Contents
Introduction Viii
I Jesus and People
  The Crowds               1
  Simon's Mother-in-Law    3
  At the Pharisee's House  4
  Mary and Martha  5
  Recognizing Jesus  6
  Mary, His Mother  7
  Joseph  9
  Simeon
  Anna  12
  His Family  13
  Children    14
II Jesus and His PersonaI Contacts
  John the Baptist  18
  The Four Fishermen  19
  Matthew  19
  Philip  20
  Nicodemus  22
  The Samaritan Woman  25
  A Woman of Faith  28
  Peter  29
  The Rich Young Man  34
  The Poor Widow  35
  The Woman Who Gave Her Best  36
  Zacchaeus  37
  The Greeks  38
  Thomas  39
  Judas  41
  Simon of Cyrene  42
  Caiaphas  43
  Pilate  44
  V
The Penitent Criminal  46
Joseph of Arimathea  47
Stephen  48
Saul of Tarsus Who Became Paul  50
Ananias  51
III Jesus and Suffering
  He Heals a Leper  53
  A Paralysed Man  54
  A Man with a Crippled Hand  55
  Jairus' Daughter  56
  A Woman Who Touched Him  57
  A Deaf and Dumb Man  58
  Blind Bartimaeus  59
  A Possessed Boy  60
  A Humpbacked Woman  61
  Ten Lepers  62
IV Jesus and Grief
  Mary and Martha  64
  Grief Turned to Glory  66
  A Bereaved Mother  67
V Jesus and Prayer
  The Principles  69
  The Pattern of Prayer  70
  Our Needs  71
  Perseverance in prayer  72
  His Own Prayer Life  73
  His Prayers  76
VI Jesus and the Parables of the Kingdom
  The Sower  80
  The Purpose of the Parables  81
  The Sower  82
  The Weeds  83
  The Mustard Seed  84
  The Yeast  84
  The Hidden Treasure and the Pearl  85
  The Net and the Home Owner  86
  The Workmen  87
  The Ten Bridesmaids  88
  The Three Servants  89
  Vi
The Lost Sheep  90
The Lost Coin  91
The Two Lost Boys  92
VII Jesus and the Holy Spirit
  In Baptism  94
  In His Temptation  95
  The Sin Against the Holy Spirit  96
  The Holy Spirit of Joy  97
  The Gift of the Holy Spirit  98
  The Helper and Teacher  98
  The Work of the Holy Spirit  99
  The Holy Spirit of New Truth  100
  Vii
  Introduction
I have tried in these Meditations to find inspiration and
practical application for my own daily life. I am glad to
share with others what I have learnt about the contacts Jesus
had with individuals and of the way in which he touched on
so many aspects of daily living. He threw light on many of
the problems which puzzle us today, such as suffering, be-
reavement and the coming of God's reign on earth.
  I have used the `Good News' version of the New
Testament in my studies, but of course any version may be
followed. I hope that many will discover fresh inspiration
and joy in their Bible reading, and find the pattern I have
used a helpful one. May the Holy Spirit sent to us by Jesus be
our teacher and guide.
Lambeth Palace,  Jean Coggan
March 1979.
  I Jesus and People
The Crowds Mark 3.7-19
'A large crowd followed him'. They came because they
heard of what he was doing. He was actually healing people.
News like that spreads rapidly. He is doing something, not
just talking. `Perhaps we can push our way through to him
and just touch him' they thought, `perhaps we can get
something out of him'.
  Crowds can be threatening, and sometimes were when
Jesus did not please them. Jesus was not afraid of crowds,
but he knew their dangers. It is exciting to be in a crowd
when everyone wants you; to face a large audience, a full
congregation. It is a temptation to seek popularity by doing
sensational things, anything to draw a crowd. Jesus knew
that to continue his work on a deeper level he needed a few
well trained and trusted followers. So he left the crowd and
went up a hill to call to himself the men he wanted. He
wanted companionship, he needed helpers. He chose them
to stay with him, that they might catch something of his
character, learn his way of working, and gain courage from
his friendship.
  We spend much time with people. We meet them either
in crowds, or in a community, or on a committee. It is nice
to be welcomed and wanted, but to be effective as a
Christian we need to spend time in the company of Jesus,
learning to know his will and his way of working, catching
something of his humility and courage, in order to go into
the world to carry on his work of teaching and healing.
  Lord, let me remember that you call me first to be your
companion, to stay with you in prayer and thought, so that
you can send me out to meet a crowd or a community in
your strength, with your love and compassion in my heart.
  1
The Crowds Matthew 9.35-38
'Worried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd'. I
have often seen the sheep of the Yorkshire moors running all
over the place, following first this one, then that one; trying
to nibble this piece of grass and then that piece over there.
The Eastern shepherd led his sheep, guided them to good
pasture, took them to shelter in the fold. Jesus is the 'good
shepherd' (John 10.11). He looked in pity on the lostness of
so many in the crowd. He was moved with compassion,
because they were 'sheep without a shepherd', ignorant, sick
in mind and body, and lost. 'Worried and helpless' they
wandered here, there and everywhere.
  I feel sure Jesus is today 'moved with compassion' when he
sees the weary, worried faces of people crowded on the bus
or in the supermarket. I spoke to a woman at the till in one
the other day. She looked so browbeaten, carrying the cares
and anxieties of a long worrying day. She looked up
surprised that a customer should stop to say a word of
sympathy. She was worried about her husband. Would he
keep his job? Would the housekeeping money go round?
Would she be able to keep her job as she was getting bad
headaches? I must remember to pray for her today. I know
that Jesus is 'touched with the feeling of our infirmities'
(Heb. 4.15 AV) He knows our worries and our helplessness
often to do anything about them. But the writer to the
Hebrews urges us, because Jesus knows that very feeling of
our infirmities, to come boldly to God's throne where there
is grace to help us, just when we need it.
  Low at his feet lay thy burden of carefulness:
  High on his heart he will bear it for thee,
  Comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness,
  Guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.
  J.S.B. Monsell
The Crowds Luke 9.10-17
(Matt. 14.13-21; Mark 6.30-44; John 6.1-14)
  2
Best laid plans are often upset. So here for Jesus: he wished
to get away from the crowds to be with his disciples. He
wanted to hear about their mission activities. The crowds
followed. He welcomed them, he healed the sick. And seeing
that they were hungry and tired after a long day, he fed
them. We need to notice his patience with them. There was
no hurry or sense of irritation at having his plans thwarted.
He made the people sit down and rest.
  I tend to get upset when my plans go astray. I am apt to
be irritable if I am interrupted in what I am doing. The
phone rings just as I am putting the meal on the table. It
may be someone in trouble at the other end of the phone. I
need to ask for patience.
  Jesus used his disciples in feeding the crowd. He took what
they offered. He gave thanks to God, then gave the food
back to them to distribute. The disciples would have sent the
crowds away. Perhaps they resented the invasion of their
privacy. Their faith was limited. They looked at material
and financial restrictions as we so often do. Jesus stretched
their faith, used what they offered and used them too in
meeting the need of the crowds.
  People, people everywhere. How can I meet the needs I
see around me? Loneliness in a big city, meaninglessness of
the day's work, the deep hunger for spiritual nourishment. I
have so little to give, my faith is small. But if I give what I
have to Jesus, he will take it, bless it and use it to help
someone whose life I touch today.
  Lord, this Sunday morning, I shall receive from you the
broken Bread of your Body. May I give myself back to you to
be broken bread to feed the lives of others.
Simon's Mother-in-Law Mark 1.29-34
(Matt. 8.14-17; Luke 4.38-41)
Simon and Andrew had just become followers of Jesus. He
had opened their hearts to obey his call. Now they opened
their home to him and to his friends.
  There was sickness in this home. Jesus had cured a man in
  3
the synagogue. Would he care about a woman with a fever
in their home? They did the most sensible thing and told
Jesus about her. They could have said 'It's only a fever, we
won't worry him now'. But he would have noticed that
Simon's mother-in-law was not around with a welcome and
food. Surely the best thing was to tell him straight away.
  This story holds a secret for us. Instead of allowing our
worries and anxieties to pile up till we become unable to
cope with them or with ourselves, let us tell Jesus at once.
Arrow prayers as we go through the day relieve tension and
strain. When someone in our home is ill or depressed, we
call the doctor. But do we forget to tell the great healer
about him or her?
  These disciples did not forget, and the sick person got up
from her bed and looked after her guests. How often is it
true that after illness depression is best cured by thought and
caring for others.
  Lord, if we are sometimes laid low under the fever of life,
come to us and take us by the hand; lift us to our feet that we
may serve you with joy and thanksgiving.
At the Pharisee's House Luke 7.36-50
Simon the Pharisee liked to make a show of his entertaining.
The food was good, the appointments perfect; but the little
things that make for real hospitality were missing: no water
for the feet of Jesus his guest, (Jesus himself washed the tired,
dusty feet of his disciples on that first Maundy Thursday
evening, John 13.1-5) no welcome with a kiss of greeting, no
expression of loving friendship and welcome.
  Simon was too proud of his home to realize his need of
forgiveness. The story Jesus told and the action of the
woman show us that the greater our sense of forgiveness, the
greater will be our gratitude, our love and our longing to
serve our Master, even in little ways.
  Entertainment need not be lavish or extravagant. We do
not need to impress our guests. If, like the 'Sisters of the
Love of Jesus,' we welcome each guest into our homes as
  4
Christ himself, our love will find ways of courtesy, so that
our guests will feel welcomed and warmed in spirit and go
away refreshed in mind and body.
  Our homes are a gift from God. Our possessions are to be
shared. But the heart of hospitality is the warmth of
friendship and fellowship we can offer. The sense of God's
presence, his great forgiveness and love will take away all
strangeness and formality, Jesus will enjoy with us and our
guests good conversation and good humour.
  Inasmuch as you did it unto one of the least of these my
  children, you did it unto me. Matt. 25.40
  Be present at our table, Lord,
  Be here and everywhere adored.'
Mary and Martha Luke 10.38-42
Here there was the welcome and the courtesy that was
lacking in Simon the Pharisee's home. An important guest
was coming. We must not be too hard on Martha. We can
sympathize with her. Every detail must be right.
  Jesus loved to go to the home at Bethany. He was wanted
there. He found relaxation and friendship -- but this time
something was wrong. Martha was upset, worried, troubled
over many things. She was resentful, while she worked. Mary
was not lifting a finger to help. 'Lord don't you care?' We
know exactly how she felt wallowing in self-pity. What had
gone wrong? So many things. Yes, Jesus cared, but things
had got in the way and prevented any listening time.
Perhaps one dish would do, or one thing at a time, or could
the preparation have been done earlier?
  Learning to listen to God needs planning and practice
and perseverance. Interruptions, so many jobs to do, so
many things to attend to, crowd into our minds. So we rush
around often in a frenzy of activity, and end up with tension
and frustration, leading to self-pity and resentment. We
find then it is hard to sit down and listen, and we finally
collapse exhausted.
  5
  Evelyn Underhill writes that it is far more important 'to
be' than `to have'. 'To be' we must learn to listen. It means
disciplining our time, not over-entertaining our guests,
learning to listen to our family, and teaching them to listen
to one another. Let us give ourselves and our friendship,
rather than many courses, that may leave us frayed and
irritable. 'Enough is enough'.
  Lord temper with tranquillity,
  My manifold activity
  And may I do my work for Thee
  With very great simplicity.
Recognizing Jesus Luke 24.28-35
The long walk and the fascinating talk were over. The
couple, probably a man and his wife, were mystified. Who
was this stranger who hadn't heard of the sad happenings in
Jerusalem? He had begun to explain; they wanted to know
more. It was late; they invited him into their home. He did
not take the invitation for granted, but once seated at the
table he naturally became the host. He said the grace and
broke the bread and handed it round. Did they then catch
sight of the nail prints in his hands? Was it his voice they
recognized, or was it just the way he broke the bread, as they
had seen him do it before? Recognition brought joy and
enthusiasm; tiredness and depression gone; while Jesus left
them to go on his way, they went all the eight miles back to
Jerusalem to share the good news. The risen Lord had been
in their home and broken bread with them.
  The walk, the conversation, the meal -- three ways which
today the living Lord uses to reveal himself to us. I can
remember walks with the family on the Yorkshire moors
amid peace and beauty. It was natural to talk together of
the creator of it all, and of life in his world. We do not
always find it easy to have a leisurely meal with the family at
home, but it is sad if we never can sit round the table with
our family or friends to share together our faith, our hopes,
joys and problems. Breaking bread together can be a
  6
sacrament, when Jesus draws near and shows us something
new about himself, his great love and his will for our lives.
We must not let television prevent family conversation or
family walks.
  Jesus, let us recognize you in each other,
  as we share our meals and talk together of you.
Mary, His Mother Luke 2.41-52.
I can picture in my mind the excitement of the twelve year
old boy, going for the first time, with his parents to
Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. There was so much to
see and do. His curiosity and questioning was so natural in a
boy of that age. The generation gap was bridged as he
listened to his elders in the temple, and gave intelligent
answers to their questions. Can we not do more in our
families, church organizations and house groups to respect
our young people, and value their contributions? Listening
to and learning from one another generates mutual trust
and deeper relationships.
  What about Mary's relationship to her son? She was
naturally anxious. Where was the boy they had protected
and guided so long? He was a friendly boy, perhaps he was
with neighbours.
  When Jesus was found in the temple, Mary expressed her
worry. Did he forget the time, did he forget his parents and
not think of their anxiety? It is often hard for parents to 'let
go' of their children. The time comes when we must set them
free to make their own decisions, even their own mistakes,
and it may hurt a lot. Relationships need not be broken, but
deepened as we trust our youngsters. Jesus explained his
action to his mother. It can mean one of three things:--
'Didn't you know I must be in my Father's house?' 'Didn't
you know I must be about my Father's work?' 'Didn't you
know I must be among my Father's people?'
  Although it was hard for Mary to understand at the time,
she treasured these sayings in her heart. She would trust him
and understand later on. Jesus realized he had caused his
2  7
parents anxiety; he went back home where he was obedient
to them. We see a working out of a sensitive relationship
between parents and the teenager -- a trust on the one
hand, and a tension between independence and obedience
on the other.
Lord, help us to trust our young people -- to set them free to
be themselves but to hold them in love and faith, and by our
example of honesty and integrity to encourage them in your
way of truth and love.
Mary, His Mother John 2.1-11
I am glad we have this story of Jesus being invited to a
wedding. Would that he were invited to all weddings! He
rejoiced with those who rejoiced and always added a
blessing. He enjoyed festivities and celebrations with his
friends. He relished good food and wine, and was concerned
lest anything should spoil the enjoyment of the bride and
bridegroom or embarrass the host.
  How mother-like and anxious was Mary when the wine
ran out. She shared her son's feelings, and she was sure he
could do something about the situation. He only needed a
reminder. Jesus' words are not easy to understand, but
'woman' was surely a title of respect and spoken in gentle
tones. just as Jesus had to remind Mary of his heavenly
calling when he stayed behind in the temple as a boy of
twelve, so here he reminded her that the time for the full
revelation of God's love and power was not yet. But Mary in
her knowledge of him and her faith in him knew intuitively
that he would not let the party be spoilt. 'Do whatever he
tells you', she told the waiting servants.
  Mary had learnt the secret of true joy. It was in
obedience, even in ordinary everyday affairs. She would not
tell Jesus what to do, but she told the servants to do what he
said, and she knew that all would be well.
  The best wine came at the end. Our Lord's action is a
sign. To us it is a sign that as Christians we should be
enjoying life more and more in all its richness and variety.
8
As Browning reminds us 'grow old along with me, the best is
yet to be'.
  Lord Jesus may I always be ready to rejoice with those who
rejoice. Sometimes in my prayers I seem to be telling you
what I want you to do, instead of listening to your voice.
Help me to be ready to do your will, however humble the
work may be, and may I do it with a song in my heart and
for your glory.
Joseph Matthew 1.16-24
(Luke 2.1-7)
I do not think we make enough of Joseph nor realize the
difficult part he played in the birth and upbringing of jesus.
  He and Mary were betrothed -- a more solemn and
binding commitment for the Jews than our modern
engagement. Joseph was a man who did what was right. The
Jewish law took a very stern view of any moral lapse. For
instance, an adulteress if caught, could be stoned to death.
Poor Joseph! What a dilemma when he found that his wife-
to-be was pregnant. He was a kind, considerate man, and
not wanting to disgrace Mary publicly decided to break the
engagement secretly. An angel made him alter his plans.
  We cannot fathom the mystery of the virgin birth, but we
can believe that such a child, destined to be the saviour of
the world, could well have a mysterious divinely arranged
birth. The Holy Spirit is the person of the Trinity always
connected in Scripture with bringing life, both natural and
spiritual. So it was by the Holy Spirit Mary had conceived.
  Joseph was a direct descendant of David, a very important
point in fulfilment of the prophecies foretelling the birth of
Jesus. He was a believing Jew waiting for the coming of the
Messiah. What a privilege then to be chosen to be his earthly
father! His ready obedience impresses us, for in spite of
possible gossip he married Mary, and when the baby was
born he gave him the name of Jesus. He must have been
astounded at what the angel told him. This baby 'will save
his people from their sins.'
  9
  Dear Lord, when I hear unkind gossip help me to
neutralize it at once by believing the best, and by spreading
love and understanding instead of passing on the damaging
words.
Joseph John 6.41-46
How often Jesus faced the grumbling, arguing religious
leaders. Now they refused to believe that a son of Joseph, the
carpenter, a poor man, who came from Nazareth, had a
right to talk about God as 'my Father'.
  We think of the early lessons Joseph must have taught
Jesus as he watched him grow in wisdom and grace. We
think of his thought and care for Mary, and of his bringing
Jesus up to respect and obey his parents. If Joseph had not
been a good earthly father, would Jesus have learnt all he
did about his heavenly Father? Surely Joseph must have
represented to him all that was good and wise and loving as
an earthly father, so that the title Jesus used most of God in
his teaching of his disciples and in his praying and here in
his discussion with the Jewish leaders was the word 'Father'.
This close relationship between Joseph and Jesus was a
perfect pattern for all fatherhood. How sad then when
children have to confess that the word 'father' means little to
them. In fact it may be a loathsome word, and one that can
never be used without resentment and bitterness, even
hatred. I had a letter the other day from a young man
telling of the cold callous cruelty of a father, who never gave
love to a sensitive boy who needed understanding and
guidance. I hope he will come to know of the heavenly
Father who goes out in love to welcome him with forgiveness
and joy. A good father makes it easier for his children to
believe in a good and loving God.
Thank you, dear Lord Jesus for Joseph and for all that he
taught you about fatherhood, so that you could think of God
as your heavenly father. I pray for all fathers. May they
realize their privilege and responsibility to bring up their
children in the knowledge and love of God.
  10
Simeon Luke 2.25-28
Simeon had waited a long time for this great day. He had
been told that he would see the Messiah before he died.
Little did he realize that the day had come. He went into the
temple, led by the Spirit just at the right moment to see the
holy child.
  The Holy Spirit had not yet been given in fullness to dwell
in believers in God, but the Old Testament saints and those
like Simeon were very conscious of his presence with them,
and of his guidance day by day. We have the promise of the
Holy Spirit to dwell in us and to assure us that Jesus Christ is
alive, and to lead us to him each day, our Saviour and Lord.
