WORSHIP & WITNESS (Part 3)

“That God is omnipotent is easily said, but it nonetheless requires amazing power to create a whole world or universe from a ‘formless void’. Was this process a myriad of loud bangs, crashing sounds and flashing lights – something like an unimaginable thunderstorm? Imagine being present as this was taking place. Do you think you would have the vocabulary to describe what you were seeing? Would you be scared?
 
While the disciples worshipped Jesus when on the mountain, Matthew’s Gospel says that even at this late stage some doubted – they could not quite believe what they were seeing. Yet, Jesus still commissioned them to make disciples of all nations. Is it comforting to know that Jesus can work with the ‘unfinished article’? That we are all spiritual ‘works in progress’ – and perfection can only be achieved when we are promoted to glory? That, like the disciples, we do not have to be perfect for God to use us? How might that help us in the ongoing work – now passed on to us – of witness and making disciples?”
 
We definitely don’t need to be perfect, in fact none of us are we are all the “unfinished article” we can witness in so many ways, there have over the last ten weeks been a myriad of examples of kindness, different novel ways of sharing a message through voice and music, by video link, Zoom, WhatsApp – the simple phone call – how lucky are we to have our phones whether they be land line or mobile – we can share Gods love in so many ways!

”In the Gospels, Jesus is often referred to as one who ‘taught with authority’. When the 11 disciples gathered on the unnamed mountain, Jesus openly declared that authority: ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’ This authority, or power, is closely related to that which created the world he came to save. Jesus – the Word made flesh, the Word that was with God at the very beginning, the Word through whom everything came into being – was asking his followers to continue the work of transforming the world he created. As followers of Jesus, how are we to take up his command and carry out this redemptive work today?”
 
The above question is even more relevant today, the new normal for our Church has not been written yet, but we are all still active Christians, so even without a building to worship in, we do have the authority given to us to spread the word.

“There is little doubt that some Christians feel uncomfortable with the idea of sharing their faith, arguing, perhaps, that it is the preserve of those who are specifically called to this work. However, could it be that when Jesus said he would always be with us, this was a specific nod to times when we are – or should be – sharing our faith with others? It is certainly at such times that we need the Lord’s presence.”
 
The above says it all for me, we have a duty to share our faith with others.
 
I am now going to quote an extract from Justin Welby’s article in the Sunday Times (24thMay 2020)  “ It is my prayer that these tough circumstances might draw us together and help us write a new social contract with one another that says every person is vital, that every life has meaning, value & beauty.”  “Then we can rebuild a society founded on kindness, on truly loving our neighbour, on relationship & community.”
 
I say amen to that, don’t let it be like my friend from Jaeger – spread the word!
 
“Worship & Witness”
 
May the grace of the Father be with you; may the love of the Son enfold you; and may the peace of the Spirit comfort you, today & always.
 
Amen

Extracts from Roots taken with permission.