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26 February 2008
Word on the Web
John 16 v 25-33
"I have told you these things, using stories that hide the meaning. But the time will come when I will not use stories like that to tell you things; I will speak to you in plain words about the Father. In that day you will ask the Father for things in my name. I mean, I will not need to ask the Father for you. The Father himself loves you. He loves you because you loved me and believed that I came from God. I came from the Father into the world. Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."
Then the followers of Jesus said, "You are speaking clearly to us now and are not using stories that are hard to understand. We can see now that you know all things. You can answer a person's question even before it is asked. This makes us believe you came from God."
Jesus answered, "So now you believe? Listen to me; a time is coming when you will be scattered, each to his own home. That time is now here. You will leave me alone, but I am never really alone, because the Father is with me.
"I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world."
You get a tremendous buzz when you're with a group of likeminded people, experiencing something special together. Maybe it's a sponsored walk or bike ride in an exotic place. Running a marathon, perhaps, or attending a gig or sporting event. Going on a demo or march, maybe. Older people talk about the war years. However special the experience, however close the friendships, though, it all fades in time. Sometimes that togetherness re-emerges in a crisis like a flood, or snow, or a local protest movement. But usually it's just a fond memory.
Being a Christian can be like this. Maybe you attend a wonderful service, or go on a retreat, or go to Spring Harvest, or Greenbelt or other Christian Festival. You have a great time together. But then, you go home. What's left?
The disciples had had an amazing 3 years together, following Jesus. And now it's nearly over. They have to go home. They will be "scattered": the community is being broken up. Jesus will be left alone: but he's not alone, because God is still with him. The same, he says, can be true for the disciples. They may no longer be together, but what bound them together will go with them. His peace will give them courage when they're isolated in a troubled, troubling world.
Dear God, thank you that you did not make us to be alone, and that we can enjoy being with other people. Sometimes, though, we can feel very lonely. Help me to know your presence and your peace, especially when I have to stand up on my own for what I believe. In the name of Jesus, who was left alone. Amen.
Written by Richard Martin
Word on the Web
John 16 v 25-33
"I have told you these things, using stories that hide the meaning. But the time will come when I will not use stories like that to tell you things; I will speak to you in plain words about the Father. In that day you will ask the Father for things in my name. I mean, I will not need to ask the Father for you. The Father himself loves you. He loves you because you loved me and believed that I came from God. I came from the Father into the world. Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."
Then the followers of Jesus said, "You are speaking clearly to us now and are not using stories that are hard to understand. We can see now that you know all things. You can answer a person's question even before it is asked. This makes us believe you came from God."
Jesus answered, "So now you believe? Listen to me; a time is coming when you will be scattered, each to his own home. That time is now here. You will leave me alone, but I am never really alone, because the Father is with me.
"I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world."
You get a tremendous buzz when you're with a group of likeminded people, experiencing something special together. Maybe it's a sponsored walk or bike ride in an exotic place. Running a marathon, perhaps, or attending a gig or sporting event. Going on a demo or march, maybe. Older people talk about the war years. However special the experience, however close the friendships, though, it all fades in time. Sometimes that togetherness re-emerges in a crisis like a flood, or snow, or a local protest movement. But usually it's just a fond memory.
Being a Christian can be like this. Maybe you attend a wonderful service, or go on a retreat, or go to Spring Harvest, or Greenbelt or other Christian Festival. You have a great time together. But then, you go home. What's left?
The disciples had had an amazing 3 years together, following Jesus. And now it's nearly over. They have to go home. They will be "scattered": the community is being broken up. Jesus will be left alone: but he's not alone, because God is still with him. The same, he says, can be true for the disciples. They may no longer be together, but what bound them together will go with them. His peace will give them courage when they're isolated in a troubled, troubling world.
Dear God, thank you that you did not make us to be alone, and that we can enjoy being with other people. Sometimes, though, we can feel very lonely. Help me to know your presence and your peace, especially when I have to stand up on my own for what I believe. In the name of Jesus, who was left alone. Amen.
Written by Richard Martin