  Did Mary know Simeon, and so could she trust her
precious child into his arms? I expect so. Now Simeon took
him and gave thanks to God for him. This reminds us of the
time when Jesus himself took bread and gave thanks to God,
and said 'Do this in remembrance of me'. So we can take
him, the Bread of life into our hands and bodies and feed
upon him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving every time
we go to Holy Communion.
  It is good always to have something to look forward to as
Simeon did. God has many joyful surprises in store for us.
The Holy Spirit will lead us to them at the right time.
  Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us
  O'er the world's tempestuous sea;
  Guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us,
  For we have no help but thee;
  Yet possessing every blessing,
  If our God our Father be.
Simeon Luke 2.29-35
Simeon will always be remembered for his prayer which we
call the <1Nunc Dimittis.>1 It is really a poem like the
<1Magnificat>1 and the <1Benedictus>1, and was probably used from
early days in Christian worship.
  Having seen and recognized the holy babe in his mother's
  11
arms, Simeon's faith and hope in God's promises were
vindicated, and he was now ready to 'depart in peace'. The
prayer rings with confidence. The salvation which Simeon
had long been waiting for had arrived in a little child.
  This child had been prepared ready for all people. Long
before Peter and the other disciples were ready to open the
door to the Gentiles (to foreigners) Simeon spoke of Jesus as
a light to reveal his way to them, as well as the means of
giving glory to his own people the Jews.
  Having blessed the child and his parents Simeon turned to
Mary to prepare her for what lay ahead. Jesus was chosen by
God for a sign. He would open the door to the Gentiles. He
would be a divider of people; some would reject him and
choose self-destruction; some would accept him and find
salvation. But Mary herself had to be prepared for suffering.
How often as she watched Jesus grow up and setting his face
towards Jerusalem and the cross, must she have remembered
Simeon's words. But she had accepted her role and she
would not hold him back.
  Lord Jesus, you have opened the door to us Gentiles, you
have prepared the way before us; you have prepared good
things for those who love you; prepare us for that day when
we shall come in peace to live with you in your presence
where there is fullness of joy and life for evermore.
Anna Luke 2.36-38
In three verses we learn a lot about this old widow woman.
She possessed divine insight into things not usually seen by
others. So she recognized the holy child in the temple and
proclaimed his significance to others who were also waiting
for God's work of redemption.
  Anna had been a widow for very many years, but instead
of staying at home moping over her lot, she became a
devoted worshipper in the temple, apparently attending
services of prayer morning and evening. So Paul encouraged
widows in the early Church to do. (1 Timothy 5.5)
  Anna's heart and mind were ready, expectant like
  12
Simeon's waiting for the coming of Jesus, and so she too
welcomed the holy babe. Perhaps she knew Simeon and had
heard his prayer of peaceful confidence. So too, she made
her own paean of praise and proclamation.
  I can think of two kinds of widows. Those who, having led
busy lives, after the death of their partner withdraw from
life, turn in on themselves and their grief and loneliness and
become bitter and complaining. Others like Anna find joy
and comfort in their prayers and worship and in sharing
their faith with others. I have great sympathy with widows,
and wonder how I could carry on without my husband.
Anna is an example of how released from many cares and
chores, she kept busy spending her time and opportunities in
praise, prayer and proclamation.
  Dear Lord, draw near to all widows with your comfort
and strength. In their solitude may they find their joy and
peace in communion with you, and in making your love
known to others.
His Family Mark 3.31-35
(Matt. 12.46-50; Luke 8.19-21)
The family of Jesus, hearing that he was overworking, and
not bothering about his meals, now arrived to ask to see
him. He still had a crowd round him. He loved his mother
and family deeply, and he must have longed for a time of
relaxation with them, but he looked at the people round
him so obviously in need of help, and he saw clearly what
God wanted him to do. Once again he might be thinking as
he did at twelve years old -- 'I must be about my Father's
business. My family must wait'. It was the same when he sat
by the well, tired and thirsty, waiting for his disciples to
bring food. He ministered to the Samaritan woman,
forgetting his own physical needs. `My food is to obey the
will of him who sent me and find the work he gave me to
do.' (John 4.34)
  Personal relationships may be close and loving, but
sometimes our loved ones will be disappointed because we
  13
seem to neglect them in order to do what comes to us as
God's will. I sometimes wish my husband could spend the
evening quietly with me. I may even lapse into self-pity.
Why should I be left alone so much? I may see he is tired and
needs a meal, but he is called away to talk to a young
'alcoholic', or a depressed curate, and I must keep the meal
hot. There are other brothers and sisters who need him. The
wider family have a claim upon him. I have no right to hold
him back. It might have been hard for our Lord's mother to
see her Son giving away his strength, tired and hungry, and
she could not help him immediately.
  Interruptions may be God's way of bringing me to the true
purpose of living -- to do his will, seeking to share his love
with my brothers and sisters in the wider family of the
Church and community.
  Almighty God, you have given us the world and all
  peoples therein.
  Help us to care.
  You have confronted us with hunger, poverty, illiteracy,
  disease and ignorance.
  Help us to be aware.
  You have endowed us with intelligence, ingenuity,
  energies, resources and skills.
  Help us to share.
  help us to become increasingly sensitive to the needs of
  all your people everywhere'
Children Mark 10.13-16
(Matt. 19.13-15; Luke 18.15-17)
I see here the parents bringing their children in faith and
hope for the touch of Jesus. I notice the disciples getting in
the way of God's love and blessing. I see Jesus in righteous
anger rebuking them, and in gentleness welcoming the
children one by one into his arms, and treating them as
individuals able to receive his blessing.
  May we never doubt the wisdom of bringing our children
from earliest years to Jesus. Personal contact and personal
  14
blessing are assured for each one. The parents seek a touch,
Jesus takes them in his arms. It is always like that, better
than we expect, or dare to ask for.
  'Let the children come, do not stop them' is always the
attitude of Jesus. And they will come if we let them. It is
often we parents, in our clumsiness, or misunderstanding,
our cleverness or carelessness who hinder them. How respon-
sible am I for my children? What is my example like? Does
my religion in any way put them off? Is it forbidding? Do
they see in me something that isn't honest; something that is
hard and joyless?
  I remember a mother who told me she would never inter-
fere with her child's beliefs. `She can choose for herself when
she is older.' 'Do you let her wander across the main road by
herself, I said, 'so that later on she can choose her own way?'
'She has a right to be led, to be taught the rules of the road.
You are hindering her'. The kingdom of God belongs to her
-- so says Jesus to me and to all parents. 'Let the children
come, do not stop them.'
  It's my children, Lord. I have brought them to you. You
gave them to me. I give them back to you. Touch them
where they are with your life and love. Hold them close in
time of temptation, and bless them with your peace and joy,
and may they be the means of blessing to others this day, for
your Name's sake.
Children Mark 9.33-37
(Matt. 18.1-5; Luke 9.46-48)
`Who is the greatest'? This sounds very up-to-date.
Muhammad Ali, the boxer claimed to be just that. We may
not argue about this, as the disciples were doing, but we are
under pressure, from schooldays on 'to get to the top'. There
we think we shall be accepted, successful and popular. How
false our ideas can be! I have a couple of friends; they got to
the top in business and in society, but their home life was
misery. There was continual quarrelling and unhappiness,
and the children were nervy and insecure.
  15
  Jesus sensed the heated atmosphere among his disciples.
Calmly he sat down and drew to him a child who had got to
the front of the crowd and put his arms around him. The
child came perhaps shyly, but with quiet trust. It is that
trust and confidence of the child that is far more important
than position and status. What does it matter what people
think of us if the Lord of all creation welcomes us with open
arms?
  What is our attitude to children? Do we find opportunities
to welcome them and encourage them to follow Jesus? Do we
realize how much easier it is for them to come to him when
they are little? In serving them, are we serving Christ
himself? Here is encouragement for the primary school
teacher, the Sunday school teacher, the scout and youth
leader.
  We must look at our priorities. Are we spending time on
things that will enhance our position in the eyes of our
friends? Do we worry about what they think of us? Or are we
concerned about the coming of Christ's kingdom, and the
children we could bring to him?
  We were just moving into our home in Bishopthorpe,
York. The bell rang -- our first visitors. 'Please Miss', said
one of two small scouts standing on the steps 'we're doing the
Duke of Edinburgh's award. Can we have the Archbishop's
signature'? I could not turn them away, and I went to get the
signature.
  May we always keep a welcome ready for children, and
may we learn from them the secret of true greatness that lies
in humility and trust.
Children Matthew 18.6-7, 10-l4
These are some of the most solemn words Jesus ever spoke to
his followers. It is possible so to despise children, to devalue
them that they 'turn away' from him. What a responsibility
we have towards our children. Just as the shepherd goes out
to seek the one lost sheep, so our Lord seeks each of his little
ones. He loves them, he values them, he rejoices when he
  16
can bring one home.
  I sympathize with parents whose love for each other has
grown cold. It is hard to go on living together when the
marriage relationship is breaking. Separation or divorce
may follow. How tragic if it should be the cause of turning a
child away from the God of love.
  I was told of a Borstal institution recently where 95 per
cent of the boys came from broken homes. I wonder if the
rest were unloved or unwanted children? I cannot judge, but
is it thoughtlessness or selfishness that makes some parents
rush into sexual relationships, into marriage, and into
having unwanted children? 'How terrible' said Jesus 'for the
one who causes them to turn away from God'.
  Lord, I am thinking today of the unwanted children,
those in loveless homes, where there is constant quarrelling
and tension. I am thinking of the many children from
broken homes. I think of the parents who cause their
children to turn away from you. Let your love touch them.
help those who are working among them, that they may be
given wisdom and love, and protect all your children and
help me to do what I can to bring even one home to you.
17
IIJesus and His Personal Contacts
John the Baptist Matthew 3.13-17
(Mark 1.9-11;  Luke 3.18-22)
John might have put people off by his strange clothes and his
frugal diet -- but his straight uncompromising call to
repentance and his humble witness to the One to come after
him, drew the crowd. He must have been greatly surprised
when he saw Jesus coming for baptism,  and he tried to make
him change his mind. The people must change their minds,
that is repent and turn away from their sin, but Jesus would
not change his mind. He wanted to be identified with
humanity in all that God required, even though he had no
sin to repent of.
  Did John the Baptist see the Spirit of God coming down
upon Jesus and hear his voice? -This is my dear Son, with
whom I am well pleased'. I like to think so, and that these
words strengthened his own faith, so that later he was able to
stand up to Herod and speak the truth to him, even to face
death itself.
John's baptism was to indicate repentance, a turning away
from sin, a turning round to face God, a change of heart
and mind and will. But, says John, Jesus will come to baptize
you with the Holy Spirit and with fire, to bring new life and.
power, to burn up the past with his forgiveness, to melt the
hard unresponsive wills and to weld together the separated
into one united whole.
  How greatly we need the baptism of the Holy Spirit in our
Church today. It must begin with me.
  Breathe on me breath of God,
  Till I am wholly thine,
  Until this earthly part of me
  Glows with thy fire divine.
  18
The Four Fishermen Mark 1.14-19
(Matt. 4.18-22; Luke 5.1-11)
Preaching is telling the good news from God. 'Tell out my
soul the greatness of the Lord'. We tell by the lives we live
and the words we speak. The Gospel is what God has done
for us in Jesus Christ. This news is challenging and joyful. So
we must tell it out.
  Jesus' preaching is followed by a personal call. He treated
people as individuals, not in the mass. The four fishermen
were at their jobs, catching fish, and repairing their nets. It
does not matter who is on the frontline, exciting, showy job,
of catching fish, or doing a behind-the-scenes job of
mending nets. Jesus calls us all in our daily lives to his
service.
  Like fishermen we need to learn the art of fishing for the
Master's kingdom. We must become disciples, learners. We
may be given quiet, unspectacular tasks, backing up some
other member of the fishing fleet. It may be necessary to
repair the nets for others to use. They may get the glory and
praise, but the Lord knows who are faithfully doing their
unseen work in prayer -- holding up those who are on the
frontline, in his service.
  The disciples left everything to follow Jesus. Obedience
must be the response to the good news of God's great love
for us.
  I heard the call, come follow, that was all,
  Earth's joys grew dim, my soul went after him.
  I rose and followed, that was all.
  Will you not follow, when you hear his call?
Matthew Matthew 9.9-13
(Mark 2.13-17; Luke 5.27-32)
Here was an unlikely fellow for the team -- a despised and
hated tax collector, working for a foreign occupying
government. Jesus called him from his work. He lost his job,
but he found a better one, and he found a new master and
  19
friend. A celebration meal followed, and Matthew invited
his friends, fellow tax gatherers and outcasts, to meet Jesus.
Perhaps they had never had the privileges and opportunities
of education and steady work that others had, or they had
been forced to take government jobs. The trouble was they
did not keep the rules; they were not in the right set. What
was Jesus the Rabbi doing in their midst? Jesus enjoyed a
good meal and a celebration. Jesus had time for Matthew
and his friends. Perhaps they, too, would become his
followers.
  As a man who thinks he is fit does not seek the help of a
doctor, so those who believe they are righteous, keeping the
rules of society will not seek a Saviour. Jesus calls those who
know they are not fit. He does not wait for them to improve.
He is the man for others. He has time for them. He mixes
with them, eats with them, accepting their hospitality. He
calls them to follow.
  A newspaper reporter once asked me if I had any close
friends who were not Christians. That made me think hard,
and I determined to find some. If Jesus had time for the
`drop out', the misfit, the one who breaks the rules, the
happy successful unbeliever, I must meet them, eat with
them, with no patronizing superiority. I must listen to them
and love them for his sake. I am a sinner with them.
  Lord Jesus, I am glad you came to call not those who
think themselves respectable, but those who feel they are
outcasts. I remember you too were cast out and rejected of
men. So you understand. I may never be cast out by society
but let me rejoice to be with those you seek, and give me
your own love for them, learning to accept what they have to
offer to me. Thank you for Matthew who gave us your
Gospel.
Philip John 1.43-46
Jesus wasted no time. Each day had its plan. 'The next day
Jesus decided to go to Galilee'. There was no rush, no
haphazard action, just a straightforward plain decision.
  20
That day he found Philip, and said, 'Come with me'. Philip
must have heard about Jesus from Andrew and Peter who
lived in the same town, but he waited for a personal
encounter with him.
  I have friends who were never persuaded to become
Christians by the words or influence of others, though I
think there is often a softening up process through contact
with them. Such people have only been won when Jesus
himself came and found them.
  I heard recently of a man who had avoided his Christian
friends for a long time. He had lived a selfish, godless life.
One day he was cycling along a road to work. Suddenly he
stopped, set his bicycle up against a tree, got down and knelt
in the ditch and asked God to take his life and make
something of it. Jesus had found him. Now he is a minister
of the Gospel.
  Philip had read and studied the book of Moses. He knew
his scriptures. He did not argue with Nathaniel. He simply
said, like the woman of Samaria, 'Come and see'.
  It is one thing to read and study our Bible and to know in
our heads the doctrines of our faith, but argument based on
head knowledge never gets us very far. It is the experience of
the living Christ speaking to us through his word that will
help others. Jesus says to us, 'Come with me', in our reading
and praying; then we can say to others, `Come and see'.
  O Thou who art the light of the minds that know thee, the
life of the souls that love thee, the strength of the wills that
serve thee; help us so to know thee that we may fully love
thee, so to love thee that we may fully serve thee, whom to
serve is perfect freedom.
  St  Augustine
Philip John 14.8-14
This chapter has been a comfort to millions of readers all
down the years. Jesus was approaching the end of his life on
earth. He wanted to prepare his disciples for their life
ahead. He was going to his Father. Philip voiced the
  21
thoughts of all when he said, `Lord, show us the Father; that
is all we need'. Isn't this the prayer that comes from
multitudes of seekers and learners today? What is God like?
How can we know him? Jesus answered Philip so gently, yet
with a certain rebuke. 'For a long time I have been with you
all, yet you do not know me, Philip'. Philip had followed the
Lord as a disciple since his call; he had seen his miracles,
had heard his words of wisdom and truth, yet had not
grasped the profound truth of his oneness with the Father.
His presence meant the presence of God in their midst; his
words were the words of God, his works were the very works
of God. He was in the Father and the Father in him.
Therefore as we watch Jesus at work and listen to his words
we can say, that is what God is like, that is God made flesh
and dwelling among us. If we know Jesus, we can know God.
He came to declare him to us.
  Then comes the astounding promise that believers in Jesus
shall do the same works that he has done, and even greater,
because he is going back to his Father. This surely means
that in answer to prayer (asking in his name, according to
his will) his Holy Spirit set free in the world, will be able to
work through his Church in a greater area and in greater
measure than he has done. This thought challenges us to ask
and attempt even greater things than we have asked and
attempted in the past, so that 'the Father's glory will be
shown through the Son.'
  Lord, give me faith that I may know God the Father
through Jesus Christ; give me courage that I may attempt
the seemingly impossible for the glory of God, through the
indwelling power of your Holy Spirit.
Nicodemus John 3.1-13
This personal interview is only recorded in John's Gospel.
Did Nicodemus give John the facts, an outline of the
interview, and John looking back after some years of
meditation give us his interpretation of what took place?
Nicodemus, an important man, a leader of the Jews, a
  22
religious man, a Pharisee, fearful of what his colleagues
might say, came to see Jesus in the darkness of the night. He
started with flattery. Jesus cut through all that and turned
his thoughts to birth and new life, and entry into the
kingdom of God. Nicodemus tried to argue on a physical
level. Jesus raised the conversation on to a spiritual level.
You cannot explain the wind; how, and when, and where it
blows -- but one can see the results -- 'so is everyone who is
born of the Spirit.'
  Yes, even Nicodemus, a religious leader, a teacher,
needed to be taught the truths of the Spirit. He needed to be
born again, born of the Spirit, born into a new level of
existence and experience. This is a humbling truth. Could
Nicodemus take it? We do not know how the interview
ended. Nicodemus was left to decide.
  We too may start by trying to flatter God by our church-
going and thanksgiving, we may argue with our friends about
the Christian religion, we may teach it and be very religious
ourselves, but unless we have come to the point of asking the
question Nicodemus asked about spiritual reality, 'How can
there be' and accepting the answer Jesus gives about new
birth, we are only living on a physical level. We need a new
beginning, a new birth, a new life, which the Holy Spirit
alone can breathe into us.
  Come Holy Spirit and blow the wind of spiritual life into
my deadness, your warmth of love into my coldness, that I
may be born anew into an experience of God's forgiveness
and grace through Jesus Christ.
Nicodemus John 7.45-52
Yesterday's reading left us unsure of the outcome of Jesus'
conversation with Nicodemus. What happened to him?
  Sometimes reading an exciting story -- a 'who done it' or
a biography I am tempted to look ahead to the last chapter.
I cannot wait for the unravelling of the mystery, or the
climax of the story. So here I discover the bare statement
that 'Nicodemus was one of them'.
3  23
  The Pharisees could not think that any of their number
could possibly believe in this upstart young man from
Nazareth; yet here were many people saying Jesus was a
prophet, the Messiah. Now they were told that Nicodemus,
a leader among them, a well known Pharisee believed in
him!
  Nicodemus had listened to Jesus. He had heard stories of
his deeds of mercy. Jesus might be only a simple Galilean,
but his words and works were convincing, and meant more
than geographical circumstances.
  The Holy Spirit that Jesus had spoken to him about, was
at work in Nicodemus. He was finding his way. He started
off in the darkness of the night for fear of his companions.
Now he fearlessly defended Jesus and his right to speak.
