, let me do your will; make your way plain for me to follow. (Psalm 5) Like the woman at the well, I am seeking to know your ways more clearly. Help me discern your path for me and know your love in my life. Watch over me and guide me. Amen

Daily Devotions

Waiting for the Kingdom

Scripture Readings

• Revelation 21:1-4
• Psalm 85:8,10-12
• Luke 12:35-40

Commentary

The Nicene creed concludes that we look forward to the resurrection of that which is dead and to life in the age to come. As Christians we believe in hope, even in the darkest of places, even in death. It is the transforming love of God that dares us to hope. Isaac of Nineveh writes, “whoever lives in love in this creation breathes the life coming from God”, declaring that “love is sufficient to nourish.” 

Love is at the heart of the Kingdom of God, here on earth and also in heaven, where there will be no more death or division and all tears will be wiped away. As we pray for greater Christian unity in this life, we are to live lives of love and service to others. Christ embodied a life of love. Dorothee Solle writes, “Christ made God manifest by making invisible people visible – the poor, women, all those deprived of their rights.” In our pursuit of greater unity, we work to make God’s love for all known and we wait in hope for the fulfilment of God’s Kingdom.

Reflection

What joy is there in hope?

What joy is there in unity?

We are hungry on the road,

and in God we are nourished. 

When shall we be satisfied?

Only when we feed our sisters and brothers.

Reaching out to humanity, welcoming the stranger.

Touching creation as we watch and wait.

For a time when righteousness and peace kiss.

Keep your lamps burning, keep watch.

For there is joy in unity, there is joy in hope.

In this hope we sing ‘alleluia’.

Prayer

God of hope, you promise that the poor in spirit will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.

Bring new life to those who trust in you.

Christ, you know the pain of division, yet in sadness you teach us the way of consolation. 

Help us to remember that you are the joy that cannot be removed.

Jesus, you cast down the powerful, promising to clothe the peacemakers with a glorious robe, calling them the Children of God. 

Make us bearers of your peace.

Christ of mercy and compassion, you forgave the thief who died with you on a cross.

Remember us all when you come into your kingdom. AMEN.

Questions

• Consider how you are embodying signs of the coming Kingdom in the world today.
• In Luke Chapter 12 we are called to ‘keep our lamps burning’ and be ready for the coming of the Kingdom. How are the churches in your local area preparing?
• Where are you seeing signs of hope in the present age?

Daily Devotions

The Church: Community of believers

Scripture Readings

• Isaiah 2:2-4
• Psalm 133
• Ephesians 4:1-6

Commentary

We are called to live with humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 

As the Church we must seek Jesus for the strength and humility to live out our calling, not just within our worshipping communities and ecumenically, but beyond our upper rooms: on Emmaus roads, sharing stories together that root us in our common story; gathered on shorelines where the risen Christ challenges us to feed his sheep; in the spaces and places that we know we need to be transfigured.  

Jesus gathers us to be joined as his Bride, made up (as Maximus the Confessor puts it) of “many and countless people various and profoundly different in origin and appearance, nation and language, way of life and age, knowledge and arts, manner of life, customs and propensities, sciences and honours, fate, temperaments and habits, all are in the [Church], through which all are regenerated and recreated in the Spirit.”

What a privilege to be part of such a rich and diverse community with a common call to make disciples, to bring peace and to work together in learning God’s ways and walking in God’s paths as we journey towards God’s Kingdom being made real in every community and corner of creation.

Reflection

Her branches draped over me

create the shade of peace.

I recount stories of halcyon days

as I effortlessly drift towards slumber.

Leaning against your stoic mass, eyes half shut 

I notice mottled light through the leaves

permeating the corners of my soul,

illuminating dreams once dead.

I awaken to the opening of her blossom,

radiant and rich with the scent of hope

blown by the wind, whipped up and bustling 

through streets long devoid of expectation and vision.

Prayer

God of our journeyings, 

Christ of our shorelines,

Spirit of endless horizons,

beckon us towards unity.

Challenge us to step out of our upper rooms and safe spaces,

to be bringers of light and peace.

Imbue us with the light of your love,

reconciling us

to ourselves, 

to each other 

and to you 

when we confront the scandal of division.

Graft peace, love and compassion into our mission and discipleship.

Bind with peace any broken limb

that we might go into the world 

and live the way of Jesus 

for the sake of all creation.

Questions

• The Church is called be the light of Christ in the world. Where do you see this to be true and in what ways is it happening?
• In Christ the Church is one body – how have you seen this to be true, and where have you seen opportunity for more co-creation?
• The Church as the community of the Holy Spirit, the giver of peace, is sent to live and spread the message of peace in the world. In what ways might your local churches enable their members to fulfil this calling?Å

Daily Devotions

We continue the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity as we consider what the Nicene Creed says about the Holy Spirit, breath of God

Scripture Readings

• John 20:19-23 
• Ezekiel 37:9-14
• Psalm 104:24-34

Commentary

The Spirit of God from the beginning has breathed life. Some of our ancient texts help us understand more deeply the work of the Spirit and our invitation to receive the gift of this beloved Advocate.

The Spirit calls us to renew the face of the earth, joining in the work of forgiveness and healing. We cannot live out this call in our own strength, rather we must receive the gift of God’s Spirit within us, just as the disciples gathered in the upper room experienced. Jesus, appearing to the disciples, said: ‘Peace be with you’, and showing them his hands and his side, breathed on them. 

We are called as the Church to keep and nurture unity in Spirit. When we live apart from the Spirit we lose our breath and return to dust, but when we look to Jesus for life and breath, we are recreated for the work of renewal and the co-creation of the dream of God to be made real here and now. “This is the Spirit by virtue of whom is poured out in our hearts the love with which we observe the divine commandments, by loving God and neighbour.” It is our common calling, and common purpose as we are sent into the world.

Reflection

Swirl of dust moving along the face of the ground,

untameable presence hovering above the water,

flicker of flame and wisp of smoke.

There, 

there you are.

Breathing, dancing, tending, challenging, bristling with energy.

By your breath,

your dreams for the world are made into flesh and bone,

animated by your love,

we can be fire dancers, peace breathers and bone shakers.

Prayer

God, Giver of Life, Light of the World, Breath of Heaven,

the one God three times holy – 

Blessed are you past, present and future.

We confess our common faith in you.

Let us rejoice in the Spirit,

who renews the face of the earth 

and draws us towards unity.

Forgive us when our breath is distasteful.

Enflame us with your Pentecost fire,

to speak the truth of the gospel that brings freedom and life.

Awaken our prayers and give them flesh 

as we work with you, 

to make well and full, 

the whole of creation.

Questions

• Where do you sense the need in your own life for the breath of the Spirit to bring life and wholeness? Pray for God’s breath to revive.
• Where do we see the Holy Spirit at work, overcoming our divisions and drawing us into deeper unity?
• God’s Spirit renews the face of the earth every day – in the world around us and beyond us – where do we recognise this to be true and where do we sense a particular need for renewal?