  Intellectuals may have more difficulties to face in
believing in Jesus Christ. It is better to come slowly and
thoughtfully to a decision, than never to make a decision
about him. It is better to come with the doubts and
hesitations than forever to stand on the sidelines and
criticize.
  Am I like Nicodemus known among my friends and
neighbours as 'one of them'? Am I ready to stand up and be
counted for Christ in my daily life and contacts? If I start
today, it will be easier next time.
  Thou hast a work for me to do:  0 Lord show it to me.
  Thou hast a place for me to fill: Give me grace to fill it
  to thy glory.
  Thou has given me a soul to make: Make thou it for
  me:
  And build me into thy spiritual temple for Jesus' sake.
Nicodemus John 19.38-42
I am glad that we have in John's Gospel this third recorded
mention of Nicodemus. We had first his conversation by
night with Jesus, then his standing out as a believer among
his fellow Pharisees, and now we read of his active piece of
service for his Master along with Joseph of Arimathea
  24
(another follower of Jesus, but like Nicodemus, afraid at
first to witness openly for fear of the Jews).
  These two friends now came out into the open as disciples,
making no excuses about their allegiance to Jesus. They
performed the last loving rites for their Lord. All fear had
gone. The wind of the Spirit, about which the Lord had
spoken to Nicodemus, had now blown in power, so that they
publicly admitted their faith by their action of begging his
body, embalming it according to custom and burying it in
Joseph's own tomb.
  We think of many of our Lord's secret disciples today,
especially those who live in countries where it is very costly, if
not impossible, to be a baptized believer. There are wives
whose husbands are unbelievers and vice versa. There are
children whose parents give them no spiritual encourage-
ment. How hard it is for them to face unbelief and
opposition or cold indifference! Yet the Spirit of Jesus can
hold them, and strengthen them, till they too can show by
their actions and their love that they are his disciples.
  What surprises we may get when we reach our heavenly
home! Old Mrs so and so is there. Who would have thought
 it? And that young rebel reactionary -- secret disciples! The
Lord knows them that are his. Thank God.
  Lord, give me grace to confess Christ crucified and risen
from the dead. Give me understanding for those who as yet,
have not been able to commit themselves openly to your
service. Hold them fast in your love, and in your patience
and longsuffering bring them at last to the joy of witnessing
to their faith in you.
The Samaritan Woman John 4.1-15
Jesus had to go through Samaria -- a hated foreign country.
He often goes to strange places to meet those who are ready
for him. It may be a prison or a kitchen, an office or a
highway. He can always meet us where we are, not only in
church or saying our prayers, but when we are on our job.
The human Jesus was tired and thirsty. He understands and
  25
can sympathize with us in our weaknesses. (Hebrews 4.15)
He asked for a drink from a woman of ill-repute. Asking a
favour of someone often opens the way for dialogue and a
relationship. Notice his relevant use of illustration -- to
Nicodemus life was wind, here it was water.
  `If only you knew what God gives'. How slow we are to
realize all that is waiting for us in God's storehouse! He
knows our failings, our rebellions, but he does not ask us to
make ourselves better. He waits to be asked to be gracious,
he waits to give living water to quench the thirst for spiritual
life.
  The Samaritan woman knew theoretically quite a lot
about her religion, even acknowledging that Messiah called
Christ would come. She thought that perhaps Jesus was a
miracle worker who would meet her physical needs, so that
she would not have to come wearily every day to fetch water
from the well. There was something far better waiting for
her, that would quench her spiritual thirst and meet the
need in the depths of her longing heart.
  Only  those who have lived in desert lands can know the
true value of water. In Canada we once stayed in a mission
rectory in the far north, where water had to be bought by
the bucket, while in the Niagara district the Falls supply
thousands of homes with water, light and power.
  Lord, make me thirsty for your living water; and please
give me a long deep satisfying drink, then make me a clean
channel so that you can pour your love and joy through me
to others.
The Samaritan Woman John 4.16-26
It is no good expecting the 'water of life' on easy terms. The
truth must be brought to light, sin confessed and forgiven. A
wrong relationship, a breaking of God's law must be met by
repentance. It is no good arguing about religion or hiding
behind tradition. Theory won't do. True worship is
something very practical. Surprisingly, Jesus now shared
with this foreign woman of loose living standards, one of the
  -26
profoundest truths about God. The Father wants and seeks
real worshippers who will worship him in spirit and in truth.
  Archbishop William Temple says this about worship:
`To worship God is the quickening of the conscience by his
  holiness,
the nourishment of the mind by his truth,
the purifying of the imagination by his beauty,
the opening of the heart by his love,
the surrender of the will by his purpose -- all gathered up in
adoration.'
  Our longing for God is natural when we know that we are
made for him. There is a God-sized space in each of us. He
seeks us and we feel after him. There are times when he
seems remote, we have no sense of his presence or power.
But there are, too, the times when we are quiet in ourselves,
listening; or we may be involved in some piece of service with
other people. Then comes the quiet voice of Jesus  `I am he, I
who am talking with you', and in love  and wonder we lift up
our hearts in thanksgiving and worship.
  Dear God, may your Spirit touch my spirit now, as I spend
a few moments consciously in your presence. Speak to me in
Jesus, your Son and my Lord. Speak to me in what I see and
do today. Speak to me through those I meet and serve, and
through those who help and serve me, and may I respond in
true worship by the way I speak, the prayer I breathe and
the life I live.
The Samaritan Woman John 4.27-41
'Come and see'. There was no arguing now -- the evidence
was obvious. Here was a changed woman. Her very words
encouraged belief in some and they went to see Jesus. Some
waited till they had heard the good news for themselves;
then they too could witness to the saviour of the world.
  The one dominating purpose on which Jesus built his
whole life, was to obey the will of his Father, and to finish
the work given to him to do. So it was that from the cross he
could cry, 'It is finished' -- completed. The disciples
  27
thought he needed physical restoration and went to find
food; but they returned to find him refreshed by the work
God had given him to do, in leading a poor despised woman
to discover living water, to quench her spiritual thirst for life
for God.
  To complete his father's work Jesus needed labourers to
help in the gathering in of the harvest. Was he looking at the
harvest fields around him, or did he see the people pouring
out of the city coming to him as a result of the woman's
words and changed manner? One woman was able to bring
a crowd.
  Our Lord calls us to co-operate in the fulfilling of his
Father's will. I may say I am only one, what can I do? I can
be encouraged by the story of one woman whose life became
God-centred and a spring of living water, and whose witness
to Jesus Christ brought a revival of belief, and caused him to
stay two more days teaching the people.
  How many great revivals in our history have been started
by one man or woman dedicated to do God's will?
  The Samaritan woman simply says, 'Come and see the
man who told me everything'. Jesus says, 'Take a good look
 at the fields; the crops are ripe and ready to be harvested.'
Once we have seen Jesus Christ and accepted him as Lord,
we must look out on the fields of service and be ready to join
in the harvesting.
  Lord, here I am. Send me. I am only one, but there are
those who may never meet you unless I go and say to them,
-Come and see'.
A Woman of Faith Matthew 15.21-28
(Mark 7.24-30)
'Help me, sir' she said. A short desperate cry from the heart.
The disciples wanted to send her away, just as they wanted
to send away the mothers with their children, who sought to
bring them to Jesus.
Jesus tested the womans faith; first he was silent, then he
presented a diffculty. She was a foreigner. Yes, she acknow-
  28
ledged that, but did she see hope in the eyes of Jesus? Was he
smiling as he talked about food for children and not for
dogs. Desperation overcame the obstacles. 'Help me, sir,
even if it is with the left-overs.' Jesus recognised her faith and
assured her of the healing of her daughter.
  In an emergency, under great stress one often hears a
swear word used. In a crisis God may be blamed. How much
better to use that three word prayer, 'Lord, help me'. There
may be silence at first, no answering voice. Faith may be
tested along different lines, but no honest prayer goes
unanswered. It may be 'not yet', but help will surely be
given. One is in touch with divine love and limitless power.
  I do not find in a busy life those long spaces for prayer and
study I should like, and that others seem to enjoy; but I do
know the value of constantly lifting up my heart to God,
often in praise and thanksgiving, or with a sudden cry for
help. As I jump out of bed in the morning and draw the
curtains on a new day I like to say, 'This is the day the Lord
has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it'; and last thing at
night, 'Father into your hands I commend my spirit'. And in
between, any time, anywhere, 'Lord, you are with me now,
help me.'
Peter Matthew 14.22-33
(Mark 6.45-52)
`If it is really you, tell me to come'. Doubts may come,
especially in the early hours of the morning, if one cannot
sleep. Questionings and fears may arise like the waves of the
sea. Supposing it is all a mistake. Am I relying upon my
Christian upbringing, upon someone else's faith? How will it
all work out in the end? It is not wrong to doubt. We can
seek reassurance for our faith. Peter, always ready to express
his in her fears and feelings, sought to test Jesus with a big
'if'. Jesus did not argue or theorize; he simply said, 'Come'.
All was well till Peter took his eyes off his Lord and looked at
the waves. Then another 'arrow' prayer, 'Save me, Lord'.
Jesus grasped him by the hand and gave him a gentle rebuke
  29
for his lack of faith.
  Here is a lesson for us. When life seems to overwhelm us,
when doubts and fears get on top of us, and we feel as
though we are sinking, we can bring our 'ifs' to Jesus. He will
bring us words of courage, `It is I, don't be afraid'. But
words may not be enough. We have taken our eyes away
from him. We are concerned about ourselves and the waves
around us. Then he will come and grasp us again in his
strong hold. He will give us faith and courage to face a new
day.
  I once heard D.T. Niles, the great Christian from Sri-
Lanka, say on the radio, 'Looking back over my life, with its
ups and downs I have often had the experience of being held
by God.' So what really matters is not my feeble hold on
God, but his strong hold on me.
  It fortifies my soul to know
  That though I perish, truth is so;
  That, howso'er I stray and range,
  What'er I do, Thou dost not change.
  I steadier step when I recall
  That, if I slip, Thou dost not fall.
  Arthur Hugh Clough
Peter Matthew 16.13-20
(Mark 8.27-30; Luke 9.18-21)
'Who do you say I am'? Jesus was part way through his
ministry. The cross lay ahead. Did he wonder how far he was
making a success of things? Had his teaching and his healing
made any deep lasting impression? He sought first to know
the popular opinion about him. Some said this, some said
that. So it has always been. Many discussed the person of
Jesus -- a great leader; a first rate teacher; a splendid
example -- but they held him off at arms' length. Jesus was
not content. He had to know how far his own disciples had
got. So came the very personal question, with two personal
pronouns. 'You' and 'I'. It was in the present tense. So Jesus
demanded a verdict.
  30
  Peter had made up his mind. Jesus was the one they had
been looking for -- the Messiah, foretold in the Old
Testament. Jesus called himself 'the Son of man'. Peter
called him 'the Son of the living God.'
  Peter meant rock -- a rather unlikely name for a shifty,
unreliable character. But this was his potential, and Jesus
made him into a rock, and a great leader and in the end he
was a martyr for his faith. Upon the truth that Peter had
expressed, Jesus built his church.
  What a mercy that Jesus looks at us, not as we are, weak,
failing and sinful, but at our potential, what he can make of
us. As we acknowledge him as our living Lord and God, he
gets to work on our characters. Peter gives me hope. Jesus
will take all I give him, the bad parts, the weak parts of my
nature and make of me something he can use.
  What I am not, make me,
  Where I dare not, take me,
  What I know not, teach me,
  My Lord, and my God.
Peter Matthew 16.21-28
What a sudden 'come down' for Peter! The rock in
yesterday's passage, and now the voice of Satan. He was an
obstacle in the way of Jesus. Peter's outburst was, 'This must
never happen to you'. Jesus was sure that he must pursue his
way to Jerusalem and there face the cross. Peter's suggestion
was yet another of Satan's temptations, which must be
resisted.
  I ask myself two questions. One -- Am I an obstacle in the
way of Jesus, not allowing him to do the will of God today, in
me and through me? Am I preventing him from carrying
out his redemptive work of love in someone's life, a relative,
a friend, a neighbour or a member of my community? And
two -- Am I willing to go with Jesus the way of the cross? It
means simply forgetting myself, that is hard enough, but it
means more, being willing to lose my life in order to win his
life. My ambitions, my self-made plans may have to go; my
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cherished hopes may melt away. God is not so much con-
cerned with my comfort as with my character, and character
is the only thing I can take with me when this life is over.
  I once visited a friend in hospital. She had been a nurse
with a fine career ahead of her. Then she was struck down
with a total paralysis, and spent the rest of her life in a wheel
chair. I remember her showing me a text she had been sent.
It was, 'My grace is sufficient for thee'. She said with a
laugh, 'I don't need to hang that on the wall. I've got it in
my heart.'
  Lord, I thank you for those who have shown me the path
of suffering to be the way of life. I pray for those who have
been turned away from you by the attitude of others, or by
the Church as they have seen it. Let me never be a
stumbling-block to others, but by joyful, self-giving love ever
draw them to yourself.
Peter Matthew I7.1-8
(Mark 9.2-13; Luke 9.28-36)
Peter once again to the fore, always ready to express an
opinion, jumping to conclusions, ready to act. Did he think
he could stay on the mountain, keeping Jesus, Moses and
Elijah to himself and the other two disciples? The vision of
Jesus was very wonderful, but the voice from heaven was
terrifying. Did it come as a repetition of the voice at the
baptism of Jesus? 'My own dear Son, with whom I am well
pleased, listen to him.' Peter should stop talking and listen.
  Then came the touch of Jesus, the reassuring words, 'Get
up, don't be afraid'. They looked up and saw no one else
except Jesus. Peter stopped worrying about making tents,
looked up and listened. Wonderful experiences pass, but the
presence of Jesus remains.
  We cannot stay on our mountain-tops. The voice of Jesus
comes to us, 'Get up, don't be afraid'. We may have rare
experiences that lift us up, that draw us near to God; but life
soon calls us down into the valley, the city, the daily round,
the common task. The vision may leave us; the perplexing
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problems, the difficult relationships, the humdrum chores
await us; but we still have the presence of Jesus with us, and
it is he who says to us, 'Get up, don't be afraid'.
  So today I will look up to him, and listen for his voice.
  A friend gave me what she called her `calling-card'. It had
these words upon it.
  Every morning lean your arm awhile
  Upon the window-sill of heaven
  And gaze upon your God.
  Then with that vision in your head
  Turn strong to meet the day.
Peter Luke 22.54-62
(Matthew 26.57-58, 69-75; Mark 14.53-54, 66-72)
I choose this account of Peter's denial of Jesus from Luke's
Gospel, as the author includes the very moving words: 'The
Lord turned around and looked straight at Peter, and Peter
remembered. . . and went out and wept bitterly.' Peter had
boasted that he would never deny his Lord (Mark 14.31)
Jesus warned him that he would be tested, and that he had
prayed for him that his faith would not fail. (v.21)
  I wonder why the prayer of Jesus was not answered. Was it
necessary for the bold, self-confident disciple to fail, so that
through penitence he might come closer to his Lord, and
know the joy of forgiveness and recommissioning for service?
  What was it in the look of Jesus that reminded Peter of his
Master's words, and sent him outside to weep bitterly. It was
not a look of rebuke, 'You have let me down, Peter', nor, 'I
told you so'. No, it was surely a look of understanding love,
tinged with disappointment, but also hope. Jesus knew that
Peter would become rock-like, a leader, a loving shepherd, a
faithful martyr -- but he must learn humility.
  Tears of grief and penitence were not to be despised. A
great tough fisherman responded to a look of love and
compassion. The self confidence and boasting went. He
reached rock bottom.
  However low we fall, we cannot fall out of the love of
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Jesus. In his letter (1 Peter 1.3-4) Peter later writes from
experience. 'Because of his great mercy, he gave us new life,
by raising Christ from the dead. This fills us with a living
hope, and so we look forward to possess the rich blessings
that God keeps for his people.'
  Enable us, O heavenly Father, to walk with thee this day
and every day in sure and simple trust, ever remembering
that our little things are all big to thy love, and our big
things are all small to thy power, through Jesus Christ our
Lord.
The Rich Young Man Mark 10.17-27
(Matthew 19.16-20; Luke 18.18-30)
Of the three accounts of this story I have chosen the one by
Mark, for he gives us the little phrase -- 'with love Jesus
looked straight at him.' The same look of love and
compassion that melted Peter after his denial.
  Most of the personal contacts of Jesus given us in the
Gospels, are with people needing healing, but here was a
young healthy man, and a wealthy one. So I find that Jesus
appealed to youth and to those who were successful and
affluent. Though it wasn't wrong to have possessions, Jesus
saw here a young man who was upright in keeping the law,
but his wealth was getting in the way of complete
commitment. Was he willing to give all to come and follow
Jesus? It was a hard choice, only possible in God's strength.
He could not face it and went away sad. Jesus too was sad,
for he loved that young man.
  Jesus never makes out that the Christian life is easy. Nor
should we when talking with young people, or with those
who are relying on their good deeds or their wealth to get
them to heaven. True joy and fulfilment lie in following
Jesus. Our wealth and our possessions are on loan to us. We
cannot take them with us, when we leave this life. We must
try and live loosely to them, and use them as stewards,
responsible for the trust given to us.
  I wonder if the young man came back later. I like to think
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that he did. What a welcome he would get from the Lord
who loved him and was sad to see him go!
  Jesus will never force anyone to follow him. We have free
will to choose our own way or his.
  Lord of all power I give you my will,
  In joyful obedience your tasks to fulfil.
  Your bondage is freedom, your service is song,
  And held in your keeping, my weakness is strong.
  J.C.  Winslow
The Poor Widow Mark 12.41-44
(Luke 21.1-4)
Here is a contrast from yesterday's reading. The young man
who turned away because of his wealth, and here Jesus
watched the poor widow giving all she had unto the temple
treasury. He saw the rich who came and went, tossing in
their money, hoping that others would notice. This woman
in her sad widowhood, half hoping no one would see her,
dropped in her few coins and hurried on. Jesus noticed and
pointed out to the disciples the contrast.
  In our parish in Islington lived a poor little old woman,
known as Katie. Almost blind and very deaf, she existed on
the old age pension which was then 50p a week. When we
visited her in her small bare upstairs room, we noticed her
missionary box on the mantelpiece, and it was far from
empty. She would sit us down beside her, and putting a
hand on  each of our laps, would say to us, 'I don't want
wealth, I don't need anything, I just want friends.' She was
such a happy person, and as I remember her, always
thanking God for his goodness. She gave what she had, but
she was always thinking of what she was receiving of love and
friendship. She gave far more than she knew. We went away
from her bare little room richly blessed. We had received so
much from Katie, though she would never know how much.
  Jesus notices the quiet, unobtrusive giving of many a
humble disciple. It is not only the money that is given, but
the time, the energy, the thought, the love. Someone said,
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'The importance of life is not in its duration but in its
donation.'
  Teach us good Lord, to give and not to count the cost.
  To toil and not to seek for rest,
  To labour and not to ask for any reward,
  Save that of knowing that we do your will.
The Woman Who Gave Her Best Matthew 26.6-13
(Mark 14.3-9; John 12.1-8)
It is worth noticing the differences in the three accounts of
this story. John tells us it was Mary that lavished her gift
upon Jesus, and that it was Judas who objected to the
wasteful gift. Was it in Simon's house or the home of
Lazarus? Perhaps they were the same person. What really
matters is our Lord's attitude to the generosity, courage and
love behind the gift. Jesus sees beauty in the lavish giving.
  How often I judge wrongly like the disciples. A tree is cut
down; what a waste! But then I remember a tree was cut
down to make the manger in which the newborn Son of God
was laid; a tree was cut down for the cross which our Saviour
carried, and on which he was crucified and died to save us
all. What waste when a young doctor dedicates her life to
serve God in an out of the way corner of Pakistan! The world
is God's world, and Jesus says that in serving others we are
serving him; in loving others we are loving him. In giving
our children to his service, we are giving them to him. A
costly gift, but we want him to have our best.
  It is Mother Teresa, as she serves the poor and the sick in
Calcutta, who says, 'It is so beautiful'. Jesus says the same
about Mary's gift. 'It is a beautiful thing she has done.'
  How lovely it is to be able to give a special gift to someone
we love, even an 'extravagant gift' not a 'utilitarian one'.
Words are not enough -- with my gift I give my love, I give
myself.
  Mary gave her best, and while many another story is
forgotten, this one is told all over the world today, and
reminds us truly of the greatest gift of love to mankind 'in
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the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ'.
  What shall I give him, poor as I am?
  If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb,
  If I were a wise man I would do my part.
  What can I give him?
  Give my heart.
Zacchaeus Luke 19.1-10
A rich tax collector wanted to see Jesus but was hindered by
the crowd. Had he heard of him from Matthew who also had
been a tax collector and was now a follower of Jesus? (Mark
2.13-17)  Curiosity  and  determination  found  a  way.
Zacchaeus climbed a tree. Jesus saw him and invited himself
to his home. I can picture the hurry, the excitement and the
welcome. Was there a Mrs Zacchaeus to look after the
unexpected guest? Anyway, a blessing came to that home
that day.
  As so often happens, others were grumbling and criticizing.
Why does Jesus go to a sinner's home? Thank God he does --
he goes where he is welcomed. He goes where he knows he
can bring salvation and blessing. It is pride and self-
righteousness that bar the door to him.
  Zacchaeus knew he had to change his way of life; his home
must change. When Jesus comes into a home things do
change. There is a new enthusiasm and joy, which may
bring criticism and grumbling and misunderstanding from
others. Why should they be so happy and enthusiastic?
  A girl who became a Christian after one of the Billy
Graham's meetings, was put in touch with her local vicar,
who  passed on her name to the Moral Welfare worker, who
called on her and said, 'What can I do to help you'? She
found a newborn Christian overflowing with joy and
enthusiasm!
Dear Lord, please don't let me ever damp down the
enthusiasm and joy of any young Christian, but help me
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thankfully to share the blessings you bring, when you are
welcomed into any life or home. Help me to do all I can to
encourage and support those who are finding the going
hard, because of the criticism or misunderstanding of
others.
The Greeks John 12.20-26
Philip was from the town of Bethsaida, the town where
Andrew and Peter lived. He and Andrew must have known
each other as good friends; so it was natural that he should
turn to Andrew when the Greeks arrived wanting to see
Jesus. In a community such as the 'Twelve' it was obvious
that the disciples had their special friends. Peter, James and
John seem to have been linked together in a close
relationship. So here Andrew and Philip. Although as
Christians we must share God's love with all in our church or
community, it is natural and right that we should have some
friends who are specially close to us.
  'They went and told Jesus'. How wise they were not to try
and solve the problem themselves, or to go and gossip with
others about it. They might have muddled the whole
situation, and missed the deep truths which Jesus now passed
on to them. Life comes through death, he said, and again
those who would seek to serve him must be sure they are
following him. To be living day by day with him and seeking
to follow him is as important, and even more important
than serving him. The two must go together.
  I do not know what reaction came from those religious
Greeks, but I can believe that they went away satisfied,
having been introduced to Jesus. They had heard his words
of truth and life.
  People come to us. They want to see Jesus. Can they see
him in us? Can we put them in touch with Jesus? Can we pass
on his truths about life through death; love and loss;
following and serving?
  An African bishop's wife said at the Lambeth Wives'
Conference in 1978, 'When I became a bishop's wife, the
people did not want to see my beautiful home, nor my lovely
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clothes, they wanted to see Christ in me'
  Lord, help me to introduce others to you, for you alone
can meet the needs and questionings of the religious as well
as of those who do not care. Your love is inclusive and will
never turn anyone away. Thank you Lord, for those who led
me to you, and patiently taught me of your truth.
Thomas John 14.1-7
How grateful we can be to Thomas for his doubts and his fits
of depression. After the death of Lazarus he was in the
depths of gloom. All was up, so he suggested that the
disciples might as well face the worst and prepare for death
along with Lazarus and Jesus. (John 11.6) Little did he know
what Jesus was going to do with power, raising Lazarus from
the dead.
  Now this honest agnostic expressed his doubts and fears.
'Lord we do not know .  .  . how can we know?' How patiently
and gently Jesus answered him. Thus he will deal with our
doubts and fears for the future. Don't worry Thomas -- 'I
am the way' -- it is a road of discovery, and as long as you
are on the way you will be with me, and all will be well. 'I
am the truth', so believe in me, trust me, learn from me. 'I
am the life', so receive my spirit and you will live.
  Now Thomas, you know me, for you have been with me
for three years of discipleship. You must know my Father,
for you have seen him in me. Then comes the astounding
statement which makes the Christian revelation unique --
'No one goes to the Father except by me'. The final and full
revelation of God and relationship with God is found in Jesus
Christ. Many are 'on the way'. Many of other religious
faiths, and those who believed in God before Jesus came, are
surely on the way. Many, as yet, do not recognize or name
Jesus as Lord; but in the end we are told that every knee
shall bow, and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord.
  Thank you, Lord, for Thomas. You do not turn away the
doubter, or the depressed. Help us to bring our doubts and
4  39
fears to you, so that you may teach us to know the Father
and to trust him when we cannot see the way or understand
his working.
Thomas John 20.24-29
Thomas was slow to accept what he was told secondhand.
His temperament was fertile soil for doubts and gloomy
thoughts.  All had gone badly. He had been let down. He
went off on his own to moan. So he missed the opportunity
when Jesus came to the disciples in the Upper Room. They
told him, but he was unconvinced. 'If I do not see. . . I will
not believe.' This double negative was soon turned into
positive belief and adoration, for Jesus met him where he
was and granted his request.
  From then on we may believe that Thomas was a firm
member of the apostolic band, that he was present at
Pentecost, and afterwards became a missionary to found
the Church of South India.
Jesus still meets us where we are, not in a physical form.
Some may have visions of the risen Christ and hear his
voice; but for most of us, we can claim the happiness and
promise of verse 29. Faith takes us beyond knowledge and
beyond sight. 'The steps of faith fall on the seeming void and
find the Rock beneath.' If we have never doubted, have we
begun to think? If we have never doubted, can we help
others with their doubts?
  We too, as disciples of Jesus, must try and meet people
where they are. We must help them to face their doubts,
even to live with them if necesssary, for the time being. We
and they must always be ready for the revealing of new
truth, and the inner conviction that may grow slowly that
Jesus is the risen Lord.
  Jesus lives! Our hearts know well
  Naught from us his love shall sever;
  Life nor death nor powers of hell
  Tear us from his keeping ever. Alleluia!
  Hymns A and M RV.
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Judas Mark 14.10-11, 17-21
What a mystery! Did Jesus make a mistake in choosing
Judas? Could he have changed him into a loving loyal
disciple? Could Jesus have avoided being betrayed by Judas?
I suppose the answer in each case is No!
  Was it money that tempted Judas? Partly (John 12.6). Did
he seek political popularity and prestige? I do not think so.
Judas was a disappointed man. He had hoped for a different
kind of Master -- a dominant leader, a fighter, one who
would be his hero leading his people out of the thraldom of
Rome to become a victorious nation.
  Now I think about Jesus and his choice of Judas. Having
chosen him, he gave him freedom of choice, just as he gives
it to those of us who seek to follow him today. Jesus never
forces anyone into unwilling discipleship. But he must have
seen something in Judas that was worthwhile, that made him
choose him and love him. Judas must have seen something in
Jesus that attracted him and to which he could respond.
  Jesus knew his hour had come; death lay ahead. One of
his very own would betray him. He realized the depth of
Judas' disloyalty. His love was rejected, thrown back in his
face. Perhaps this was harder to bear than the flogging and
the taunts of those who later on were carrying out their duty.
They had not walked and talked with him over the years of
his ministry, as Judas had done.
  I find much comfort in the fact that not all was success for
Jesus in his choice of disciples. We may have to face being let
down by a close friend, one on whom we have lavished love
and care. A colleague in the office 'does the dirty on us'. A
wife is deserted by her husband. A good man lets the side
down. Jesus was let down by Judas.
  Lord, it might be me. Lead me not into a time of trial,
but deliver me from evil. By the grace of God I am what I
am.
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Simon of Cyrene Matthew 27.32-35
(Mark 15.21; Luke 13.26)
What an unexpected happening for Simon, an African from
Cyrene. Perhaps he was on his way to visit his own
synagogue. Had he heard about Jesus and his arrest? He was
'seized' and `forced' to carry the cross as Jesus laid it down,
exhausted by its weight.
  If I had been in Simon's position, I think I should have
strongly resented being made to carry the cross of an
unknown malefactor, wasting my time, having to go in the
opposite direction 'outside the city wall'.
  I like to think that the effect of carrying the cross and
probably watching the crucifixion and hearing our Lord's
words from the cross brought about Simon's conversion. It is
thought that it was Simon the African who was the first to
take the Gospel to Africa.
  In Mark 15.21 Simon is said to be the father of Alexander
and Rufus. These two were known to the Christian workers
in Rome at the time Mark was writing. So perhaps they had
heard the story of the cross from their father and their lives
like his were changed.
  As I look back I can see that some of the happenings I
have resented at the time have become a blessing to me. An
interruption can be a contact which changes my whole way
of life or my attitude to a set of circumstances. All Christians
are called to 'take up the cross' and follow Christ, sometimes
through suffering, mental or physical; sometimes through
real deprivation and loss. What a privilege if we can say with
Paul, 'all I want is to know Christ, and experience the power
of his resurrection; to share in his sufferings and become like
him in his death, in the hope that I myself will be raised
from death to life.' (Philippians 3.10)
  Lord, I hesitate to share your sufferings. I am not brave
and my faith often fails. Give me grace to accept what comes
my way, and to say with triumph and not resignation 'thy
will be done'.
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Caiaphas Matthew 26.57-67
(Mark 14.53-65; Luke 22.66-71)
Caiaphas the High Priest, the chief priests and the whole
council were stirred by religious conservatism and pride to
find a way of getting rid of Jesus. He was an awkward
customer, who spoke his mind in honesty. He showed them
up again and again as those who washed the outside of the
cup, while the inside was black and filthy. They paraded
their good works but were utterly lacking in charity and
compassion.
  Witnesses were needed. It was hard to find them till two
came forward who completely misunderstood our Lord's
reference to the raising of the body, rather than to
destroying the walls of the temple. (John 2.18-21)
  The self-control of Jesus under cross examination was
vocal. He was the Messiah, the Son of God, and he would be
raised from death, and they would see his glory at the right
hand of God. This was blasphemy according to their law.
This was just what Caiaphas was waiting for. In disgust he
tore his clothes and declared the verdict. 'He is guilty and
must die'.
  I cannot help comparing the silence of Jesus with the noisy
questioning and trumped up charges and the determination
of the religious leaders to hound Jesus to death. Our Lord's
calm answer when put on oath and Caiaphas' dramatic
angry outburst as he declared Jesus a blasphemer. Which
was the more powerful?
  There are times when it is wiser for Christians to hold
their peace and to witness in silence like their Lord, rather
than enter a fierce argument about rights and wrongs.
There is a time to speak and a time to keep silent.
  Lord Jesus, you emptied yourself of glory and became a
servant before men. Let your mind of humility be in me that
I may know when to speak and when to keep silence, that
your name may be honoured, who lives and reigns in glory
with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God world without
end.
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Pilate Matthew 27.1-2; 11-19
(Mark 15.1-5; Luke 23.1-4; John 18.28-38)
Is it not strange that Pilate is the only name we mention
every  time  we  recite  the  Apostles'  Creed?  Fancy being
remembered for nothing else but causing the suffering, the
humiliation, the awful death by crucifixion of the Lord of
heaven and earth. 'Jesus, crucified under Pontius Pilate'.
  Pilate asked Jesus about being King. Jesus answered to
Caiaphas, 'You say it'! He would not use that title himself in
front of Pilate, for Pilate had the wrong idea of kingship. He
thought in terms of an earthly ruler. Pilate wanted to let
Jesus off. He did not want to get involved. He wanted peace
and no trouble. He made the suggestion that Jesus should be
let off instead of Barabbas. He got an urgent message from
his wife further urging him to let off this innocent man. Had
Pilate and his wife talked together about Jesus the evening
before the trial, and she had then dreamt about him? Pilate
was weak; he wanted to please the people and so could not
heed his wife's warnings. 'Have nothing to do with that
innocent man' -- yet Pilate's name is linked with him ever
after.
  Pilate shirked his real responsibility as a fair judge. He
wanted to be popular. Jesus stood before him innocent, not
seeking favour for himself from the government or the
church leaders. He accepted his role as the Suffering Servant
of lsaiah 53. He rejected once for all Pilate's false idea of an
earthly ruler and king.
  It was Peter, who was present at the trial of Jesus even
though he had followed a way behind him, who wrote the
letter speaking about the suffering of Christians and
encouraging them to follow their Lord's example. He
himself died a martyr's death.
  'My dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful test
you are suffering, as though something unusual were
happening to you. Rather be glad that you are sharing
Christ's sufferings, so that you may be full of joy when his
glory is revealed'. (1 Peter 4.12-14)
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  Lord, when the crises and the testings come, help me to
make the right decisions. Keep me from the fear of being
involved in difficult situations. Help me to stand always firm
for human rights, for freedom and justice and to speak out
plainly when it would be wrong to keep silent. May I be
willing to share the sufferings of those who are in the front
line of the fight for truth.
Pilate Matthew 27.15-26
(Mark 15.6-15; Luke 23.13-25; John 18.39-19.16)
I find myself linking together two verses, 15 and 22. `Which
one do you want?' 'What, then, shall I do with Jesus?' I
believe that once we are faced with the loving claims of Jesus
Christ we have to answer these questions for ourselves. Pilate
dithered, hesitated, consulted the fickle crowd. So recently
had they hailed Jesus with their 'hosannas', and now they
cried for his death. How easily they had been swayed by false
evidence and mass hysteria. 'Which one?' They chose
Barabbas the robber. He had probably not caused them any
trouble. He would probably be so grateful, that he would go
off and not be heard of again. But Jesus -- choose him? All
kinds of trouble might follow. They forgot his healing
ministry, his love for the outcasts, the deprived, the
depressed, the hungry. No! 'Make things easy for us', they
said, 'We can then go off and live our own lives without this
trouble-maker.' But death did not finish him off. He
accepted death, though he could have summoned twelve
legions of angels to rescue him. Death could not get rid of
him. He rose again, and by his Spirit at work produced a
church of his followers which spread all over the world, and
lasted down the long centuries, long after Pilate was
forgotten except for the fact that he allowed Jesus to be
crucified.
  The challenge comes to us -- crucify or crown him as
Lord of our lives. At the closing service of the 1978 Lambeth
Conference, in Canterbury Cathedral the choir sang the
negro spiritual Were you there when they crucified my
Lord? It moved many of us who were present; for we knew
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that the answer was 'yes' in reality for some of our brethren
who came from countries where Jesus was suffering again in
the lives and deaths of some of his followers. Pilate shirked
his responsibility. Some in the crowd did nothing, just
watched and waited. The multitude agreed to his death.
Were there some there who still believed in him? What
answer do I give to the question of Pilate -- 'What shall I do
with Jesus called the Christ?'
  Crown him the Lord of years,
  The potentate of time.
  Creator of the rolling spheres,
  Ineffably sublime.
  All hail, Redeemer, hail!
  For thou hast died for me;
  Thy praise shall never, never fail throughout eternity.
The Penitent Criminal Luke 23.39-43
We don't know much about this criminal, but we are told
enough to give assurance and hope to those who turn to Jesus
on a death bed or near the end of life. I think it must have
been the words of mercy and forgiveness which Jesus prayed
from the cross for those who had hounded him to death,
that changed this man's whole attitude. As the criminal
watched the innocent suffer he recognized his own
shabbiness and sinfulness, and he took his chance in a very
short petition to Jesus. He asked to be remembered when
Jesus came to reign as King. Jesus promised him a place
immediately in his presence. 'Today you will be with me'.
  Two thoughts come to me. First, that no one will be
turned away, however late in life they turn to Jesus in
penitence and faith. (John 6.37) We are given this story of
the dying thief to give us hope, but only one such story, for
fear we may presume on God's mercy.
  How foolish then, and how meanly selfish to waste all the
best years of life before making the great decision. We are
made for God and our hearts are restless till they find their
rest in him.
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  We never know when the final call may come. Life is
uncertain. When it comes, we shall leave all behind except
the character we have made in this life. Death may be
sudden or slow, but we cannot be sure that when it comes
our minds will be clear. Surely we owe him a life-time's
allegiance -- a debt we never can pay.
  What a joy to know that death for the penitent believer
means the company of Jesus immediately. We know very
little about life after death, but to be with Jesus assures us
that all will be well.
  O my saviour lifted from the earth for me,
  Draw me, in thy mercy, nearer unto thee.
  And I come Lord Jesus, dare I turn away?
  No, thy love has conquered, and I come today.
Joseph of Arimathea Matthew 27.57-61
(Mark 15.42-47; Luke 23.50-56; John 19.38-42)
Joseph like Nicodemus was a leading, highly respected
member of the Jewish council. He was wealthy, and had
prepared a tomb for himself and his family. He was a God-
fearer and a disciple of Jesus, but he kept this to himself for
fear of his fellow Jews. Although a member of the council,
he had stood out against the decision to put Jesus to death.
Now he came out of his shell of fear and went bravely to
Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus (Mark 15.43).
  The test had come, and he and Nicodemus showed their
true colours. They sought to do the last acts of love and
loyalty for their Lord. Joseph buried the body in his own new
tomb. This act was a very vocal witness to his faith.
  Did Joseph regret that he had not followed Jesus more
closely and been identified with him on his travels up and
down the country? Did he now feel sad that his churchiness,
his moral rectitude, his good name had kept him from
associating with the despised and falsely accused Son of
God? He could have spoken up in his defence -- he only kept
silent.
  It is easy to miss opportunities for giving a positive word of
  47
approval and support when some friend is being attacked ;
or some truth ridiculed. It is easier to keep silent to save our
own face, and the nuisance of becoming involved in a tricky
situation. We are afraid of what others will think of us. We
may lose our reputation or be turned out of our own
particular group.
  Joseph now stands out and is to be counted as an open
disciple. We may not get big opportunities as he did, but
our Lord says, 'Inasmuch as you did it unto the least of my
brethren you did it unto me'. So today our small actions of
loving service for others can mark us out as true disciples.
  Lord, take fear from our hearts and unseal our lips that
we may witness for you today and be known as true disciples.
  Jesus, confirm my heart's desire,
  To work and speak and think for thee;
  Still let me guard the holy fire,
  And still stir up the gift in me.
  C.  Wesley
Stephen Acts 6.8-15
We have to dip into the Acts for three more contacts, but
now contacts with the risen Christ. He thus comes to be our
contemporary, ever able to come to us in our need of
salvation and renewal.
  Stephen was chosen to be an administrator of church
funds, but as a spirit-filled layman he could not but join in
the preaching and teaching and performing acts of mercy.
He was richly blessed by God, and so he shared his blessings
with others.
  I see a great likeness between Stephen and his Lord.
When he spoke the people could not resist him, yet he
stirred up great opposition from the religious members of
the synagogue. Then as in our Lord's own trial they brought
in false accusers to tell lies about Stephen, and they trumped
up the same charges that he was speaking against the law of
Moses and the temple.
  48
  What really impressed the accusers in the End was not
what Stephen said but what he was. The radiance and
reality of his faith in the living Christ was seen in his shining
face.
  Laymen and laywomen in our churches today, we may be
in secular jobs, but as Christians we are called to exercise a
twofold ministry. We are called to witness with our lips and
by our lives, to the reality of the living Christ. Words will
avail little if our lives do not radiate his love, joy and
serenity. It was a child who described a saint as a person the
light shines through. He was thinking of stained glass
windows, but the description is apt. We are all called to be
saints, that the light of Christ may shine through our eyes
and attract people, not to ourselves but to him.
  Lord Jesus, risen Son of God, so fill me with your light and
love, that as I move about from place to place today, people
may turn their thoughts to you.
Stephen Acts 7.54-60
Stephen having witnessed to his faith and challenged his
hearers now faced their bitter hatred. But he did not notice
them. He had his eyes up. He looked up and saw the glory of
God and the risen Christ. It is true in experience that when
the way ahead seems blocked and there is opposition and
hostility around us, all we can do, and the best we can do is
to look up and gain peace and strength from our vision of
the living Lord Jesus. (See our Lord's example John 17.1-5)
  They threw Stephen out of the city -- so Jesus was
crucified outside the city wall -- the place for outcasts and
malefactors. Stephen, like his Lord, was able to pray for,
and forgive his enemies, and as Jesus finally committed
himself into the hands of his Father, so Stephen committed
himself into the hands of his Lord.
  I think today of those who have been cast out of their
families because they have become Christians; and many
who today are persecuted for their faith, some having died
in prison camps. Also I think of many who get no sympathy
  49
or encouragement at home. A girl I know went to her
Confirmation all alone. It meant a lot to her. Arriving
home, she found her mother in the kitchen preparing the
supper. 'Mother' she said excitedly, 'I've been confirmed
and I have promised to follow Jesus'. 'So what', said her
mother, and that was all. Not a word of encouragement or
support. How can such young people keep their faith and
stand up to confess Christ in a hostile world? Hebrews 12.2
gives the answer. 'Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on
whom our faith depends from beginning to end.'
  Lord, help me to forgive those who would harm me, or
seek to destroy my faith. Give to me the calm confidence and
courage that Stephen had. Help me to commit myself each
day into your loving care. 'In God will I put my trust. I will
not be afraid what man can do unto me' Ps.56.11. So Lord
strengthen those who are standing alone in their families.
Help them to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus who will hold
them to the end.
Saul of Tarsus Who Became Paul Acts 9.1-9
We do not keep January 25th as St Paul's day, but as the
Conversion of St Paul.' This is a very special day in our
family, for my husband was made a bishop on that day in
1956, and enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury on the
eve of that day nineteen years later.
  Paul's conversion was sudden. (Yet had not Stephen's
death worked on his conscience?) It was drastic, it changed
his whole life. He had been going one way, his own way,
fighting against God, against himself and against the young
Christian church. Now he turned round and faced Jesus in a
personal encounter.
  We cannot understand exactly what happened, nor can
we explain sudden conversions which certainly happen
today. 'From darkness to light' can mean a very dramatic
and far reaching change as it did for Paul. 'Who are you
Lord?' Surely Paul knew. He was a scholar, he had been
persecuting his followers. Surely he had studied and talked
  50
about Jesus. A fresh revelation, a personal contact is needed.
`I am the one you are persecuting. If you touch one of my
followers you touch me. You are also hurting yourself as you
hurt  others.'
  Paul's pride and self-sufficiency were broken. He was
converted, turned right round in his tracks. But he was only
a beginner and had much to learn and needed help. He was
sent to someone who would be a friend. He was not given
more guidance, but he obeyed, even willing now to be led by
the hand. He had to learn dependence on others.
  I did not have a sudden conversion, but I cannot criticize
those who do. I cannot label it mere emotionalism. All big
decisions are accompanied by some emotion. For Saul of
Tarsus it meant a committal of all he was to a tough life of
discipleship. The vision of the living Christ was followed by
obedience and action. Help was prepared ready for him.
  Lord, I thank you for your amazing grace in calling Saul
to be your chosen servant and missionary. Thank you too for
that same grace in calling me to follow you. Keep me
humble and obedient and ready to accept the help of others
who know far more of you than I do.
Ananias Acts 9.10-19
Paul needed a friend -- someone who, knowing of his past
and the terrible things he had done to the Christians in the
early Church, would not rebuke but encourage, would not
judge and condemn, but heal and guide. Such a man was
Ananias, prepared by God and ready at the right moment to
be the helper Paul needed.
  Ananias had a vision of the living Jesus, and responded at
once with his 'Here am I, Lord.' Naturally doubts filled his
mind about Saul of Tarsus. He must have been surprised to
hear that Jesus had chosen such a man to serve him. Casting
his fears and doubts aside he obeyed the order to go and
help him. I think of his greeting and welcome, 'Brother Saul
. .  . Jesus himself sent me'. What friendship, what assurance
and what authority were all offered in those words. And
  51
along with those words was a tender action of brotherliness
-- he placed his hands on Saul's shoulders. The help needed
was given. Saul received gifts -- physical healing, his
eyesight was restored; spiritual life, the filling of the Holy
Spirit; and food for the strengthening of his body.
  I learn much from Ananias about Christian friendship.
The most unlikely people may need my help. Am I prepared
to break down all barriers of fear and convention to think of
such and treat them as brothers and sisters? Am I ready to
offer the healing, life-giving love of Christ to them, and
practical help in the way of a meal or shelter?
  Lord, I do not know to whom you will send me today.
May I be ready and willing to be a friend, to give practical
help where needed, and always to be open enough to share
your love and power with those you have called to your
service.
  III Jesus and Suffering
He Heals a Leper Luke 5.12-16
(Matt. 8.1-4; Mark 1.40-45)
'Sir, if you want to you can make me clean', or as we would
say in modern terms -- `Where there's a will there's a way'.
Jesus was willing, there was no hesitation. He acted at once
with a touch saying, 'I do want to, be clean.'
  Leprosy in those days meant uncleanness, infection,
therefore separation. Jesus was against disease in all forms.
His mission was to make people whole. He had no fear of
contamination. He recognized the faith in the leper, and
met it with his positive assurance and touch. The onlookers
must have been amazed that Jesus would touch the unclean
leper. Jesus knew that his touch as well as his word of
authority was needed to reassure the leper. Psychological
healing of the mind would bring him back into contact with
his family, and the community.
  Am I afraid of using touch? Too reserved? Afraid of being
thought sentimental? When words fail I find myself shaking
hands, or putting my arm around the shoulder of someone
in trouble, bereavement or pain. Healing today may be
granted by God with the `laying on of hands' or without it.
Jesus often used his hands in blessing and healing. It is love
that heals, and divine love can come through touch,
contact, identification. Touch can be a sacramental act,
used by any Christian in the context of prayer.
  Families can hold hands as they say grace together round
the table; strangers can shake hands at the giving of the
peace during a Communion Service. I know of a man who
became a Christian after the handshake of Peace, in a Holy
Communion service. His neighbour said, 'The peace of the
Lord be with you, George'. George said afterwards, 'It came
home to me then that this gift was for me personally.'
  53
Thy touch has still its ancient power.
No word from thee can fruitless fall.
Hear in this solemn evening hour,
And in thy mercy heal us all.
I hear again our Lord's words -- 'I do want to . . . be clean'.
Thank you Lord.
A Paralysed Man Luke 5.17-26
(Matt. 9.1-8; Mark 2.1-12)
'The power of the Lord was present for Jesus to heal the
sick'. This power was obviously linked with the faith and
determination of the friends of the paralysed man. What
ingenuity they used in order to get him through the crowds
and bring him to the feet of Jesus. I see that healing may
come through the faith and action, not of the patient
himself, but of those who love and care for him. So through
healing prayer groups, or in our own private prayers we can
bring people who are physically or mentally sick into the
healing power of Jesus, and hold them there in his love and
ours.
  Again and again Jesus linked forgiveness of sins with
healing of the body. He emphasized forgiveness first, for he
was a wise psychologist. He knew how much a sense of guilt,
a burden of sin affects the body for ill. A headache may be
the result of losing my temper. My ulcer may develop
because there is someone I have not forgiven. My arthritis
may come from long years of resentment or fear. Forgiveness
is a most therapeutic experience. 1 must forgive as I have
been forgiven; then I will be set free, and be right with God
and man. I can be healed in mind and body, even if for the
time being I am not cured of my complaint. There are lessons
I can learn through my suffering, but God's will is that I shall
be made whole. The paralysed man was able to get up and
walk, and carry away his mattress on which he had been
lying. Jesus never half does a job -- `Get up and walk'. Full
healing is his desire for me. It is God's will. Forgiveness may
be the first step; then I may know that I am accepted, so
that I may be active to serve.
  54
  How thankful I should be that when I feel weak and
faithless I can call upon my friends to pray for me, and in
their faith they will bring me to Jesus, the great healer of all
my ills.
  When I am in the dark, Lord, when I cannot pray, when I
feel I must escape from life, when what I need more than
anything is your forgiving, healing love -- I thank you for
those who are praying for me, who are holding on to me and
bringing me back to you.
A Man with a Crippled Hand Luke 6.6-10
(Matt. 12.9-14; Mark 3.1-6)
Yesterday's reading showed the religious leaders up against
Jesus because he forgave a paralysed man his sins and healed
him. Today they suspect him of breaking their law by
healing on the Sabbath day. Jesus knew their thoughts, but
he had come to help, not harm, to save life, not destroy it.
The law must take second place, compassion and care come
first. The religious leaders had negative thoughts -- they
were bound by 'don'ts'. Like some religious people today
their lives were constricted by rules and regulations. Jesus
had positive thoughts. He had to do good -- a man needed
his hand restored to full use. This was the right moment, the
right opportunity. So no 'hole in the corner' operation. The
man was brought to his feet to stand in front of the crowd, so
that all could see. The man had to co-operate and stretch
out his hand before it could be healed.
  The religious leaders and teachers were infuriated, and so
they discussed what could be done to get rid of this
lawbreaker. 1 wonder if they were a bit envious of Jesus and
his power to heal. Doing good is never popular, especially if
it can be shown that rules and regulations are broken.
Jesus knows my thoughts. Am I trying to think his
thoughts after him, or am I too tied up to what is done, and
what isn't done? Am I bound by rules and regulations, set by
myself or others, or am I ready to break away from custom,
set free by Jesus Christ to be myself, to rejoice in the healing
5  55
love of God, and to be an agent, a channel of that healing
love and power to others? I must be prepared to be criticized
for unusual behaviour, for breaking rules, or frowned upon
by those whose lives are run on a set pattern.
  May my thoughts and my deeds be acceptable this day in
your sight, my strength and my redeemer. Help me always
to have positive thoughts in saying 'yes' to life; accepting
God's healing grace for myself and my loved ones, in faith
and with thanksgiving.
Jairus' Daughter Mark 5.21-24; 35-43
(Matt. 9.18-19, 23-26 Luke 8.40-42, 49-56)
What a contrast between the crowds on the one hand and
Jesus on the other, noise and confusion and calm,
purposeful control of the whole situation. In the middle, a
high up official in the synagogue with a heart-breaking
anxiety. A father's love for his twelve year old daughter
comes out clearly; also the fact that religion did not save his
family from sickness and distress.
  As a human being Jairus must have been very annoyed
and worried by the delay caused by the interruption of a
suffering woman, especially when the messengers arrived
announcing the death of his daughter. But Jesus was not
disturbed. He was the master of time. His secret was that of
the psalmist who wrote 'my times are in thy hands.'
  Jesus needed peace and quiet and a few intimate friends
to support him in restoring the little girl to life. Modern
miracles of resuscitation, giving the `kiss of life', help me to
believe that Jesus with divine power could restore life. Today
he needs his agents through whom he can work -- doctors,
parents, clergy, and friends. They all have a part to play.
How good if they could work more closely together!
  Jesus was human as well as divine. I like his practical
down-to-earth consideration for the child. He knew she
must be hungry; he realized that the astonished and grateful
parents needed to express their feelings, so he charged them
to give their little daughter something to eat.
  56
  Christianity is a very practical faith. It has to do with
looking after the body. It is therefore right that we should
spend time and thought on the preparation and enjoyment
of food. Christianity is also concerned with the needs of the
mind and spirit for times of peace and calm. If Jesus could
not continually operate amid confusion and noise and
crowds, no more can I. I too will need the help and support
of a few praying friends when up against unseen powers of
sin, sickness and death.
  In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.
Jesus said, 'Where two or three are gathered together in my
name, there am I in the midst.'
  Lord, we rest on thee, and in thy name we go.
A Woman Who Touched Him Mark 5.25-34
(Matt. 9.20-22; Luke 8.43-48)
This story is reported in all three gospels, so it must have
made a great impression on the writers.
  The woman was very bold, but then her suffering was
great and had lasted a long time. Doctors had failed; her
money had all gone, and she was worse. Now she made one
last desperate effort. She had heard about Jesus. Perhaps she
had noticed his look of love and pity as he had healed others.
Anyway she was encouraged to push her way to the front
and touch his clothes, as Jesus moved on with Jairus. She was
healed and Jesus felt that power had gone out of him. She
had received that power in her own body. She could not slip
away unnoticed; so in fear and trembling she knelt at Jesus'
feet and told him all. His words ('my daughter') reassured
her of a loving relationship of peace and healing.
  Perseverance against great odds, honesty in telling the
truth, and faith in the power of the living Christ reap the
reward of a close relationship; peace of mind and healing of
the body.
  How many today are like this woman? They have tried
everything in order to find health of body and peace of
mind; drugs, astrology, travel, sex, meditation -- they have
  57
spent all they have and still are dissatisfied, restless and full
of fear. Healing of body and mind can be found by coming
into touch with the living, loving Lord, and receiving from
him the power to be healed and the power to live day by day
in peace and joy.
  Lord, today I need your peace in my heart and your
power in my life. Help me in faith to touch you. and hear
you say 'go in peace and be free of your trouble'.
  Where he touches, there is healing.
  Where he leads, there the light shines.
  Where he dwells, there is peace.
A Deaf and Dumb Man Mark 7.31-37
`Jesus took him off alone, away from the crowds'. Deafness is
a great trial that is not always understood. Dumbness often
goes with it, for the totally deaf cannot hear their own voice.
Deafness does not get the sympathy that blindness (which is
more obvious) does. It is hard for a deaf person to be in a
crowd where there is noise and shouting. It is not possible for
a dumb man to express his fears and anxieties. Jesus
understood completely, and took him away alone with
himself. He touched his tongue and his ears and brought
back hearing and speech.
  I know I am often deaf to God's voice, and slow to speak
his praise. If I do not hear, it is not because God is dumb.
He is a God who speaks. (Hebrews 1,1 and 2.) He speaks to
me in the person of his Son. Jesus is what God wants to say to
me (John 1.1-4). I may be deaf through ignorance, through
thoughtlessness, through my own deliberate sinning. I may
not want to hear God's voice -- I want my own way not his.
  A favourite saying of Jesus was, `He that has ears to hear,
let him hear.' I must spend time each day to listen for the
inner small voice. I may hear what he wants to say to me in
my Bible reading through parables in nature, through
something I read, through a person I meet, through some
kind of suffering or bereavement. Physical deafness is very
  58
sad, but spiritual deafness is a tragedy.
  Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.
  Open my lips to speak your praise.
Blind Bartimaeus Mark 10.46-52
(Matthew 20.29-34; Luke 18.35-43)
'What do you want me to do for you?' 'Teacher, I want to see
again'. Earlier in this chapterJesus asked that same question
of James and John. They wanted assurance that they would
have the best seats in the Kingdom of Heaven. They wanted
their position settled and secure. Jesus said he could not do
that for them. But here is a contrast -- this blind beggar
knew his need for mercy, and in spite of scolding and being
told to be quiet, persisted in his plea. Jesus called him, and
the people round about changed their tune. 'Cheer up, get
up, he is calling you.'
  There was no welfare state in Palestine in those days. A
blind beggar was indeed to be pitied. I saw a guide dog with
a blind lady this morning. How marvellously he watched the
lights change from red to green, and then carefully led her
across a busy street. There was no such help for Bartimaeus.
He knew his need. He did not beg for money, but for
healing. 'I want to see again'. Having been given his sight he
followed Jesus along the road.
  Sometimes in prayer we ask for the wrong thing --
security, success, comfort? 'You don't know what you are
asking', says Jesus to the misguided disciples. Nor do we.
Jesus says to us, 'What do you want me to do for you'? and he
waits for an answer. 'Lord that I may receive my sight', a
fresh vision of you, crucified, risen, alive and by my side. I
need to see your world as you made it, and as you want it to
be. I need to see your children, whatever colour, creed or
class, as my brothers and sisters. They need your love and
caring.
  He asked strength that he might achieve,
  He was given weakness that he might obey.
  59
He asked health that he might do great things.
He was given infirmity that he might do better things.
He asked riches that he might be happy,
He was given poverty that he might be wise.
He received nothing that he asked for,
But was given all that he hoped for.
And so his prayer was answered.
A Possessed Boy Mark 9.14-29
(Matt. 17.14-21; Luke 9.37-43)
'Only prayer can drive this kind out, nothing else can'. Many
illnesses were attributed to demon possession in our Lord's
day. Some fits may have been due to what we now know as
epilepsy or brain damage. What we do know today is that
some people seem to have an unhappy and unholy spirit in
them driving them to say and do very strange things in
desperation. In parts of Africa and Asia missionaries give
similar accounts of so-called devil possession, with stories of
exorcism and healing of minds and spirits.
  There are great dangers in exercising this ministry. In the
Anglican Church in England a few specially qualified
people have been appointed and approved to work with the
medical profession in a private ministry, when necessary.
  Our Lord gives us the deep secret of healing and driving
out unhappy and unholy spirits. Only prayer. This comes as
an encouragement to those who are members of prayer
healing groups. The healing needed is peace of mind, often
the healing of memory. Self-control, integration of the
whole personality follows. Doctors and psychiatrists are used
by God, whether believers or not, to carry out treatment,
but above all, and with all, prayer plays a dominant part.
  How often one cries out with the father of this possessed
boy, 'I do have faith, but not enough. Help me'. In my
prayers I find love makes me bring my sick or depressed
friends into the loving presence of God, mentioning them by
name and holding them there. It is rather like bringing
them into a sun bath under God's love, and he, 'the sun',
does the healing with his life giving rays. The healing may
  60
not come all at once, as in the case of the possessed boy. My
prayer of faith may be tested for a long time. The healing
may come gradually. There may be set-backs, which will
test our faith. But God is faithful, and his promises are ours
for claiming.
  Dear God, you gave us minds as well as bodies. We
commit to your healing love all who suffer from mental
illness. Help them to trust you even in their darkest hours
and in your mercy release them from the causes of their
sickness, that they may be whole in mind as well as body and
serve you with thankfulness and joy.
A Humped-backed Woman Luke 13.10-17
Jesus did not wait for this poor hump-backed, crippled
woman to ask for healing. Perhaps he saw a look of hopeful
expectancy in her eyes. He was angry that Satan had kept
her in bonds for eighteen years. The synagogue official was
angry but for a different reason. Jesus was healing on the
Sabbath day. The official did not understand that this
might be the only chance for this woman to receive healing.
Jesus seized the opportunity, regardless of religious taboos.
The people around rejoiced for they knew this woman, and
they knew what it would mean for her to be healed.
  How illogical religious people can be! Jesus could teach in
the synagogue on the Sabbath, but not heal. Surely in the
work for the kingdom both teaching and healing must go
together.
  Sickness is sometimes the result of ignorance. Medical
knowledge is wiping out many diseases from the past, and
with God's help will wipe out many more. Sickness may be
the result of ignorance, sin, cruelty or neglect. Here in this
story Jesus lays the blame on Satan who 'has kept this woman
in bonds for eighteen years'. Jesus has power over Satan and
all the powers of evil, and he can set men and women free
today. He can cast out the spirit of fear, unhappiness and
depression which often shows itself in physical symptoms, as
with this woman.
  61
  In John 14.12 Jesus tells his disciples that if they believe in
him, they will do even greater works than he has done. The
ministry of healing in the Church goes on today. I believe far
more could be accomplished if doctors, ministers of the
Church and social workers would work more closely together
in consultation and co-operation.
  Set free, 0 Lord, the souls of your servants from all rest-
lessness and anxiety; give us that peace and power which
now from you. Keep us in all perplexity and distress, that
upheld by your strength and stayed upon the rock of your
faithfulness, we may abide in you now and evermore.
Ten Lepers Luke 17.11-19
Only one leper came back to offer his praise and
thanksgiving to God for the healing Jesus had brought to
them. Where indeed were the other nine? They had all
shouted, `Jesus! Master!', when they wanted healing; but
only one, and he a Samaritan, a foreigner, came back to
offer his healed body to the Lord in gratitude.
  Did the nine take their healing for granted? They just
didn't think. Perhaps they were too occupied with gossiping
with each other, discussing their next moves, so they forgot
the giver and sustainer of their life and wholeness.
  I believe that thanksgiving helps the healing process. A
positive attitude of acceptance of God's gift and
acknowledging it in gratitude often seems to seal the
healing.
  How easy it is to take one's health for granted! Often, only
after an illness or surgery does one realize that thanks are
due to the creator and preserver of life; for every breath we
take is his gift.
  When we cry to God for health and strength, for healing
and wholeness, can we thank him at the same time for what
we are receiving? The healing may take some time. A
woman I know who has been healed of paralysis, says she is
still being healed of diabetes. On the other hand the healing
  62
may not be a cure, but a spirit of acceptance and triumph
over the sickness.
  If you think, you will thank.
  We thank you heavenly Father for our creation, preser-
vation and all the blessings of this life. . . and we offer our-
selves, souls and bodies to your service.
63
  IV Jesus and Grief
Mary and Martha John 11.1-6
We have been meditating mostly on the first three Gospels so
far. Here is a story we cannot miss and it is only told by John.
  The first thing I learn from it is the personal, compas-
sionate love of Jesus for the whole family. If one member
suffers all members suffer too. The mental suffering, the
wear and tear of those who watch and care for the sick is
often greater than the physical suffering of the patient. Jesus
understands. He suffers with them.
  Again I see that Jesus insists that good may come out of
suffering. The final result will bring glory to God. This may
be delayed, but Jesus is the master of time.
  Many people say, when disaster falls, 'Why should this
happen to me?' Why should God allow it? How can he be a
God of love? Why doesn't he answer my prayer? There is no
short or easy answer. We are facing a mystery. But two
things are clear. God never sends suffering and sickness. He
is always on the side of health and wholeness, but he does
allow it, as he allowed Job to be tested. The other thing we
find is that good can come out of suffering and so often
does.  .
  I think of many great composers, whose music came out
of suffering, poverty and depression. I think of a young
doctor, who when challenged about keeping severely
retarded teenagers alive, angrily retorted, 'Madam, you
don't know what they do for us.' Sympathy, compassion,
skill and tender love would be lost, and our world would be a
harder and tougher place than it is.
George Matheson wrote:
  '0 love that wilt not let me go,
  I rest my weary soul in thee:
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I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller, be.'
Mary and Martha John 11.17-27
'If you had been here, Lord, my brother would not have
died.' If God is love and almighty, why doesn't he come to
our aid and deliver us from suffering, death and
bereavement? How often we look back on some event and
voice an 'if only'. This is natural. It is better to express our
anxieties, rather than bottle them up.
  Jesus, strange to say, did not come at once to the family he
loved. He actually stayed away for two whole days. We have
to learn that God is never in a hurry as we so often are. His
ways and thoughts are not ours. They are far better than
ours. He has lessons to teach us even through delays and
silences.
  Jesus knew what he would do. He wanted the whole
experience to be a lesson to Mary, Martha and his disciples
on resurrection and life.
  It is a lesson for us all. For the Christian believer death is
not the end. It is the gateway into life. We don't need to wait
to experience resurrection life. We can know it now.
Whoever lives and believes in Jesus will never (finally) die.
As we age and lose our faculties, we die a little bit each day
in our body, but spiritually we are already living a new and
resurrected life.
  In his human body, Jesus could not be everywhere; but in
his risen life, by his Spirit, he is with us in our suffering and
in our bereavements.
  Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff
comfort me.
  Psalm 23.
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Mary and Martha John 11.28-37
'The teacher is here and is asking for you'. Mary had stayed
at home to be alone with her grief. Why had Jesus not come?
Could he not have healed Lazarus? Did he not care? Her
thoughts suddenly changed. `Jesus has missed me, he wants
me.' And so she hurried out to meet him.
  There is a time for grief and for wanting to be alone. This
is necessary and valuable. A widow or widower finds the
need, in the depths of agony, to face her or his loss alone.
But this aloneness must not last too long. Someone needs
you. Perhaps there is someone else waiting to share your
grief. Jesus needed Mary. Mary needed Jesus.
  Jesus' heart was touched; he was deeply moved. He and
Mary wept together. Here is mystery. Jesus knew he would
bring Lazarus back to life. So why does he weep? Was it also
because he saw how death could bind people to this life. For
a time the evil one had control, and the hope of resurrection
life was so dim. We can never fathom the depth of meaning
beyond thcse words, `Jesus wept' -- the shortest verse in the
Bible. Isaiah 53.4 tells us, 'Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows' (Authorized Version).
  True sympathy is sharing with, becoming identified with
the sufferer. Words don't always convey what we feel. A
handshake,  a look of understanding may mean more. It may
mean sharing tears. When I was in Pakistan my daughter
took me to a Christian home where the family were
mourning the loss of a mother and grandmother. We just sat
quietly in the room where the body lay. Not a word was
spoken, but sympathy and love and thanksgiving were
shared in silence.
  Dear Jesus, help us to be sensitive to the grief of others. In
silence may we share the assurance of your presence, the
healing of your love, and the comfort of your Holy Spirit.
Grief Turned to Glory John 11.38-44
Once again John tells us that Jesus was deeply moved. The
stage was now set for action. The stone and the smell could
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not hinder God's work for one moment. Look for the glory.
God is going to work. First Jesus looked up with confidence
and thanksgiving, and then issued the call to Lazarus to
come out. His prayer of faith gave faith to those around
him. Active faith is infectious. Those round about must now
play their part. They had to roll away the stone, they had to
untie the grave clothes, so that Lazarus could be free. God
won't do for us what we can do for ourselves. Even the
humdrum tasks have a place in the resurrection life. See the
glory of God in all you do, and in others and in what they
do.
  I have heard it said that, like Lazarus, some Christians are
still tied around with grave clothes! They are bound and so
hindered in active Christian service. Freedom, joy and glory
are waiting for them. It is possible to be bound by fears,
selfishness, pride or wrong relationships. There's a glory in
living when Jesus sets us free.
  I like the American negro's song:--
  Oh you gotta get a glory
  In the work you do;
  A halleluiah chorus
  In the heart of you.
  Paint or tell a story,
  Sing or shovel coal,
  But you gotta get a glory
  Or the job lacks soul.
A Bereaved Mother Luke 7.11-17
Here was the suffering of great grief. It comes to us all at
some time. A young man, the only son of a widow was dead.
Perhaps his mother depended on him for her support. He
was popular, for many were coming to his funeral. Jesus saw
her. His heart was filled with pity. He sensed the depth of
her grief. Her tears fell fast. He himself had wept tears at the
grave of Lazarus.
  Perhaps Jesus remembered what he used to do for his own
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mother. The grief of this widow woman became his own. He
could not let death defeat him. 'Don't cry', he said. The son
was called back to life and given to his mother. What a
joyful reunion! I like to think that this points us to the happy
reunions there will be for Christians in the life beyond
death. Death is not the end. Grief and suffering will pass
away when God wipes away all tears (Rev. 21.4). There will
be no more death, no more grief, crying or pain. The one
who has power over death and life says 'I make all things
new.'
  Meanwhile there are lessons to be learnt, a deepening
experience of the love of God and the upholding of his
power, which can only be learnt in the school of suffering,
and then can be shared with others.
  A letter from a young clergy wife dying of cancer comes to
me this morning. In it she says, 'I have felt so wonderfully
upheld through all this experience by the prayers of so
many, and latterly especially have had a great sense of peace
and an opportunity to witness to the village and others. Bill
and I have both learnt so much spiritually through it all,
which we probably couldn't have learnt in any other way.'
She died a few days later.
  Lord, we commit to your keeping love those who are on
their way to you. May they know your presence surrounding
them and holding them. Keep them in peace, and may those
who watch them be comforted, and assured of reunion in
the life to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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  V Jesus and Prayer
The Principles Matthew 6.5-8
(Luke 11.2-4)
I learn two important lessons about prayer from the
teaching of Jesus in these verses. The first is the need for
humility and the second for simplicity.
  I must check myself when I kneel to pray in church. Am I
doing it as a habit, or that others may see I am saying my
prayers? Maybe my heart and mind are far away. I
remember hearing of a churchwarden who was asked what
he said when he knelt down at the beginning of the service.
He was very honest and said that he just counted ten and
then sat down.
Jesus tells me to go to my room and close the door, so as to
shut out all thoughts of others, and to be aware that I am in
the presence of God. This humbles me and prepares me for
true worship. I remember it was the despised tax collector
calling for mercy, who was heard rather than the self-
righteous Pharisee.  (Luke 18.9-14).
  Then my prayers are to be short and to the point. Prayer
is not to change God's mind but mine. He knows my needs,
but I must come close enough to Him so that I can hear him
whisper his loving purposes into my heart and strengthen my
will to obey. I find comfort in the words of Jesus, 'Your
Father in heaven knows.' Matthew 6.32.
  Today will be a busy day -- a journey to London; letters
to answer; an American bishop to lunch; guests to tea.
Unknown challenges and interruptions. My Father already
knows. I do not need to give him a list. He also knows my
weaknesses and failings. He also knows my deep desire to
please him and do his will. So, Father, today my prayer can be
humble and simple -- Into your hands I commit myself, my
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loved ones, my day. Lord have mercy upon me. I am not
worthy that you should come into my home, speak the word
only, and I shall be whole.
The Pattern of Prayer Matthew 6.9-15
(Luke 11.1-4)
In prayer we come to 'our Father'. He is not a task master,
but a Father. Some of us have wrong ideas of God from
childhood teaching. 'God is love' and 'perfect love drives out
all fear'. (1 John 4.18) We come as children to one who
knows us better than we know ourselves. We come in
confidence, for he knows what is best for us. We come in
reverence and wonder because he is in heaven, the creator
and sustainer of all life. We come with joy, for we have
much to praise him for.
  He is our Father, so we are not isolated units. We belong
to a family, indeed a worldwide family, made up of rich and
poor, black and white, educated and uneducated, men and
women, young and old. We are linked together, and this is
our family prayer.
  My husband and I have travelled in many countries. We
do not always understand the language that is spoken by the
people we meet, but we know we can join together in the
Lord's Prayer, as it is said in several different languages. We
can greet each other, grasp hands, laugh together, even hug
each other; for we meet as brothers and sisters in the one
family, belonging to God our Father. There can be no
exclusiveness in the family of God. We must take everyone
into our love. We cannot like everyone to the same degree,
but when we say 'our Father' we must open ourselves to his
love, which can then fill us and now through us to all his
children, our brothers and sisters in Christ.
  Attending the Wives' Conference during the Lambeth
Conference in Canterbury, I found myself at the tea-making
counter near my bedroom. On the notice board above the
kettle and teapot, I saw these words 'The Jesus in me loves
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the Jesus in you'. 'Thank you Lord', I said, 'May that be true
in our Conference'. And it was.
Our Needs Matthew 6.11-15
'Give us today the food we need', no more, no less. This
request means my utter dependence on God's fresh supply of
nourishment for body and spirit each day. I cannot live on
food of last week, nor the experiences of days gone by. I
need fresh food and just the right amount for each day. This
prayer does away with greed and grabbing, extravagance,
and being possessed by my possessions. If I truly pray it I
may have to change my life-style. It is 'Give us. . .' So I must
share my bread with my brothers and sisters who are hungry
too.
  My second need is for forgiveness. It is there for me on one
condition -- that there is no one I have not forgiven or will
not forgive. Wrong relationships are the biggest block to
answered prayer. I must always think before I pray for God's
forgiveness, is there anyone whom I have not forgiven? I may
have been wronged by someone. So was Jesus, grossly
wronged. Yet on the cross his first thought was for those who
had done him to death. 'Father forgive them, they know not
what they do.' (Luke 23.34)
  My third need is for protection from the hard testing of
my faith, when I fear I will fail and give way to the evil one.
I believe it is the same prayer we pray at the end of the Te
Deum -- '0 Lord in thee have I trusted, let me never be
confounded.'
  I wonder, if I was called to be a martyr for my faith like
Dietrich Bonhoeffer or Janani Luwum, or tested like my
Baptist brothers and sisters in Russia, could I stand firm for
my Lord and my faith?
  If ever I am brought to the place of severe testing, and
tempted to falter, Lord protect me from the evil one. Lord,
for those who are losing their grip, hold them firm in your
loving hands.
6  71
Perseverance in Prayer Luke 11.5-13
(Matthew 7.7-11)
'You are not ashamed to keep on asking'. Why should I go
on asking and asking, when my heavenly Father knows all
my needs and can supply them? I begin to see that it is in
asking that I realize my dependence on God for the air I
breathe, the food I eat, for life itself; but more than that, it
is in asking without shame I deepen my relationship with my
heavenly Father. It is in the asking, seeking, knocking that I
open my whole being to the loving giving of God. I should be
sad if my children never came and asked me for things they
knew I was willing to give them. The asking and giving
forms a deeper relationship of mutual trust and joy. So it is
with God our Father.
  Verse 13 has always been a key verse for me. 'How much
more (than any earthly father gives) the Father in heaven
will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!' It's as simple
as that. So many good people struggle and strive, and fill
their lives with good works, hoping to receive God's Holy
Spirit, the Lord the life-giver. It took me some time to
realize I was to ask. 'For everyone who asks will receive'. But
I go on day by day exploring that 'how much more'. I have
only just begun to find out the riches and the resources that
are mine for the asking. I am on the fringe of the giving love
of God, my Father, like a small child with a bucket on the
edge of the ocean. Our Father never tires of his children
coming back, to seek and to knock. There is always more to
find. The seeking may take some long time, the knocking
shows persistence and perseverance, but the finding is
promised.
  Dear Lord, we ask that your Holy Spirit may so live in us
that our whole life may become prayer, and prayer our life.
Confirm and strengthen us, that as we grow in age, we may
grow in patience and perseverance, till all asking becomes
receiving and praising through Jesus Christ.
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His Own Prayer Life Mark 1.35-39
(Luke 4.42-44;  5.16)
What was the secret behind the full-time and over-time
ministry of our Lord? The constant meeting with people, the
demands for healing, the teaching and the training of his
disciples would naturally leave him exhausted. 'Long before
daylight' leaving the crowded home, where probably his
family and the disciples were around him; early, before the
pressures and demands of the day; leaving behind the noises
and distractions, he sought a quiet place where he could be
alone with God. He needed that time to think and pray, to
be quiet enough to receive fresh strength and renewed
purpose for the day ahead. If Jesus needed this time, how
much more do we! We need time to be in touch with divine
love, to be open to divine power. It is not easy to make this
daily appointment with God, especially for those whose jobs
force them to join the commuter rush, or for those with
young children to see off to school. Jesus, whose own life was
full of distractions and interruptions, of comings and
goings, understands our circumstances. He will meet us with
his grace and peace, any time we can set aside those few
quiet moments alone with him. It is possible while doing the
ironing, sitting on a bus, or working in a canteen, to enter
into the inner room of the spirit and converse with the Spirit
of Jesus there. But I am sure it is well worth the struggle to
find the few quiet moments before the day begins, to
recharge one's batteries.
  Interruptions will come. 'Everyone is looking for you'.
Jesus could face these with inner serenity and calm purpose,
because he had first committed the whole day and himself to
the Father. And so can we if we learn his secret.
  Lord forgive my wandering thoughts and the inter-
ruptions in my time of prayer. Help me now to rest in your
presence, to accept your forgiveness and love and to commit
myself and all my doings into your guiding and blessing
hands for today.
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His 0wn Prayer Life Matthew 14.22-33
(Mark 6.45-52; John 6.15-21)
After a busy day, instead of going home to rest, to `put his
feet up' as we would say, Jesus went up a hill by himself to
pray. He had problems to face, burdens on his mind. There
alone in the evening hour, he sought peace and refreshment
of spirit.
  Meanwhile his disciples were on the lake wrestling with
wind and waves. Jesus saw them from the hilltop, and in the
early hours of the morning, (when things often seem at their
worst) he came to them. Because he had received in his own
soul peace of mind and courage, he could now impart it to
the terrified disciples. 'It is I, don't be afraid.' Jesus not only
calmed the storm, but held on to the sinking disciple, and
helped him back into the boat.
  I can remember being in a similar situation to Peter's. My
husband and I were faced with the prospect of a move from
a much loved home to another home and an unknown
situation. That sinking feeling came over me, and with
feeble faith I said 'Lord, if it is really you, order me to come
out on the water to you'. When I looked at the problems and
difficulties, fear took hold of me, but when I looked at Jesus,
he took hold of me, and I knew I could face what was to
come.
  St Augustine wrote 'He came treading the waves; and so
he puts all the swelling tumults of life under his feet.'
  Drop thy still dews of quietness
  Till all our strivings cease,
  Take from our hearts the strain and stress
  And let our ordered lives confess
  The beauty of thy peace.
His Own Prayer Life Luke 6.12-19
(Matthew 10.1-4; Mark 3.13-19)
Jesus spent a whole night in prayer before making one of the
most important decisions of his ministry. He was to choose
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from among his disciples (the learners) twelve to be named
apostles (sent ones). They were to be specially called, trained
and given his authority to teach and preach and heal. They
must be relied upon to carry on his own work of proclaiming
the Kingdom of God, come what may. Jesus needed the
wisdom, insight, assurance that God alone could give him.
The men he chose were far from perfect. They varied in
educational background, temperament, and character.
Why he chose Judas is a mystery we cannot fathom. Perhaps
we can learn something of the frailty of man, and that we all
have free will given to us. Jesus cannot and will not force
anyone to accept his way of life. His choice of Judas must
have brought the deepest disappointment and sorrow. What
about his choice of me? Am I a disappointment to him?
  Jesus needed to pray about the choices he had to make,
but also for the power to meet the demands of his daily life
and ministry.
  There are choices I have to make each day, decisions that
are not always clear cut. There are the grey lines as well as
the black and white. Some of my decisions will affect others
as well as myself. Some of the decisions will need courage to
implement. I need wisdom and strength. I need to know the
will of God for some definite action which must be taken
today. So it is vital that I spend time each morning getting to
know the mind of Christ, his attitude to the choices and
problems that will face me this day, and receive his power so
that at the end of the day I am not exhausted or defeated.
(Philippians 2.4-9)
  Dear Lord, give me your wisdom so that I may choose the
right friends. Help me by your Spirit in all my decisions to
reverence truth, to desire goodness, and to delight in
beauty.
His Own Prayer Life Matthew 26.36-46
(Mark 14.32-42; Luke 22.39-46)
Jesus was human enough to want his friends to be with him
during his time of crisis. He appealed to them in his grief
  75
and anguish. 'The sorrow in my heart is so great that it
almost crushes me'. It is difficult for us to be beside our Lord
in this hour as he faces the cross and prayer pours out of the
depths of his being. 'If it be possible . . . but if not . . .' He
shrank from the cross and asked for the bitter cup of
suffering to be removed. Did he for a moment doubt the will
of God? It was possible for God to rescue him, but not if the
love of God was to go to the limit to rescue mankind. The
second prayer wrung from the lips of Jesus went deeper. If
the cup could not be taken away unless it was drained, then
'your will be done'. Those four words are the hallmark of
our Lord's whole life. Once again, at what a cost, the will of
his Father was accepted. The battle was over, the victory was
won. He was at peace and ready for action.
  I am reading a moving story of a girl of seventeen who
through a diving accident became paralysed from her neck
down. For a long time she kept saying 'Why'? to God. Her
whole future seemed futile and ruined. No going to college,
no marriage. She hoped to die. Then through a friend she
began to find a purpose in it all, and she changed from
'Why'? to 'How'? How could she use her helplessness, her
wheelchair, to witness to God's love and care? She began to
find that through her suffering, and through her seemingly
unanswered prayers God was coming more fully into her life
and using her to help other teenagers, and to bring a new
closeness of love and consideration into her own family.
From self-pity and depression she was able to make a
positive contribution to the world around her.
  Father, give to us, and to all your people, in times of
anxiety, serenity; in times of hardship, courage; in times of
uncertainty, patience; and at all times quiet trust in your
wisdom and love, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
His Prayers Luke 23.32-43
'Forgive them, Father! They don't know what they are
doing'. Amid the physical and mental agony of the cross, the
first thoughts and words of Jesus were for those who had
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wronged him and carried out the dastardly act of the most
cruel of all deaths. Of the seven utterances of our Lord from
the cross, three were his thoughts for others; the fickle
people who had shouted, 'Crucify him'; the soldiers who had
carried out the deed; and the religious leaders who for envy
had mocked up false accusations against him and were glad
to get rid of him. Then he had prayed for the criminal dying
beside him,  and lastly he had thought of his own loved ones,
his mother and his friend John.
  'They don't know what they are doing'. I can never
imagine what these words of forgiveness and pleading must
have meant to those who first heard them, but I try to enter
into their meaning for me. They were the measure of his
limitless love. Up till now Jesus had faced every situation and
experience except the consequence of sin. On the cross his
love brings me to the Father for his forgiveness. 'God was in
Christ, reconciling the world to himself'-- but at what a
cost!
  The scribes and Pharisees were bigotted, self-important,
jealous of Jesus. Jesus had fought long battles for the truth
with them, but now he asked forgiveness for them -- 'They
don't know what they are doing'. The soldiers cruel and
rough were only carrying out their duty. Orders are orders.
They did not know what they were doing, though one as he
watched was forced to express the truth. There was forgive-
ness for the soldiers.
  Were you there when they crucified my Lord. The well
known Negro spiritual makes me think. Do I not crucify
Jesus afresh when I reject his love, disobey his will and refuse
forgiveness to others who have wronged me? He looks on me
as he looked on Peter, and says Father forgive her, she does
not know what she is doing. Can I forgive others like that?
  Lord have mercy upon me, pardon and deliver me from
all my sins. Give me time for amendment of life and the
grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit.
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His Prayers Matthew 27.45-50
'My God, my God, why?'
I have often puzzled about this prayer of Jesus from the
cross. It just doesn't make sense that, when he needed him
most, God his Father should turn away from him, and leave
him desolate and abandoned. The first and third prayers of
Jesus from the cross were addressed to his Father -- there
was the close relationship of a beloved Son. Now the prayer
was to God. But still it was my God. The relationship was
not broken, only the awareness had gone. God was there but
behind a cloud?
  What a comfort this cry of dereliction can be to us if we
ever go down into the depths of depression, of utter
hopelessness. Life seems a dark tunnel with no end. Then we
may know that Jesus understands. He knows because he
knew. He is with us in the tunnel, even though we cannot see
him or feel his presence.
  We are apt to want feelings of reality, but through the
dark times we must learn to trust where we cannot trace, to
hold on in faith, and we find we are held by almighty love.
God is there.
  There are many 'whys' in life -- Cancer? Homosexuality?
Broken love affairs? War? Suffering of innocent children?
Has God forgotten and left us? No, Jesus has promised that
he will never turn away anyone who comes to him (John
6.37) and that he will never leave us alone. (Hebrews 13.5)
Thank you, Lord Jesus for your living presence always
with us. Help us to trust your love, even when we cannot feel
its warmth;  or find its power. Bless those who suffer through
the ignorance, selfishness or carelessness of others. May they
find too that you are with them in and through their dark
hours.
His Prayers Luke 23.44-49
'Father in your hands'. Jesus was back in the secure
relationship of Son to Father. The darkness was over, the
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feeling of abandonment was gone. Here is confidence and
total committal. Others had said that Jesus had been
delivered into the hands of wicked men. They had done
their worst. But Jesus committed himself into the hands of
God, his Father.
  Was this the prayer his mother had taught him, and
which he had learnt to pray every night before going to
sleep? If so, now it comes naturally to his lips.
  If we learnt to pray this prayer each night we should have
no fear of death when it comes to us, as it surely will. We
shall be slipping away into the hands of a loving Father.
  There is a lot to be said for learning by heart some of the
short prayers from the Psalms, or from the Book of Common
Prayer. They will come back to us again and again, and in
time of joy or stress they will easily express what we want to
say. It is good to keep one's store cupboard full of short
prayers.
  Here are some that I use as they come to my memory day
by day, often as I drive in my car, or walk to the shops or in
the country.
  We praise you, 0 God, we acknowledge you to be the
Lord, All the earth worships you, Father almighty. Te
Deum.
  0 Lord you understand my downsitting and my uprising,
You understand my thoughts afar off. Psalms.
  The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom should I
fear. Psalms.
  Praise the Lord, 0 my soul, and all that is within me
praise his holy name. Psalms.
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VI Jesus and the Parables
  of the Kingdom
The Sower Matthew 13.1-9
(Mark 4.1-9; Luke 8.4-8)
Jesus 'used parables to tell them many things'. A good story
always helps. The best teachers use apt illustrations. Jesus
was the perfect teacher. He chose well-known figures and
incidents, perhaps actually seen at the time of telling. Here
we can picture the sower, a common sight in Galilee. Jesus
does not mean us to apply every detail. He wants us to listen
and think out the main point of the parable, and let it sink
down into our hearts and minds, and apply it to our lives. It
is easy enough to listen with our outward ears, but not hear
with inward hearing. I can hear a doorbell, the phone or a
conversation and not let it make any impression on my
mind. A favourite saying of Jesus was 'listen then, if you have
ears,' and again 'Listen then and learn.'
  This parable can be called the parable of the seed and the
soils. The seed is the same but the soils differ. Is Jesus
showing up the hardness of heart and the fruitlessness of the
religious Pharisees who rejected him, and encouraging the
disciples to look for a good harvest where the soil is prepared
and ready for the living word of the Gospel? I notice that the
fruitful soil makes up for all the waste of the other soils -- so
the coming of the kingdom of God will make up for all the
apparent failures and the wastages.
  Bearing fruit is a constant theme running through the
gospels. (See John 15) Preparing the soil for fruit-bearing is
learning to listen, ready to receive the truth of God's word.
  We asked a Scottish lady one morning if she knew what
the weather forecast was. She answered, 'I heard it twice,
but I did na listen!'
  Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.
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The Purpose of the Parables Matthew 13.10-17
We love to be let in on a secret -- to be one of an inner
group who know what it is all about. Jesus has been talking
openly to the crowds up till now. They included the
Pharisees and elders who opposed him and the critics and
unbelievers who refused his message. Now Jesus wants to
instruct his own followers, his disciples, in the secrets of the
kingdom of heaven; so he adopts the use of parables. The
secrets of the kingdom can only be understood by those
prepared to listen, to hear with their minds, to think and
understand. Jesus will never force anyone into his kingdom.
They must respond of their own free will. But once they
belong he will share his secrets with them. How fortunate
they are and how fortunate we are if we can grasp the good
news that God reigns; that God is at work in his world. His
kingdom is in our midst.
  Sometimes the words of Jesus seem harsh. They are really
foretelling what happens as a result of men's actions, and
not God's way of dealing with them. If they will not listen
and respond, they will lose what they have. Those who are
not satisfied with what they have, and are hungry for more,
will receive more.
  As I pray each day, 'Your kingdom come on earth as it is
in heaven', I must be willing to give myself to work for its
coming. I must watch and pray to see the signs of God's
reign already among us, and one day to be made complete. I
must be quiet and humble enough to listen for the secrets
which the Holy Spirit wants to share with me.
  0 God, our redeemer and king, we thankfully acknow-
ledge that to you we owe all we are and all we have. We now
offer ourselves to you that, while time is ours, while health is
ours, while reason is ours, while opportunity is ours, we may
share the secrets of your kingdom, and seek to extend it, that
your name may be glorified.
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The Sower Matthew 13.18-23
(Mark 4.10-20; Luke 8.11-15)
Mark tells us that when Jesus was alone some of those who
had heard him came to him with the disciples to ask him for
an explanation of the parable. So away from the crowd he
tells them first that the seed is the word of God, a message
from God.
  In the Old Testament God is often likened to a sower
(Jeremiah 31.27, Hosea 2.23, Isaiah 55.10,11.) The Bible
Society uses the illustration of the sower for anyone who
spreads the Bible as the word of God.
  Jesus used the common everyday experience of any sower
who scattered his seed by hand. He may have been watching
one as he told this parable. There were the hazards of rocky
ground, weeds as well as the well-trodden pathway, but the
sower knew that in spite of these hazards the harvest from
the bulk of the seed would be abundantly rewarding, and
would far outweigh any loss. He was therefore not dis-
couraged or deterred from sowing, but hoped for a harvest.
So God sows his seed in the spiritual realm, and though in
places there seems to be no response, he persists, knowing
that in the end his Kingdom will come.
  So we who are Christians must not be discouraged or
deterred when we see few results from our efforts for the
Kingdom. We must persevere. One sometimes hears of
clergy and their wives very discouraged with the work in
their parish or community. So few respond, the ground is
hard, the weeds choke, the good seed is trodden under foot.
Let us encourage them to carry on, for there will be a
harvest. God is at work, he reigns, and one day he will be
acknowledged as king.
  Lord, you know the way is hard, the labourers are few,
there are many discouragements. Let me be faithful even if
not successful in my small plot of ground, knowing that one
day the harvest of your Kingdom will come.
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The Weeds Matthew 13.24-30; 36-43
The Kingdom of God was the constant theme of Jesus. In
fact most, if not all his parables were related to it. What is it
like, how do we enter it, and what kind of life is expected of
its members?
  Here, there is the contrast between the good seed and the
bad seed sown in the same field. Jesus hinted at the source of
evil -- 'It was some enemy who did this'. The servants were
ready and anxious to do the weeding, but it was not to be
yet. The weeds were not of the Kingdom, but for some
purpose which God knew, they must be allowed to grow in
the Kingdom till the time of harvest. Then they will be
gathered and burnt. I read a book recently about weeds and
their uses. I had not realized before how much weeds can
help other plants by putting into the soil necessary elements,
nor how many of them can be used medicinally.
  Jesus meant again to encourage his followers, those who
acknowledged God's reign. We must not be in a hurry.
God's time is not ours. We must not judge and condemn,
but wait God's time of judgement. If we start judging we
may pull up some of the wheat along with the weeds. We
may harm other Christians by our harsh judgements. The
presence of weeds may be for our good.
  God is very patient and merciful. He waits till the harvest
is ready, and then comes the judgement, the separation.
Weeds may be difficult circumstances or trials, or other
people who deliberately refuse to accept God's reign. We
cannot judge, but we do know that the promise is that
members of his Kingdom will shine like the sun. What a
hope and a vision to set before the struggling Christian
church.
  Lord, we are often slow to understand why the weeds are
allowed to grow alongside the wheat in your Kingdom, till
sometimes we feel choked by them. Help us to be patient
and wait your time of judgement, and in the meantime
accept them for the good they can do us, for yours is the
kingdom, the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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The Mustard Seed Matthew 13.31-32
(Mark 4.30-32; Luke 13.18-19)
A common enough sight, but almost impossible to capture
on canvas, is the golden glory of a field of mustard. What a
miracle, and so is the growth of God's kingdom. We see in
this parable the contrast between the beginning of it and the
completion of it. The mustard seed is the smallest of seeds
(see Matthew 17.20) and yet it grows into 'the biggest of all
plants'; perhaps a little excusable exaggeration to emphasize
the miracle growth of God's kingdom from a very small
beginning, or was it a different species from ours?
  John the Baptist, a strange, uncouth desert prophet, came
to prepare the way for the coming of the kingdom. 'Turn
away from your sins', he said, 'for the kingdom of heaven is
near'. The seed was sown, it sprouted and the plant grew till
it was large enough for the birds to come and find a shelter
in its branches. This may be a picture of the time when the
Gentiles, too, are gathered into the kingdom of God.
  The seed is sown in the dark soil, unseen and quiet, a little
brown dead looking thing -- so the kingdom of God may
seem to some, but there is life in that seed and it will shoot
forth and produce growth and shelter. The kingdom is now
open to all, no longer secret and hidden, but conspicuous
and attracting many from every country and culture. Where
there is life there is hope,  and with God's blessing of sun and
rain there will be growth and usefulness.
  Father of all, we are your family and you call us to live
and work together in harmony. Help us to overcome the
barriers that divide us, that we may grow together in peace
and understanding,  and learn your ways and do your will, in
the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
The Yeast Matthew 13.33.
(Luke 13.20-21)
Jesus as a boy must have often watched his mother making
the bread for the family. It is likely that he himself helped
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her to measure out the bushel of flour, and lent a hand
kneading the dough, then watched it rise ready to be baked
in the oven. He would notice that when the bread came out
of the oven, it had risen and baked evenly all over. The yeast
had done its work and had affected every particle of the
flour. This, said Jesus, was like the quiet hidden growth of
the kingdom of heaven.
  The kingdom itself is not like leaven or yeast, for
elsewhere in scripture leaven is used as a type of evil. But the
way leaven works is like the way the kingdom works, quietly,
thoroughly, evenly. Paul takes up this thought in 1
Corinthians  5.6-8.
  A bushel is a large amount of flour, but the yeast becomes
identified with it and raises it all. So we learn that no part of
human life remains unaffected by the kingdom of God. Like
a ferment its action involves the whole of the human race
and the whole of history. It affects every human being,
including myself.
  God reigns now, and so every part of life, social, economic
and material is being affected. Am I allowing God to reign
in me and affect all the affairs of my daily life?
  As the yeast is in the bread,
  As the sap is in the vine,
  So be thou in me, dear Lord.
The Hidden Treasure and the Pearl Matthew 13.44-46
The kingdom of heaven or the reign of God may be a sudden
discovery or the result of a long search.
  In the first story the man was so happy at his discovery
that he covered the treasure up till he had enough money to
buy the field where it was. It was a costly business -- he sold
all he had; but he was so happy that the sacrifice was
worthwhile.
  In the second story the man knew what he was looking for.
He dealt in fine pearls, the good things of life, but when he
found the best pearl of all, all else could go; he had to have
the best.
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  Whether we discover God's rule in the world suddenly or
after many years of searching, we realize it means costly
sacrifice and discipline if we are to become part of it. Do we
really believe that to know God is to find the treasure beyond
all treasures, and that this knowing is worth far more than
all the other knowledge in the world. Jesus promises that
those who seek will find. The seeking may go on for a long
time, and it may mean some costly sacrifices of time and
thought and worldly ambition before we find what we are
looking for.
  The reign of God is a very practical thing. It must be
earthed in ordinary everyday life. We must, on finding it,
express it in our own lives, by the way we speak and act, and
love and care.
  Come to us when we search for you; come to us when we
long for you. 0 God, may we know you as Father and serve
you as king today and always.
The Net and the Home Owner Matthew 13.47-52
The first story emphasizes the difference between the Church
of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God. The kingdom is like
a net, which catches or influences a vast number of people.
The reign of God influences people of other faiths or of
none; people of goodwill and generosity; sincere people who
may oppose what I hold specially dear. All are caught in the
net. The Church is a fellowship of believers in Jesus,
incorporated into his body, his family. We are all in this
world together till the day of judgement. If I am a member
of Christ's church, I am still part of a world, a nation, a
people, a community, a family. I cannot opt out of my
responsibilities, I must keep looking for God at work in this
world. This is exciting. I can find him in creation, in
science, medicine, art, politics, social life, and in the hearts
and minds of those I meet. This lifts me from a narrow
introverted view of life. I look for him in other parts of the
world. I can learn to appreciate the achievements and
aspirations of those in countries other than my own.
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  As I find out more about God and his reign, so I must
learn to express his truth in my own life. Like the teacher of
the law in the second story, I must have a 'storage room' of
inner resources, that from my memory and my faith I can
draw things old and new. The 'old things' are for the disciple
what God has done in Jesus Christ. These are the facts and
the acts on which my faith depends. The 'new things' are
what the Holy Spirit can do through me today and
tomorrow and through my life. The old and the new things
are both needed and they give me hope and confidence. I
must think about my 'storage room'. Am I renewing those
inner resources each day, for I never know when I shall need
to draw upon them. To learn by heart passages of Scripture,
some of the Prayer Book collects etc. helps to store the mind.
These can be recalled in times of stress, temptation or joy.
  0 God, who hast prepared for them that love thee such
good things as pass man's understanding: pour into our
hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all
things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we
can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Workmen Matthew 20.1-16
This is not a lesson on unemployment: nor is Jesus telling us
how to fix fair wages. He wants to show us the generosity and
goodness of God regardless of merit. We cannot gain an
entrance into the kingdom of God by hard work -- we enter
on God's terms of grace, not merit.
  'Are you jealous simply because I am generous?' The early
employees protested, not because they wanted higher wages,
but because they begrudged the employer's generosity in
paying the late comers the same wage as they had.
  It was jealousy that ate into the soul of the older brother
in the parable of the prodigal son. He begrudged the
welcome given to his young brother.
  Jealousy is a deadly sin. It can creep into relationships
almost unnoticed, till a crisis arises, and then it bursts out in
bitterness, resentment and even hatred. It may so eat into
7  87
a person that he or she becomes really ill. A great deal of
mental as well as physical illness is caused by jealousy. I find
that getting to know a person and the reasons for their
behaviour, and seeking to do something positive for them
can drive out jealousy.
  I thank you, generous and merciful God, that you are
willing to save early or late, and employ in your service those
who are young in years as well as those who join up later.
Your reward, after long hours of labour in the heat of the
day, will be strength and grace for more service, and then
the joy at the end of the day of your 'Well done, good and
faithful servant'.
The Ten Bridesmaids Matthew 25.1-13
Jesus was the supreme master teacher. He told his stories as
part of conversations. They are not allegories, where one
finds a meaning for each incident; rather he sought to drive
home one or two points each time.
  Here I find his message is 'be ready' for each and every
emergency or time of testing. The foolish bridesmaids
waiting to meet the bridegroom and conduct him to the
bride's home for the wedding feast were unprepared. They
could neither borrow or buy the needed resources, and so
coming late to the feast were shut out.
  The final consummation of the kingdom is likened to a
wedding feast, a celebration of joy and thanksgiving. This
life is a preparation for that great day. Every test or crisis we
meet in our daily lives is a preparation for the final
judgement day, when God will judge the secrets of our lives
by our attitude to his son Jesus Christ, and by the characters
we have formed in this life.
  I have a friend who after a busy life as a physiotherapist, a
doctor's wife and a mother, has had to undergo one
operation after another, including losing a leg. I do not
know why some people should have so much to bear, but I
do know that Mary, having accepted life and its circum-
stances with courage and humour, has formed a character
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which is prepared and ready for the final wedding-feast in
God's kingdom. Through Christ's strength she has found
inner resources to meet every contingency.
  Lord, help me to be ready prepared when you come to me
with challenges and testings in this life, that I may rise to
meet them in your strength, so that at the last I shall be
ready for the final judgement and the celebration in your
kingdom.
The Three Servants Matthew 25.14-30
(Luke 19.11-27)
This story tells me that I must one day give an account to
God who loves me and provides for me, of the way in which I
have used the gifts with which he has entrusted me. What
use have I made of the gift of life, of health, of education, of
personality? I realize that I am entirely dependent upon God
for these gifts. I cannot draw a breath without his creative
will. While I have nothing of my own to glory in, I am
responsible for using these gifts. (2 Corinthians 6.1) 'You
have received Gods grace, and you must not let it be
wasted.'
  We are not all given the same number of gifts, nor
identical ones. My husband has a gift for teaching, a
daughter has a gift for playing the flute, my gift is perhaps
one for doing little things to make our home a welcoming
place.
  lf we do not use the gifts given to us, we may lose them.
The person who refuses to use a limb after surgery is likely to
lose the use of it altogether. The third servant in the story
hid his talent, his sum of money, for fear of his master. We
must use our gifts for love of our Master. 'Perfect love drives
out all fear'.  (1 John 4.18)
  The first two servants used their gifts responsibly and were
then given more gifts to use, and were invited to share the
happiness of their master. So we too will find that the
reward for service well done is more service, with the
knowledge that we are sharing in our Master's happiness.
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  Lord you have shown me that the happiness is to be
found, not in pursuit of pleasure, but in self-giving, not in
piling up possessions, but in service. Help me to serve you, as
I shall wish I had served you when I see you face to face.
The Lost Sheep Luke 15.1-7
(Matthew  18.12-14)
It is important to note that Jesus told this parable to the
religious Pharisees and teachers of the law, who were
grumbling about the presence of the tax collectors and other
outcasts who were listening to his teaching. As religious and
moral leaders they felt that they were all right in God's sight.
They were among the respectable ninety and nine safely in
the pasture. They would never think of going astray. They
had no need to repent, for they had done nothing wrong.
  It was the one lost sheep who had wandered off on his own
that concerned the shepherd. When he was found he had
the experience of being carried back to the field, close to the
shepherd, on his shoulder. If you have never wandered
away, perhaps you never have known the experience of
being found and carried back home in the Saviour's arms.
  It was the lost sheep, now found, who brought joy to the
shepherd's heart, and more joy in heaven than the good
respectable ninety and nine who never strayed. God loves us
all, good and bad alike, but when he has sent his Son to
suffer and die in order to find the lost, and they repent, this
brings joy and thanksgiving.
  I cannot find my own way back to God. I need to be
found; but I can and must repent of my waywardness, and
that means being willing to be found.
  'What God has won costly, he will not give away cheaply
or easily.'
  Faithful shepherd,  feed me
  In the pastures green;
  Faithful shepherd, lead me
  Where thy steps are seen.
  Hold me fast, and guide me
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In the narrow way;
So, with thee beside me,
I shall never stray.
The Lost Coin Luke 15.8-10
The silver coins which the married Palestinian woman
would wear round her forehead were very precious to her.
They were the equivalent to our engagement and wedding
ring. It spoilt the set if even one was lost.
  This coin, unlike the sheep who wandered off, and the
young prodigal son who deliberately took himself off, just
got lost through no fault of its own. It just disappeared
perhaps behind a piece of furniture or down a crack in the
floor. The woman was diligent in her search. She wouldn't
stop until she found her coin. So the heavenly Father seeks
for those who through no fault of their own are lost. I think
of many young people and older ones too, who never seem to
have had a chance to find the better life. A bad home, a
broken home, no character training or discipline, and no
teaching about the God who loves them, what hope have
they? They drop off the chain and roll away and are lost.
God wants them, he misses them; so he seeks for them, and
according to the story Jesus tells, goes on seeking till he finds
them.
  Then comes the rejoicing. It is an amazing thought that
God rejoices over even one of his children who is found. Let
friends and neighbours rejoice too!
  I always hope that the young enthusiastic convert will be
welcomed into his church or Christian community. He has
much to learn, but he belongs to the circle of God's love. He
may make mistakes. We all do, but he needs the warmth
and support of the Christian family if he is to grow into a
mature Christian. A church I know had sponsors, as well as
godparents, for its young communicant members. They
were with them at their confirmation, for some had no
parents with them. They also called for them on Sunday
mornings and sat with them during the service, if they were
alone. I think we should do more of this in our churches.
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  For those who are lost, through no fault of their own; for
those who feel the quiet desperation of not being needed or
welcomed; for those who in loneliness die a little every day
from neglect, we pray. Bring them home, Lord, and help us
to serve them in love.
The Two Lost Boys Luke 15.11-32
This story is usually referred to as the parable of the
'prodigal son' -- but really both boys were lost, for the older
self-righteous brother did not know the father's heart of
love. He was judgemental of his brother and could not
rejoice at his return, or even call him 'brother'. He was lost
in his own jealousy and anger.
  The father treated both boys as sons. His love and care
were lavished on both alike. He did not force obedience, he
allowed the younger son to have his share of the property
and leave home. The young son had to taste life for himself,
and learn by his mistakes and come to his own senses before
he could truly repent and turn homewards. His father was
on the look out for him, ran to meet him and welcome him
with open arms. The son could not even get out all the
confession he had prepared so carefully. Repentance was
swallowed up in love and forgiveness.
  I have two thoughts here. First that each one must be free
to choose his path in life. I know parents who have held on
to their growing up children with disastrous results. It is
hard to set them free to choose their career, to leave home if
they wish; to make mistakes perhaps; even to fall away from
faith. If they go, we must pray for them constantly and
watch for their return, and when they do, give thcm a loving
welcome.
  Then I am so thankful that when I wander away from
God,  and forget my prayers, perhaps when I find myself too
tired or too busy to pray, he is always looking out for me and
coming to meet me with a loving welcome, full forgiveness
and restoration to his presence.
Help us, Lord, to live so close to you that others may find
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in us something of the reality of your love and compassion.
When we wander away, forgive us; and thank you for setting
us free to know the joy of coming home of our own free will.
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  VII Jesus and the Holy Spirit
In Baptism Matthew 3.13-17
(Mark 1.9-11; Luke 3.21-22)
Why did Jesus the perfect Son of God come to John's
baptism? John did not understand and tried to make Jesus
change his mind. John was baptizing with water to signify
the cleansing from sin after repentance. One was to follow
him who would baptize with fire -- a symbol of the Holy
Spirit who will burn away all that is evil, and melt hardened
hearts. The sign of the dove and the words he heard must
have convinced John and his followers that here was the
beloved Son of God.
  Jesus in undergoing baptism shows us first his unique
relationship with his Father. 'My own dear son'. Then again
Jesus realized he had a unique part to play in the redemption
of mankind. He was accepting his destiny. From now on it
would be 'Not my will but yours'. He now decided to identify
himself with us. He took upon himself our entire humanity,
dedicating himself to his life of ministry, and to his death of
redemption. By the coming of the Holy Spirit upon him in
power and love, he was now ready to face whatever demands
life might bring to him.
  The waters of the Jordan flow over the lowest part of the
country in Palestine. Jesus went down as low as he could to
be baptized. No one can go lower than he.
  Father, dear Father, I do not understand what it meant
for your Son to be baptized at the lowest place on earth; but
I thank you that he was willing to become one with us in our
humiliation, that we may become one with him in his glory.
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In His Temptation Matthew 4.1-11
(Mark 1.12-13; Luke 4.1-13)
Just as metal is tested by fire, so God allowed the Holy Spirit
given in baptism to lead Jesus to his testing by the devil. So
for us a temptation in desert-like circumstances can never be
sinful. Giving way to it may be. Jesus learnt to be obedient
by means of his sufferings. (Hebrews 5.8) So may we learn
through our testings and trials.
  The first temptation was through physical needs. The
devil suggested that food was a necessity -- 'God is your
Father, surely you can work a miracle to satisfy your
material need.' Jesus' reply shows us for all time how we
must balance our needs. It is not bread only, but the food of
God's word. Material things are important. We must be
concerned with bread for the hungry, but there is deep
spiritual hunger which waits for God's word.
  The devil then tempted Jesus to force God to make a show
of his power and protect him from self-inflicted harm. 'Since
you are God's Son, put him to the test'. Jesus refused. He
would work by love to reveal God, not by force.
  The third temptation was to make a bargain with the
world, compromise, as an easy way out. 'All the kingdoms.  . .
if you kneel down and worship me.' In his baptism Jesus
accepted his true vocation. It was the way of rejection and
the cross. He would not compromise now and gain success at
the cost of obedience to his Father. Luke tells us that the
devil left Jesus for a time. He never leaves Christians for
long. We shall be tested right to the gate of heaven!
  Many a martyr has stood firm under testing. We must
never judge those who fail and give way under torture or
those who compromise in difficult situations.
  Lord, keep me faithful in obedience to your word. May I
use neither force nor compromise in time of testing.
Strengthen me and all those being tried for their faith. Be
very near to those who are in prison for their witness to the
truth. Bless them and their families; comfort them in hours
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of loneliness, or when tempted to despair. May they be
reunited, and may their testing bring glory to you and
salvation to those around them.
The Sin Against the Holy Spirit Mark 3.20-30
(Matthew 12.22-32; Luke 11.14-23, 12.10)
This is a very difficult passage to understand; but, because
some people are afraid of the result of sinning against the
Holy Spirit, we must think about what our Lord is really
saying.
  William Barclay in his Study Bible helps us. He says
`There is only one condition of forgiveness and that is
penitence. But if a man by repeated refusals of God's
guidance, has lost the ability to recognize goodness when he
sees it, if he has got his moral values inverted until evil to
him is good and good to him is evil, then, even when he is
confronted by Jesus, he is conscious of no sin; he cannot
repent and therefore he can never be forgiven. That is the
sin against the Holy Ghost.'
  We can shut ourselves out from the love of God, who is
pure holiness, by deliberately choosing evil, till we become
so hardened that we cannot repent. Then there is no hope
left.
  People who fear that they have committed the unpardon-
able sin,by the very fact that they are worried about it,
surely have not become so hardened. However low we sink,
however far away we have strayed, we can call to God for his
mercy and be forgiven. Only in deliberate conscious
continuing refusal of his love and forgiveness do we con-
demn ourselves.
  `From all hardness of heart and unbelief, good Lord
deliver us.'
  Lord, take my mind and think through me. Lord, take
my lips and speak through me. Lord, take my heart and love
through me, for Jesus' sake.
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The Holy Spirit of Joy Luke 10.21-24
'Filled with joy by the Holy Spirit'. The seventy missioners
returned from their mission with great joy.  Our Lord shared
his joy with them, not because of what they had achieved,
but because of the right relationship they had with his
Father in heaven. Jesus then turned to thanksgiving. How
often the two go together -- joy and thanksgiving. He was
thankful that his disciples, though simple 'unlearned' men,
had been shown things on their mission that wise and
learned men would find hard to believe. He rejoiced with his
disciples who had been infected with his joy, and who
realized the privilege that was theirs to see and hear the
secrets of the coming of Christ's kingdom.
  Happiness does not depend on wealth or wisdom. It does
not depend on good health or a successful career, or on one's
place in society. It is knowing the secret that true joy is the
gift of the Holy Spirit. Knowing that God reigns on earth as
in heaven, and that he has made himself known to us in his
son Jesus Christ.
  `Filled with joy by the Holy Spirit'. If only this could be
the description of many more Christians, and the charac-
teristic mark of many more congregations, the churches
would then be like magnets drawing in the watching crowds
outside. `Why don't you go to church?' I asked a young wife.
`It's so deadly boring and dull' she replied. It wasn't boring
and dull in the early Church (Acts 2.46,47; 5.41,42). Let us
lift up our hearts to the Lord. Let us count our blessings and
start giving thanks to God; joy will come. It is a gift to be
received, and it is mighty infectious. Some congregations are
learning to express their joy in new ways with dancing and
singing. Don't let us criticize them. Let us try and infuse
some new joyful expression of thanksgiving into our own
worship.
We praise you, 0 God,  with hearts and hands and voices,
We praise you, Lord Jesus, with music and singing and
  dancing,
We praise you, Holy Spirit, with joyful alleluias.
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The Gift of the Holy Spirit Luke II.5-13
(Matthew 7.7-11)
This passage follows Jesus' teaching on prayer. He wants to
emphasize the need to ask, and to persevere in asking. Some
would say that we do not need to ask, for God knows our
needs and can supply what is good for us. Others would say
that asking is the primary lesson and we should grow beyond
it into contemplation and adoration. Jesus tells us to ask and
to go on asking. We are always children coming to a father,
and it is natural to ask and to tell him our needs and desires.
So that we may keep close to him and obey him, he will show
us where we are wrong or where we must wait for an answer.
He will never give us the wrong thing.
  Our Lord's illustration of the earthly father (imperfect as
he is), delighting to give his children good things to enjoy,
leads on to the 'how much more then, the Father in heaven
will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.'
  I realize that it is no good my struggling to achieve a
standard of righteousness; no offering of my good works, no
polishing up my habits will bring the Holy Spirit into my
life. He comes for the asking, and after I have received him I
must spend the rest of my life in thankul service. Faith and
works cannot be separated, but faith comes first, then
works. James tell us all about this in his Letter.
  Father, you want me to ask and to receive. Help me to
open my whole being to the incoming of your holy, life-
giving Spirit.
 Breathe on me breath of God,
  Fill me with life anew,
  That I may love what thou dost love,
  And do what thou wouldst do.
The Helper and Teacher John 14.15-26
We are in the depth of mystery here. Jesus promised his
disciples that, though he was leaving them, he would come
back, for his Spirit would come and be to them what he,
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Jesus, had been to them. He would be a helper and a teacher
and would stay with them for ever. The word helper is wide
open to include every kind of assistance. The Holy Spirit is
one 'called alongside', to strengthen, to stimulate, to guide.
He is our teacher -- how much we have to learn. He comes
to remind us of the things Jesus did and taught. He comes at
many different times in life and on special occasions for
special ministries to bestow life and power when it is sought
in faith. He confirms and strengthens us when we face new
tasks and new opportunities.
  There is a very intimate relationship between the three
persons of the Trinity shown here in this passage. Father,
Son and Holy Spirit all play their part in a wonderful and
mysterious relationship with me. I am overwhelmed by the
promise of Jesus in verse 23. If one obeys his message, he says
`My Father will love him, and my Father and I will come to
him and live with him.' What a miracle that I may have the
love and the very presence of God, Father, Son and Holy
Spirit with me for ever. To obey his message, I must listen
for it each day. I must seek to live close to him. I must always
seek to be open and receptive to new truth and ready for new
adventures of faith. When the going is hard I can look up
into the face of God, and say 'Thank you, Lord, you are
living in me now.' This brings peace and reassurance when I
need it.
  Holy Spirit, giver of life, come and renew us in power and
hope. Open our minds that we may be ready to receive new
truth and face new demands in the world and in the Church
and set our hearts on fire with a new love for Jesus Christ our
Lord.
The Work of the Holy Spirit John 16.1-11
It must have been hard for the disciples of Jesus to realize
that he was going to leave them. They had watched him,
talked with him, eaten with him, touched him, and now he
said that it was better that he should go away, so that he
could send 'the Helper' to them.
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  Jesus in his physical being was limited to one small
country, and to one place at one time. His Spirit would be
available everywhere and anywhere at all times. He would
wipe out all limitations of time and space. So he makes Jesus
our contemporary. He brings the risen living Christ into our
present experience, and makes him known, his teaching and
his character.
  The Holy Spirit shows us the true meaning of sin. Many
people are still wrong in thinking of sins, not sin, and listing
`do's' and 'don'ts'. The Holy Spirit teaches us that sin is in a
wrong attitude to God, and a rejection of his love. He shows
us what is right about Jesus -- that his death on the cross
and his resurrection spell victory, not defeat for those who
trust in him. He shows us the true meaning of judgement.
The devil has been conquered, so that we can also be
victorious by the power of the risen Christ.
  Jesus had to say to Mary after his resurrection `Do not hold
on to me'. And in this passage he tells us plainly that 'it is
better for you that I go away'. I must learn to live by faith
and not by sight. I must seek to know Jesus in his risen,
ascended life through the presence and power of his Holy
Spirit.
  Lord, help me not to dwell too much on the past, and to
hold you to the Galilean hills and the streets of Jerusalem.
May I come to know you more and more as a present saviour
and friend, risen and ascended, and available always and
everywhere through the power of your Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit of New Truth John 16.12-15
How thoughtful of Jesus not to overload his followers with
more than they could take at that time. He would send his
Spirit who would lead them on into all truth, and go on
leading them. The spirit would tell them of things to come.
He would tell them the things Jesus wanted to tell them, but
only when they were ready to receive them.
  No one, be he a theologian or wise teacher has all the
truth tied up in a packet, ready to hand out; though,
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judging by my husband's post, many claim just that! No
church or tradition can rightly have a monopoly of all truth.
No mind is infallible; and interpretations may vary from age
to age. The Holy Spirit of Jesus who alone is the truth, can
lead us day by day and the Church century by century into
new truth as we can take it.
  I find this exciting. Today we are learning some new
practical truths. We live in a multi-racial society. We must
learn to listen to what their members are saying, and hold
them in respect; but the Holy Spirit is showing us that we
must study our own faith in greater depth, so that we may
know what we believe and why. Seekers everywhere are
being led astray. They are looking for something that will
satisfy their soul longings. Can we share with them the truth
we are finding in Jesus Christ?
  The Holy Spirit has surprises for us, as he opens up new
truths. We need not fear as we follow him into new ways,
new experiences and new joys.
  Lord, you taught us the wisdom of putting new wine into
new bottles. Help us to rejoice and be thankful for the new
truths you are teaching us today by your Holy Spirit. Help us
to accept new ways of worship, new thoughts of God, and
new expressions of our faith, that your kingdom may grow
and glory be brought to your Name.
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